Harley Homecoming 2024 Heated Up The Milwaukee Summer
Each year, Harley-Davidson hosts an electrifying four-day celebration in Milwaukee, WI, honoring the rich history of the brand while showcasing the vibrant intersection of music and moto-culture. The 2024 Harley Homecoming Festival was no exception, with a lineup that catered to diverse musical tastes and left fans with unforgettable memories.
This year, the festival was spread over two thrilling days, featuring headlining acts like Hank Ruff, Priscilla Block, Warren Zeiders, Hardy, and Jelly Roll on Day 1, and The Criticals, Destroy Boys, Cypress Hill, The Offspring, and Red Hot Chili Peppers on Day 2.
All Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyThe first day of the festival kicked off with Hank Ruff, whose performance set the stage for a day full of musical excitement. Named after the legendary Hank Williams Sr., Ruff knew he had the responsibility of opening this grand event. His set was a solid display of country charm, winning over many new fans in the audience with his engaging tunes and relatable lyrics.
Click The Image For The Full Hank Ruff GalleryNext up was Priscilla Block, who seamlessly fit into the festival's atmosphere with her upbeat set. Clad in black leather, Block exuded confidence and charisma, matching the intensity of the Milwaukee summer heat. Her energetic performance ensured that the crowd remained on their toes, eagerly awaiting the next act.
Click The Image For The Full Priscilla Block GalleryWarren Zeiders was a standout performer, leaving an indelible mark on the crowd. With a commanding presence and a set that resonated deeply with the audience, Zeiders quickly became a festival favorite. His ability to connect with fans through his music made his performance one of the most memorable of the weekend.
Click The Image For The Full Warren Zeiders GalleryHardy delivered a fiery rock show during his 75-minute set, opening with Quit and Rockstar, which immediately set a high-energy tone for the evening. He kept the momentum going, bringing Priscilla Block back on stage for a duet of One Beer. The hits flowed non-stop, with Hardy holding the crowd in the palm of his hand, preparing them for the headliner of the night, Jelly Roll. His performance was a rollercoaster of emotion and energy, leaving no stone unturned.
Click The Image For The Full Hardy GalleryJelly Roll, the main act for the night, took command of the stage and the festival. Already a crowd favorite, having sold out the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, Jelly Roll was met with an even larger audience. Declaring it the biggest show he's ever done in the Midwest, he kicked off his set with The Lost and Halfway To Hell, heating things up further with flames from the stage.
Throughout his performance, he surprised the crowd with various guest appearances, including Hardy for a cover of Friends In Low Places, and a young rapper, Brady, for Creature. The night culminated with a surprise appearance by Machine Gun Kelly, who rode onto the stage on a Harley to join in on Need A Favor. The duo also debuted Lonely Road, a new track released that day. Priscilla Block returned for the final cameo, joining Jelly Roll for Save Me as fireworks illuminated the night sky.
Click The Image For The Full Jelly Roll GalleryDay 2 opened with Nashville's The Criticals, warming up the crowd at Veterans Park. Their set was a great start to another day of diverse musical offerings.
Click The Image For The Full The Criticals GalleryFollowing them were Destroy Boys, a punk rock band from Sacramento, California. Formed in 2015, their name originated from a phrase written by founder Violet Mayugba during a period of personal turmoil. Their raw energy and powerful lyrics resonated with the audience, making for a captivating performance.
Click The Image For The Full Destroy Boys GalleryCypress Hill enveloped the field in a cloud of smoke with their legendary hip-hop tunes. Despite their lengthy career, the group showed no signs of slowing down, delivering hit after hit with skill and finesse. B-Real and Sen Dog worked the crowd like the seasoned emcees they are, treating fans to a set that felt like a greatest hits compilation.
Click The Image For The Full Cypress Hill GalleryThe Offspring was the highlight of Day 2, with a performance that brought nostalgia and excitement to the forefront. Fans went wild for classics from Americana and Smash, with Come Out And Play kicking off the set. Despite having only an hour on stage, their energy was unmatched, and they could easily have been the headliners of the night.
Click The Image For The Full The Offspring GalleryThe Red Hot Chili Peppers closed out the festival with a performance that, while solid, lacked some of the excitement expected from a headlining act. The first half of their set catered mostly to their core fans, featuring only a few radio singles. Anthony Kiedis performed with a walking boot, indicating an injury that may have influenced the show's dynamic. Some songs, including Under the Bridge, were scrapped, but the band seemed focused on enjoying themselves rather than seeking audience approval. They closed with Give It Away, with Kiedis and Flea expressing gratitude to Milwaukee, albeit with a slightly apologetic tone.
Click The Image For The Full Nitro Circus GalleryThe 2024 Harley Homecoming Festival was a celebration of music that brought together fans from all over to experience an incredible lineup of artists. From the country tunes of Hank Ruff to the punk energy of Destroy Boys, and the hip hop legacy of Cypress Hill to the rock anthems of The Offspring, the festival showcased an array of musical styles. While the Red Hot Chili Peppers' performance was not as dynamic as some might have hoped, the festival as a whole offered memorable moments that will be talked about for years to come. The fusion of music and moto-culture in Milwaukee continues to make the Harley Homecoming Festival a must-attend event for music lovers and motorcycle enthusiasts alike.
