Action Bronson Delivers, Ed Sheeran Joins The Offspring, Queens of the Stone Age Close Out Bottlerock Napa Day 3
Reflecting on my whirlwind weekend at BottleRock Napa Valley where each day brought new musical discoveries and unforgettable performances, I found myself bracing for the final day weary, but with eager anticipation. From the infectious indie electro-pop of Jane Leo to the exhilarating punk rock energy of The Offspring, each act brought its own unique flavor to the festival. The atmosphere was electric as fans gathered under the Napa Valley sun, eager to soak in the sounds and vibes that defined the essence of the festival.
Jane Leo – The Truly Stage
Bracing myself for a whirlwind final day at BottleRock Napa Valley, I arrived bright and early and just in time to catch Jane Leo. Hailing from Austin, TX, this dynamic duo serves up a tantalizing blend of indie electro-pop and French pop that’s as refreshing as it is infectious. Think of them as the love child of Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin, raised on a diet of Goldfrapp and Ladytron, with a generous sprinkle of nuanced 80’s new wave and mid-century flair for good measure.
From the moment they hit the stage, there’s an undeniable sense of swagger that crackled from the duo. It’s like being transported to a smoky Parisian nightclub in the ’60s, where every beat and melody oozes with sophistication and style. But don’t let their retro influences fool you—Jane Leo brings a modern edge to the table that’s impossible to ignore.
You can’t help but get swept up in their infectious rhythms and catchy melodies in the warm afternoon sun. It’s a sensory overload, with layers of synths and vocals intertwining with beefy guitar riffs to create a sonic tapestry that’s as rich as it is dynamic. Curious festival goes wandered in from a far, many parking themselves in the shady areas for a comfortable view out of the bright sunlight.
Moreover, what’s most striking about Jane Leo is their poised and professional demeanor on stage. With a presentation that’s as clean and polished as it is powerful, they exude an aura of readiness for the big leagues. Once they hash their brand out and get some more tour dates under their belts, they will be unstoppable. It’s evident that they’re gearing up to take the tour circuit by storm in the coming years, and witnessing them in the intimate confines of a small club setting would only amplify the electric vibe they bring to every performance.
The Beaches – The Jam Cellars Stage
Nestled amidst the Sunday afternoon haze at BottleRock Napa Valley, The Beaches took the main stage by storm, marking their presence with a refreshing, all-femme, LGBTQ lineup that was as empowering as it was exhilarating. Underrated but undeniably magnificent, this indie rock-meets-femme-core pop punk quartet ignited the crowd with a fusion of raw energy and unapologetic charisma.
Fresh off a gig at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater the night before, The Beaches wasted no time commanding the stage with a performance that oozed confidence and finesse. Their setlist was a rollercoaster of emotions, kicking off with “T-Shirt” and “Me & Me,” and weaving through electrifying tracks like “Cigarette” and “Fascination.”
Filled with antics onstage, the gals were an entertaining watch—full of spry energy, they were constantly running over to one another to make silly faces or other cheeky, teasing type gestures. This band has the dynamic of life-long friendships, with a bond and camaraderie among the quartet that was both obvious and endearing alike to all who witnessed.
As the fiery sun beat down and the crowd danced and sang along, it was impossible not to feel a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. The Beaches had arrived, and they weren’t just here to play—They were here to conquer. And with tracks like “Edge of the Earth” and “My People” fueling their momentum; it was clear that they were well on their way to quickly joining the ranks of bands like Destroy Boys and The Linda Lindas in popularity.
As the final song, “Blame Brett” blasted through the speakers, the crowd erupted into a chorus of fist pumps and spirited singing. “This song is about my ex, Brett!” lead vocalist and bass player Jorden Miller proclaimed, setting the stage for an electrifying finale. By the song’s end, it felt like a collective catharsis, with the crowd’s passionate cheers and singing serving as undeniable evidence of The Beaches’ profound impact—both now and and in the future.
Stephen Sanchez – The Jam Cellars Stage
There is something undeniably electric about a Stephen Sanchez show. Born and raised in the heart of Los Angeles, Sanchez’s journey to the stage was as rich and diverse as the city that raised him. Growing up on a musical diet of soul, funk, and rock ‘n’ roll, Sanchez, whom I also interviewed that afternoon, cut his teeth performing in local clubs and bars, honing his craft and fine-tuning his distinctive sound.
Fast forward to a lazy Sunday afternoon at the BottleRock Napa festival grounds, and Sanchez was ready to unleash his unique brand of musical prowess on the main, Jam Cellars Stage. With influences ranging from Marvin Gaye to Elvis, to Prince, Sanchez brought a unique blend of soulful swagger and rock ‘n’ roll grit to the stage, captivating his audience with every note.
As he took the stage, there was a palpable energy in the air, a sense that something extraordinary was about to unfold. Sanchez’s powerhouse performance kicked off with the smooth croon of “Something About Her,” setting the tone for an unforgettable afternoon of music.
From there, Sanchez dove into his repertoire with gusto, delivering soulful renditions of fan favorites like “Evangeline” and “I Need You Most of All.” But it was the cover of Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” that truly stole the show, showcasing Sanchez’s smooth, Elvis-like dance moves and his awesome backing band, who all looked like a bunch of cool cats.
As the crowd swayed and sang along, it was clear that Sanchez had something special—a rare talent that transcends genre and captivates audiences of all ages. If ever you found yourself presented with the opportunity to partake in the enchantment of a Stephen Sanchez performance, missing out on the opportunity is just not an option. It transcended the mere realm of entertainment; it was a voyage into the profound recesses of the human spirit, led by the unmatched aptitude of one of the era’s most captivating artists.
At a mere 22 years of age, Sanchez emerges as a genuine contemporary teenage heartthrob. Primed to establish himself as an enduring luminary in the realm of performance, he has strategically positioned himself to resonate with audiences of all demographics and backgrounds.
Action Bronson – The Verizon Stage
Amidst the fervor of BottleRock Napa’s final day, the Verizons Stage became a battleground for Action Bronson‘s unique brand of musical mayhem. With his larger-than-life persona and a reputation that precedes him, Bronson took the stage with an air of confidence that could only come from years of commanding audiences both on screen and off.
Accompanied by a full live backing band, including a bongo-playing percussionist, the rapper and TV host wasted no time in launching into his setlist. From the explosive energy of “Dmtri” to the laid-back vibes of “Mt. Etna,” each track showcased Bronson’s versatility as an artist, seamlessly blending elements of hip-hop, jazz, and everything in between.
But it wasn’t just about the music—Bronson’s stage presence was unmatched. With his charismatic swagger and larger-than-life personality, he effortlessly commanded the attention of everyone in attendance. And with hits like “Actin Crazy” and “Easy Rider” igniting the crowd, it was clear that Bronson’s star power knew no bounds.
As the final notes of “Subzero” reverberated through the air, Bronson bid farewell to the crowd, leaving behind a trail of euphoria and excitement. For those fortunate enough to witness it, his performance served as a testament to his undeniable talent and magnetic charisma—a highlight of an unforgettable weekend at BottleRock Napa.
The Offspring – The Verizon Stage
In the blistering heat of Sunday afternoon, as the sun beat down on the Verizon Stage at BottleRock Napa, The Offspring took the stage, ready to ignite the crowd with their electrifyingly goofy punk rock energy. Journalists had been buzzing about a surprise guest appearance, and when superstar Ed Sheeran joined them on stage to perform “Million Miles Away,” the anticipation reached fever pitch.
It was an unexpected collaboration, yet Sheeran’s rendition of one of his all-time favorite Offspring songs left the audience speechless. As someone who hadn’t paid much attention to Sheeran’s music before, I was blown away by his performance in this context.
But the surprises didn’t stop there. The Offspring delivered hit after hit with relentless ferocity, commanding the stage with the swagger of seasoned rock icons. From classics like “Pretty Fly (for a White Guy)” to “Why Don’t You Get a Job“ their setlist was a journey through the highs and lows of their illustrious career. And let’s not forget the beach balls—dozens upon dozens of them bouncing around the crowd, adding to the impeccable vibes of the performance.
As the final chords of their smash hit “Self Esteem” faded into the air, it was clear that The Offspring had delivered a set for the ages. It was one of the few performances of the weekend that I watched from beginning to end, thoroughly entertained from start to finish. With their raw energy, infectious enthusiasm, and unexpected surprises, The Offspring proved once again why they’re one of the most beloved punk rock bands of all time.
Queens of the Stone Age – The Verizon Stage
As the sun began its descent on the final day of BottleRock Napa, anticipation buzzed throughout the air as fans gathered at the Verizon Stage, eagerly awaiting the arrival of rock royalty. Queens of the Stone Age, with their swaggering desert rock vibes and blistering guitar riffs, were about to take the stage. Led by the enigmatic Josh Homme, a true icon of modern rock, the band’s reputation preceded them—a legacy of hard-hitting anthems and uncompromising performances.
The history of Queens of the Stone Age is as storied as it is legendary. Emerging from the desert sands of Palm Desert, California in the late ’90s, they quickly rose to prominence with their groundbreaking sound—a potent cocktail of heavy riffs, sludgy bass lines, and Homme’s haunting vocals. With each album, they pushed the boundaries of rock music, blending elements of punk, metal, and psychedelia into a sonic tapestry uniquely their own.
As the final act of the entire weekend, Queens of the Stone Age did not disappoint. From the moment they stepped on stage, they commanded attention with their electrifying presence and relentless energy. Hits like “No One Knows” and “Go With the Flow” reverberated through the crowd filled with super fans, igniting a frenzy of head banging and fist-pumping.
But it wasn’t just the hits that made their set memorable—It was the raw power of their performance. Homme’s magnetic charisma held the audience in thrall, while the rest of the band—Troy Van Leeuwen, Dean Fertita, Michael Shuman, and Jon Theodore—proved themselves to be masters of their craft, weaving intricate layers of sound with precision and passion.
From the thunderous opener “Regular John” to the anthemic closer “A Song for the Dead,” Queens of the Stone Age delivered a set that spanned their illustrious career. Each song was a reminder of their musical dominance and the indelible mark they’ve left on the rock landscape.
As the final chords of their encore echoed into the night, it was clear that Queens of the Stone Age had delivered a performance for the ages. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable weekend—a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll, and a reminder of why they remain one of the most influential bands of their generation.
As the sun set on my time at BottleRock Napa Valley, I couldn’t help but reflect on the diversity and sheer talent that graced the stages over the weekend. From emerging artists like Say She She and The Beaches to established acts like T-Pain and All Time Low, each performance was a testament to the power of live music to unite and inspire. It was a weekend filled with unforgettable moments and a reminder of why festivals like BottleRock are cherished by music lovers around the world.
All photos in this article by Rose Eden
Featured photo courtesy of BottleRock Fest
