93.3 WMMR once again delivered a full day celebration of rock and community with this year’s MMRBQ, bringing together national acts, rising artists, and local talent for one of the region’s most anticipated annual events. The station’s crew put in a tremendous amount of work before, during, and after the show to make sure everything ran smoothly and every fan had a great experience. It’s a tradition built on effort, passion, and a deep connection to the Philadelphia rock audience.
The Circus Hearts opened the day with a burst of local energy, delivering a set that felt raw, lively, and unmistakably rooted in the Philadelphia scene. Their bright melodies and driving rhythm section gave their performance a youthful urgency that immediately pulled the early crowd in.
What stood out most was their authenticity. They didn’t lean on gimmicks or nostalgia — just tight playing, strong hooks, and a genuine connection with the audience. For a band still climbing, they carried themselves like they belonged on that stage, and the crowd responded in kind.
WLYLVC kept the momentum moving with a sharp, modern set built on heavy riffs, electronic textures, and dual vocal interplay. Their sound stood out immediately, giving the early afternoon a jolt of intensity that felt bigger than their slot. They played with urgency and precision, pulling the crowd in quickly and keeping the energy high throughout.
Confident and tightly executed, their performance made it clear why they’re a band on the rise — a strong bridge between the local opener and the national acts that followed.
Kami Kehoe brought a fresh, contemporary spark to the stage, delivering a set that blended pop, rock, and alt edge with confidence and clarity. Her voice carried with real presence, and the band behind her kept everything tight and driving. The crowd connected with her quickly, especially on the newer material that’s been gaining traction.
Kami didn’t need theatrics or nostalgia; she delivered a clean, energetic performance that showed exactly why she’s gaining momentum and earning attention on bigger stages
Des Rocs delivered one of the most electric performances of the entire festival — explosive, theatrical, and completely unrestrained. His set had a voltage to it that grabbed the crowd immediately and never let go. Every moment felt intentional and high impact, the kind of performance that makes you feel like you’re watching an artist in the middle of a major breakthrough.
His command of the stage, the band’s intensity, and the crowd’s reaction all combined into a set that elevated the energy of the entire day and set the perfect tone for the acts that followed.
Everclear stepped in after Des Rocs with a steady, confident performance that leaned into the strength of their catalog. Their blend of grit and melody translated perfectly in a festival setting, and the band played with a natural cohesion that kept the crowd engaged from the first riff to the last.
Art Alexakis led with the same raw honesty that has always defined their sound, and the audience responded to every familiar chorus. Their set added a grounded, emotional layer to the afternoon — a different kind of energy, but one that fit seamlessly into the day’s progression.
The Hooters brought a warm wave of Philadelphia nostalgia to the early evening, delivering a set that felt like a homecoming. Their melodic charm and seasoned musicianship created an easy connection with the crowd, many of whom have grown up with their songs. With the recent passing of Pierre Robert — a longtime champion of the band — their performance carried an added emotional resonance that didn’t need to be spoken to be felt.
It was a heartfelt, polished set that honored their legacy while keeping the day’s momentum moving forward.
Alice Cooper transformed the stage into a theatrical spectacle, delivering a performance that was part rock show, part horror theater, and entirely captivating. With his current touring guitarist Anna Cara stepping into the role previously held by Nita Strauss, the band didn’t miss a beat — the new addition handled the parts with confidence and precision, fitting seamlessly into Cooper’s tightly choreographed production.
The costumes, props, and storytelling were executed with the precision of an artist who has spent decades perfecting the craft. His voice carried with surprising strength, and the band behind him kept the show tight and dynamic. It was classic Alice Cooper — dramatic, entertaining, and impossible to look away from — a perfect setup for the night’s final act.
Godsmack closed the night with the kind of power and precision that only a seasoned headliner can deliver — and this year’s MMRBQ marked one of the first major festival appearances of their new 2026 lineup, following their official debut just two days earlier at Welcome to Rockville.
Koltun previously toured with the band during their 2025 European run, while Murff — known for his work with Daughtry, Prong, Sebastian Bach, Orgy, and Doyle — was selected for his precision, discipline, and ability to honor the band’s established sound. Sully Erna praised both musicians for stepping into the roles with the right attitude and respect for the catalog.
Onstage at MMRBQ, the new lineup felt tight, confident, and fully locked in. The riffs hit with the same weight fans expect, the drums were sharp and aggressive, and the chemistry between the four musicians already felt natural — a clear sign that “Godsmack 2.0,” as Sully has called it, is built to last.
Their set was a full throttle assault of riffs, smoke, lasers, and crowd shaking intensity, the kind of closer that leaves fans hoarse, buzzing, and completely fulfilled after a full day of rock.
When Godsmack closed out the night, they left the crowd exactly the way a headliner should — exhausted, blown out, and completely fulfilled after a full day of rock. Their set was the final exclamation point on a lineup that delivered variety, energy, and standout performances from start to finish.
As the last notes faded and people began to spill into the night, it was clear that this year’s MMRBQ delivered everything fans come for. And at the center of it all was 93.3 WMMR, whose dedication before, during, and after the event is what turns this festival into a true Philadelphia tradition. Their crew puts in the long hours, handles the details no one sees, and makes sure every fan walks away feeling like they were part of something special. That commitment — to the music, to the artists, and to the community — is what keeps MMRBQ not just alive, but thriving year after year.
Review and Photography by: Bob Linneman