Megan Thee Stallion, Nelly, and All Time Low Steal the Show at BottleRock Napa Day 1
I had the ultimate BottleRock Napa experience this past Memorial Day weekend, where music, wine, and unforgettable moments collided. But before we delve into the heart of the festival, let me take you on a journey through the VIP experience provided to me by Cuvée, the Napa Valley Winery Guide App for iPhone.
Picture this: a luxurious day aboard the historical Napa Valley Wine Train, where we indulged in a gourmet lunch and savored the scenic views of the valley. As if that wasn’t enough, we then ventured to Vermeil Wines for a complimentary tasting in downtown Napa where we sampled six different full-bodied selections, including the exquisite Rosedale Block Cabernet.
It was an extraordinary way to kick off the festivities, and it left us refreshed and energized for the busy weekend ahead. So, as you embark on your own BottleRock adventure, remember to utilize Cuvée to curate your perfect Napa Valley experience. The Napa Valley is one of the most beautiful locations in the world, and I can’t believe I never took advantage of all the area has to offer during my past visits to the festival. Thanks to Cuvée, I was able to extend my experience into a long, luxurious weekend, and the curated experience helped to eliminate any additional stress in the planning process.
Bright and early on Friday, I arrived in downtown Napa, grabbed my credentials, and made it just in time to catch the sensational Jessie Murph.
Jessie Murph – The Jam Cellars Stage
I kicked off my BottleRock Napa Valley experience with Jessie Murph’s performance on the Jam Cellars Stage. It was mid-afternoon; the sky was a brilliant blue canvas, and after a stroll from the parking lot, I found myself eagerly anticipating her set. Jessie Murph, a rising star in her own right, was about to take the stage, setting the tone for what promised to be an exciting festival adventure.
Jessie’s journey to this stage has been marked by significant growth and transformation since the last time I saw her at Outside Lands Festival. Her evolution as an artist is remarkable—Her stage presence has matured, exuding a newfound confidence that resonates with the audience. And her voice? It has soared to new heights of perfection, captivating the audience with every note.
Under the blazing sun and amidst a buzz of excitement, Jessie launched into her set with a blend of fan favorites and unreleased tracks that tease what’s to come. From the infectious groove of “While You’re at It” to the soul-stirring “Gotta Hold,” each song reflects Jessie’s artistic evolution and musical prowess.
But Jessie knows how to keep the crowd on their toes. A surprise cover of Rihanna‘s “S&M” transformed the atmosphere into a dance party, showcasing Jessie’s ability to reinterpret a hit with her own unique flair and sass. The crowd’s response was electric, proving her ability to connect deeply through her music.
Throughout the set, unreleased gems like “Best Behavior” and “Dirty” demonstrate Jessie’s versatility as a songwriter, while tracks such as “Upgrade” and “Son of a Bitch” delivered the raw energy and unapologetic attitude, leaving a lasting impression.
As the final chords faded and the crowd clamored for an encore, it’s was undeniable that Jessie Murph is a force in the making. With her newfound confidence, undeniable talent, and unwavering passion for her craft, she’s poised to leave an indelible mark on the music scene. Keep an eye on her journey—It’s bound to be a ride straight to the top.
All Time Low – The Verizon Stage
At the Verizon Stage, All Time Low delivered a performance that embodied their journey from teenage emo punk rockers to seasoned veterans of the pop-punk scene. From the outset, as the first chords resonated through the air, there was an electric anticipation among the crowd. Lead vocalist Alex Gaskarth commanded the stage with his trademark blend of charisma and raw emotion, each lyric delivered with a sincerity that spoke volumes about the band’s evolution.
With guitarist Jack Barakat igniting the audience with his infectious energy, and the rhythmic backbone provided by bassist Zack Merrick and drummer Rian Dawson, the band’s chemistry was undeniable. During a standout moment, Zack Merrick leaped into the audience, bringing the music directly to the heart of the crowd, and playing his bass amidst a sea of fans who cheered and sang along.
Together, they navigated through a setlist that spanned their career highlights, from anthems of youthful rebellion like “Weightless” and “Lost in Stereo,” to more introspective tracks such as “Something’s Gotta Give” and “Perfect Day.”
Beyond their musical prowess, what set this All Time Low performance apart was the genuine connection forged with their audience. Each song was not just a performance, but a shared experience of nostalgia and camaraderie. The cheers and sing-alongs reverberated through the venue, creating a sense of unity among fans who found solace and joy in the band’s music.
For All Time Low, this show was a testament to their enduring appeal and the impact they’ve had on multiple generations of fans. As the sun set over BottleRock Napa Valley that day, the memories of their performance lingered, a reminder of the power of nostalgic music to bring folks from all walks of life together.
Miike Snow – The Verizon Stage
Under the scorching Napa Valley sun, Miike Snow made a stylish entrance onto the Verizon Stage at BottleRock, dressed in a striking blend of government agent meets mad scientist attire—matching outfits of dress slacks, white button-down shirts, suspenders, and ties. But beyond their unconventional fashion, Miike Snow was poised to deliver a festival experience unlike any other.
Their stage setup resembled a scene from a futuristic film, complete with monitors adorned in dials and switches straight out of a nuclear power plant control room. As they launched into their set, it was clear Miike Snow was no ordinary band—They were sonic architects, crafting a mesmerizing tapestry of sound with an array of rotating instruments and three keyboards that seemed to possess a life of their own.
Their music is a captivating fusion of The Flaming Lips‘ whimsical psychedelia and Jamiroquai‘s infectious acid electro funk—a potent blend that drew in the crowd with hits like “Animal,” “Genghis Khan,” and “Silvia,” igniting a fervor that kept everyone engaged, despite the sun’s unrelenting heat.
For nearly an hour, they held court under the blazing afternoon sun, their infectious beats and ethereal melodies creating an atmosphere that captivated the audience. For me, like many others experiencing Miike Snow for the first time, it was an unforgettable introduction after many years of being a fan. Their set at BottleRock was a standout moment of the festival, leaving us eager for more despite most being quite sunburnt by the end of the set.
Miike Snow live at BottleRock Napa was a transformative experience, blending futuristic stagecraft with a captivating musical ingenuity. Their performance left an indelible mark, showcasing their unique blend of style, innovation, and sheer musical prowess. If you ever have the opportunity to catch Miike Snow in action, it’s an experience that promises to leave you exhilarated and longing for more.
Nelly – The Verizon Stage
The electric atmosphere of Nelly’s show at Bottlerock Napa Valley was palpable when the sun peaked overhead, and anticipation crackled through the crowd. Nelly, a seasoned hip-hop legend with a career spanning decades, took the stage with the swagger of someone who knows they’re about to deliver an unforgettable performance.
This wasn’t my first encounter with the Missouri-born icon; I’d caught him earlier in that same month at a star-studded benefit gala in San Francisco, where he shared the spotlight with R&B legends TLC. Yet, Nelly’s ability to captivate an audience never ceases to amaze.
As the lights flared up and the bass thumped, Nelly burst onto the stage with “E.I.” and “Country Grammar (Hot Shit),” setting the tone for an evening that seamlessly blended his signature brand of “Country Grammar” nostalgia with contemporary flair. His energy was infectious, commanding the crowd’s attention with every lyric and beat.
But Nelly wasn’t just here to run through his hits—He crafted a spectacle. From crowd favorites like “Ride Wit Me” and “Grillz” to the reflective “Just a Dream,” each song was a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal. Surprises were in store too, from a cover of Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise” to a medley that seamlessly blended classics like “Off the Wall” and “All I Do Is Win,” ensuring the party never lost momentum.
Yet, the pinnacle of the night arrived during “Dilemma,” Nelly’s heartfelt duet with Kelly Rowland, evoking a rush of nostalgia and reminding us why his music resonates so deeply. Catching Nelly live is an experience that truly stands out. Whether you’re a newcomer or a die-hard fan, one thing’s for sure—He knows how to deliver a show that keeps the crowd buzzing long after the last song ends.
Say She She – The Truly Stage
Say She She graced the Truly Stage with a mesmerizing presence that harked back to their roots in British soul and disco. Dressed in shimmering gold outfits that caught the fading light, they radiated a timeless allure as they prepared to unleash their unbelievable vocal prowess.
With their throwback disco-soul sound, Say She She transported the audience to an era of glittering dance floors and groovy basslines. Each member’s powerhouse vocals shone individually, but it was their harmonies that truly captivated—a seamless blend that evoked pure magic, making feet move and hearts soar.
From the opening notes of “Dreaming in Color,” it was clear that Say She She was destined for greatness. Their hits like “Electric Love” and “Heartbeat” resonated deeply, infusing the crowd with groovy melodies and an irresistible, passionate energy that compelled everyone to dance and sing along.
Beyond their undeniable talent, Say She She exuded a spark of potential waiting to ignite. Their performance showcased not just skill, but also a glimpse into the future of music where their shimmering voices and boundless charisma promised greatness on the horizon. As I watched them, the greats of contemporary English soul music like Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Duffy held court in my head.
If you missed Say She She’s set, you missed a chance to witness the birth of something extraordinary in music—an experience that blended nostalgia with innovation and left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to be there.
Megan Thee Stallion – The Verizon Stage
Megan Thee Stallion shows are nothing less than electrifying. Amidst a sea of eager fans, the air sparked with anticipation as the stage lights dimmed. Suddenly, the venue erupted in cheers as Meg strode onto the stage, commanding attention with her presence, and her crew of drop dead gorgeous backup dancers in tow.
As the bass thumped and the crowd roared, Meg launched into her set with the ferocity of a hurricane. From the unapologetic anthem “THOT Shit” to the sultry groove of “Hot Girl,” each song was a testament to Meg’s unmatched energy and charisma.
But it wasn’t just about the hits—Meg knew how to keep the crowd on their toes. A surprise cover of Ying Yang Twins’ “Say I Yi Yi” got everyone moving, while newer tracks like “Cognac Queen” and “BOA” showcased Meg’s versatility as an artist. And then there was “Savage”—the song that needed no introduction. As Meg delivered her iconic verse, the crowd erupted in cheers, the energy reaching a fever pitch that was impossible to ignore. Her set was 45 minutes of pure magic, and a reminder of why Meg is the reigning queen of hip-hop.
But perhaps the most thrilling part of the show was Meg’s unstoppable stage presence. Whether she was dropping jaw-dropping verses or busting out killer dance moves, she held the crowd in the palm of her hand from start to finish. So if you’re ever lucky enough to experience the magic of a Meg show, you’ll immediately know that you’ve found yourself in the right place. It was more than just a concert—It was a journey through the highs and lows of life, guided by the incomparable talent of one of the most exciting artists in the game.
Now, let me share my own personal experience from that unforgettable night. Initially, I had my sights set on catching Stevie Nicks‘ performance, drawn in by the promise of her timeless classics. However, as Stevie’s set began with mostly cover songs, my attention waned. Without hesitation, I made a swift decision to dash to the Verizon Stage to catch Megan.
Though I had intended to return to Stevie, (since Houston’s own “Hot Girl Coach” both started her set later and ended earlier) Meg’s performance captivated me entirely. I found myself swept away by her commanding presence, her infectious energy, and her undeniable talent. I had seen Meg perform last year at Outside Lands, but this time, she had truly up leveled her show. She was almost more like a pop star now, as opposed to a more typical rapper. With costume changes, full choreography, backup dancers, and no DJ “hype man” yelling behind her, it was giving major Beyoncé vibes, and I was completely mesmerized.
Despite being enthralled by Meg’s performance, I managed to make it back to Stevie Nicks in time to catch “Go Your Own Way,” “Rhiannon,” and “Gypsy.” The transition from Meg’s high-energy performance to the timeless classics of Stevie Nicks created a perfect balance, leaving me feeling exhilarated and fulfilled. And so, the night ended on a high note, with memories of both Meg’s powerhouse performance and Stevie’s iconic hits lingering long after the music had faded.
Thoroughly pumped up for the weekend ahead of me, I left the festival grounds that Friday night wishing I was already back the next day. The first day of BottleRock Napa was better than ever, and I was eager to see what surprises would come the next day, Saturday, the main day of the event.
All photos in this article courtesy of Rose Eden
