Blue Ridge Rock Festival 2023 was cancelled midway through due to extreme weather. The September 9 and 10 days of the four-day festival did not go ahead as planned, leaving thousands to evacuate the area. Though Papa Roach, Shinedown, and Oliver Anthony stayed behind and played acoustic sets for fans waiting around, because hey – they're all there anyway. Might as well do something fun, right?
"We love you all. Thank you for sticking around with us despite the rain and festival getting canceled!" wrote Papa Roach. "Thank you @thebrentsmith from @shinedown for pulling this idea together last minute for the fans and to @oliver_anthony_music_ for joining us."
Blue Ridge Rock Festival organizers issued the following statement late afternoon on September 9: "Dear Blue Ridge Fans, with heavy hearts, due to this weekend's continued severe weather, we must announce the cancellation of the final days of Blue Ridge Rock Festival," wrote Blue Ridge Rock Festival organizers. "Your safety and well-being are our foremost concerns.
"We understand the disappointment this brings, and we share immensely in your sadness. Please know that this decision was made with the utmost consideration for everyone involved and our focus now is on supporting those of you still on-site.
"We are working diligently to provide refund details and will share that information early this week when business re-opens. In the meantime, we encourage you to stay safe and take care of each other.
"This has been an agonizing turn of events for what was to be such a special weekend. There will be more much that we unveil over the next few days. Rest assured, we will take care of you despite these difficult circumstances. Thank you for everything.
"With heartfelt gratitude, Blue Ridge Rock Festival."
