The second Rockin' Thunder shook the north side on July 11th and 12th at the former Northlands Racetrack.

"I hope there won't be actual thunder," commented one of my friends when I mentioned where I was spending that weekend. Oh, how I wish those words were only a joke and not prophetic. However, the wild weather patterns that have been affecting the city struck once again. Before things could even get started on the Saturday, attendees had to evacuated into the Expo Centre for protection from the sudden flash storm. 

Calling All Captains, a local punk band, was supposed to be the first act on the main stage. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans, although the band did appear twice later in the day at the YEG ROCKS stage.  

Fortunately, the weather lifted for Bif Naked, one of the highlights for me that weekend. She was in fine form dancing around the stage while belting out classics like "Lucky Ones," "I Love Myself Today," and "Spaceman." 

Day one of the festival included Grandson, The Glorious Sons, and Three Days Grace.

Fortunately, the weather held out on Sunday (for the most part). Calgary band Chilio for the afternoon going with youthful energy. 

One of the many reasons many people attended Rockin' Thunder was to experience Paul Langlois, who was introduced as Canadian rock royalty. The Tragically Hip guitaristone of the guitar players in The Tragically Hip. He was introduced as Canadian rock royalty, and that is not an exaggeration. He performed mostly originals with his new band, but also a few Hip classics like "Grace, Too," "Bobcaygeon," and "What Kings."

The rest of the lineup included Buckcherry, Mammoth (featuring Wolfgang Van Halen - yes, the son of the late, great Eddie Van Halen), and Creed. 

Rockin' Thunder was emceed once again by Rick Campanelli, forever in my brain as "Rick the Temp" from his MuchMusic VJ days. 

I look forward to how the next Rockin' Thunder will shake up the north side in 2027.

Paula E. Kirman is the Editor of Boyle McCauley News.