Who will play 2013's Rock on the Range festival? That is the big question in central Ohio right now. It seems that Soundgarden and Alice in Chains have all but been confirmed by various leaks. Whether these were truly leaks or intentional teasers remains to be seen. With the full line-up announcement expected next week, I'm going to take a stab at ten bands that shouldn't be a surprise if they are there.
Why? It's Black Sabbath, and they've done a handful of shows here and there since the announcement of Tony Iommi's illness.
Why not? The asking price for someone as big as Sabbath might be too much. But, considering the festival has been expanded to three full days, one would hope that the headliners would be bigger than in years past.
2. Volbeat
Why? The crowd response they got last year was enormously positive on their first appearance in Ohio's capitol city.
Why not? They were there last year. Maybe too much, too soon?
3. Limp Bizkit
Why? They are playing a handful of festivals around the world this year.
Why not? No headliner has come back to perform at the festival after headlining previously.
4. Cheap Trick
Why? They are playing a show in Philly with Alice in Chains and Soundgarden; the night before the latter two are set to play Rock on the Range.
Why not? As great of a band as they are; would they fit in at ROTR? Dumb, young ones might not be able to appreciate the excellence before them.
5. Iron Maiden
Why? Because I won't give up until they do, and their Maiden England North American Tour saw them completely skip the state of Ohio for the first time since 2006. They haven't played Columbus since 2005.
Why not? They might cost too much as well for the festival that has never had a headliner as big as Maiden or Sabbath would be.
6. Rammstein
Why? They have open dates between their European tour between April 30th and May 24th. Rock on the Range would be a nice place to nestle in a U.S. festival appearance.
Why not? They don't make a habit of spending much time in the United States.
7. Alice Cooper
Why? He is a metal legend. He would come fairly cheap. There has been a fringe push on the ROTR social media sites for a few years to get him to play it.
Why not? Again, would the young crowd embrace the legendary Cooper? I would sure hope so.
8. Machine Head
Why? They are a popular metal band. They are one of the few big name modern metal acts to not play the festival yet.
Why not? I see no reason why Machine Head couldn't be there.
Why? 99.7 The Blitz is absolutely in love with this band.
Why not? Again, I see no reason why they couldn't be there.
10. The Offspring
Why? Not many punk bands have played the festival and they are supporting a new album along with two decades worth of hits.
Why not? Not many punk bands have played the festival. Period.
What do you guys think? These are all bands that I think could be possible additions to this year's version of the festival. Sound off below if you agree with me or if you think I'm crazy, that's ok too.
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