LOST HIGHWAY MOTORCYCLE FESTIVAL BRINGS 20,000 FANS FOR FESTIVAL’S DEBUT ON MAY 30 AT SAN MANUEL AMPHITHEATER IN SAN BERNARDINO
LOST HIGHWAY–the Motorcycle, Camping and Music festival–paved a new road for music festivals in the worlds of country and rock this past weekend. The destination festival debuted to 20,000 fans at San Manuel Amphitheater & Campgrounds in San Bernardino, CA on May 30.
LOST HIGHWAY featured a full day of electrifying performances from headlinersTOBY KEITH,on his Good Times & Pick Up Lines Tour presented by Ford F-Series, and SOCIAL DISTORTION closing out the Quaid Harley-Davidson Stage.ELI YOUNG BAND and CHRIS JANSON rounded out the festival’s Country Stage, while REVEREND HORTON HEAT, LUCERO andopener LINDI ORTEGA conquered the rock stage. The festival also presented hotly tipped up-and-coming acts on theRuss Brown side stage including THE BRAVE ONES, RICK MONROE, SETH ENSLOW, IVORY DEVILLE, OCELOT and THE BUDROWS.
Toby Keith performs at LOST HIGHWAY on May 30, 2015. Photo Justin George
In her review for the Orange County Register, writer Vanessa Franko noted of the headlining performances:
“Keith, a perennial favorite at the venue, celebrated patriotism and partying while digging deep into his 25-year catalog of hits. Opening with the rollicking ‘Haven’t Had a Drink All Day,’ Keith led his 10-piece band through a set of anthems and ballads that could easily transition to a residency at Las Vegas’ biggest halls, with the standout horn section adding a Muscle Shoals quality to tunes such as the opener and ‘Whiskey Girl.’ …The Orange County rock heroes, led by Mike Ness, drew thousands of fans who packed the side stage area, opening with ‘Through These Eyes’ and ‘Reach for the Sky.’ Before the band kicked off its third song, ‘Bad Luck,’ Ness had proclaimed that he liked the festival so much he wanted to do it again next year. …Eli Young Band sounded more pop-rock than country and proved that it is poised to break out as a crossover headliner with performances of ‘Drink You Up’ and the title track of new EP ‘Turn It On.’…After a successful first year, it won’t be a surprise to see Lost Highway roar to life again in 2016” (6/1/15).
Elsewhere, Kieran J. MacIntyre added, “The punks, greasers and folksters all coalesced for this incredible festival and had something they could all enjoy, be it music or motorcycles. Experiencing Lost Highway was like being immersed in a whole other world, with a widely diverse crowd along booming motorcycle engines” (Monsters and Critics, 6/2/15). So Cal Music Today added, “The mixture of punk rock, country music and motorcycles delivered the perfect combination for an outlaw state of mind . . . nothing seems to unite people of diverse cultures together like music and motorcycles” (6/3/15).
Mike Ness of Social Distortion performs at LOST HIGHWAY on May 30. Photo Justin George
LOST HIGHWAY included two-day rides to the festival for charity. The “Southern California Sturgis Mayor’s Ride,” hosted by celeb riders Mark Carstensen, the Mayor of Sturgis, SD, and the Grand Marshallfreestylemotorcross legend CareyHart, contributeda portion of proceeds to benefit Sturgis charities. The “Infinite Hero Ride,” led by our U.S. Service Men and Women, raised awareness for theInfinite Hero mission that combats the most difficult issues–both mental and physical–facing our returning military heroes and families.
Festival-goers also enjoyed a world-class motorcycle show and expo showcasing old and new school bikes and a stunning show from UKNOWN Industries’ team of riders who wowed fans with their freestyle Harley-Davidson riding antics. On hand to showcase their wares were top-tierbuilders and influencers showcasing vintage and new bikes from around the country, free Harley-Davidson bike giveaways, the House of Kolor’s helmet art show with custom-painted motorcycle helmets hosted by world-renowned motorcycle painter Taylor Schultz and eight celebrated painters fromaround the world, parts and accessories manufacturers, riding gear creators, custom leathersmiths and jewelry designers/makers.
“As a rider, we believe we’ve created a true spirit with Lost Highway; a celebratory weekend in Southern California for the motorcycle community with music, camping and more,” says SGE co-creator John Oakes. “We took pride in assembling the motorcycle expo and music talent.”
“Having seen and promoted many festivals ourselves, we wanted to set a new standard with this event,” notes Executive Vice President of Booking at Live Nation Rich Best. “This festival offers artists a chance to perform for serious music fans and riders in an atmosphere with beautiful bikes, mountain views and amazing sunsets.”
Sponsors for LOST HIGHWAY included: Keystone Light, Quaid Harley-Davidson, Infinite Hero Foundation, UNKNOWN Industries, House of Kolor, Simpson Motorcycle Helmets, Taylor Schultz, Ram Trucks, 4 Wheel Parts Speed Merchant, San Diego Customs, Lyndall Brakes, San Diego Harley-Davidson, Big Al’s Cycles, K&N Performance Filters, Glendale Harley-Davidson, Espinoza’s Leather Goods, Dynamic Dyna, Heyltje Rose, Law Tigers, Loser Machine, Speakeasy Original, Rusty Butcher, and Fxck Cancer.
For the most up-to-date LOST HIGHWAY information, visit:
www.facebook.com/LostHighwayFest
www.twitter.com/losthighwayfest
Reverend Horton Heat performs at LOST HIGHWAY on May 30.
Eli Young Band performs at LOST HIGHWAY on May 30.
Kade Gates performs at LOST HIGHWAY as part of the UNKNOWN INDUSTRIES riding team.
Riders on the “Infinite Hero Ride” roll into LOST HIGHWAY.
The festival campgrounds at LOST HIGHWAY.
FestPop Editorial Team