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Bluesfest 2025 Day 8 Brings the Rain, the Riffs, and the Roach
Bluesfest 2025 Day 8 came charging in with grey skies, killer guitars, and stadium-worthy performances from heavy hitters like Daughtry and Papa Roach. Even a touch of rain couldn’t stop the crowd from going all in. With shredding solos, powerhouse vocals, and heartfelt tributes, this was the night Bluesfest fully embraced its rock soul.
From local comebacks and southern rockers to piano duos and one-man band chaos, Day 8 was a full-course meal of musical flavor. Let’s dig into the highlights from an unforgettable Saturday night.
Rubber Tire Peep Show Rolls in With Pure Vibes
Rubber Tire Peep Show kicked off the day at the LeBreton Stage, and right from the first note, they brought a genuine sense of camaraderie that made the entire performance feel like a living room jam between old friends. The band rolled on with an upbeat energy, blending catchy hooks and layered instrumentals that got people dancing well before lunchtime. Even as the opening act, their presence filled the air with excitement and warmth.
With a fairly large band and an even larger crowd for so early in the day, the group truly set the tone. Their chemistry onstage was magnetic, and the tight musicianship made it clear this wasn’t their first rodeo. The audience connected with their authenticity and their fun, unfiltered energy. Bluesfest couldn’t have asked for a better start to Day 8.
We Were Sharks Make Their Triumphant Return
Opening the RBC Stage, Ottawa’s very own We Were Sharks reminded everyone why they’ve become local legends. Backed by a proud pop punk sound and a banner featuring the guitarist’s dog, the band brought joy and energy to every second of their set. The crowd’s cheers were as loud as their riffs, proof that their long-awaited comeback after a hiatus was something fans had truly been waiting for.
Signed to Victory Records, the group was welcomed like returning heroes. The pop punk anthems hit hard, and the band’s on-stage presence was electric. Their set felt both nostalgic and forward-thinking, as if they were reclaiming their place while launching a new chapter. From circle pits to singalongs, the energy stayed high from start to finish.
Texas Horns Bring the Heat to the River Stage
Texas Horns returned to Bluesfest with their signature style, offering a set packed with sizzling solos and pure groove. From the first note, each member showed off their chops, dazzling the crowd with technical skill and chemistry. The River Stage lighting was just right, washing the band in warm hues as the brass section worked its magic.
It was a vibey, feel-good set that gave the early afternoon crowd a perfect musical pick-me-up. Whether you were a hardcore fan or hearing them for the first time, the sound and soul were undeniable. Their deep, bluesy swing drew people in, setting a laid-back but electric mood for the rest of the day.
Hellhound Trail Rips Through the Theatre
Hellhound Trail brought their gritty southern rock to the theatre stage and set it ablaze with powerful riffs and confident storytelling. Adding to their set the very first song they ever wrote together gave the moment a sense of history, and it resonated in the walls of the theatre like a dusty old vinyl brought back to life.
Their guitar work was front and center, with solos that cut through the room like lightning. The acoustics of the theatre enhanced every note, and the band’s chemistry gave their music a raw, authentic edge. Hellhound Trail may be a newer name to some, but their performance showed they’ve got the sound and the swagger to go far.
Bob Log III Delivers the Weirdest—and Best—One-Man Show
Bob Log III was the kind of experience that defies explanation but deserves endless praise. Taking the stage in a pilot helmet with a phone receiver strapped to it as a microphone, he looked like a rock and roll spaceman dropped into a blues tent. With a kick drum at his feet, a guitar in hand, and vocals that bounced between gritty and wild, he gave the most unique set of the entire festival.
Despite being a one-man band, Bob Log III filled the tent with sound and personality. The crowd was captivated from the first minute, laughing, dancing, and cheering through the set. It wasn’t just a show—it was performance art with a dirty blues soul. If Bluesfest had a prize for originality, this would’ve taken it by a landslide.
Daughtry Shows Why He’s Still a Rock Titan
Daughtry lit up the RBC Stage with a performance that balanced polished power and heartfelt delivery. From his blistering guitar work to powerhouse vocals, every moment felt larger than life. Songs like “Separate Ways” and “Home” sent chills through the crowd, while deeper cuts like “The Day I Die” gave longtime fans a rewarding surprise.
The stage lighting was some of the most striking of the night, framing each explosive guitar solo and passionate vocal with flair. Chris Daughtry used every inch of the stage, connecting with the audience and leading a full-band charge that never let up. From start to finish, it was a masterclass in stadium-level rock delivered in festival form.
JW Jones Keeps the Guitar Fire Burning
As the rain began to sprinkle across the festival grounds, JW Jones delivered a set that turned the storm into an afterthought. His guitar playing was nothing short of spectacular, and it became clear this night was a celebration of guitar heroes. Though unfamiliar to some in the crowd, he left a lasting impression.
Fans nearby praised him as a must-see, and it only took a few songs to understand why. With originals like “Papa in the Pen” and fierce blues licks, JW Jones made the Bluesfest stage his own. He may not have had pyro or a huge banner, but his presence and talent were more than enough to earn him a roaring reception.
TJ Wheeler Brings Stories to the Strings
Bluesfest veteran TJ Wheeler brought a different kind of magic to the day—one rooted in tradition, storytelling, and soulful blues history. Between songs, he shared anecdotes that painted vivid pictures of the genre’s roots, giving his performance the feel of a living documentary.
With just a guitar and a voice full of wisdom, he delivered songs like “Poor Boy Long Way from Home” with rich emotion and deep respect for the genre. The crowd hung on his every word and note. Wheeler didn’t just play the blues, he taught it, and his presence was a beautiful reminder of where it all started.
Lucius Close the LeBreton Stage with Harmony and Heart
Lucius ended the night at the LeBreton Stage with a beautifully choreographed performance that felt intimate despite the festival-sized crowd. With two pianos placed in the center of the stage facing each other, the duo’s signature symmetry was immediately captivating. Their voices, woven together in effortless harmony, were the clear focus, while the band played with restraint and grace.
The matching hairstyles and mirrored stage setup added an art-pop theatricality, but the music was always the main event. Each song was a tender burst of emotion, and their connection with the audience felt sincere and strong. As they played their final notes, the crowd stayed still, soaking in the moment before erupting into applause.
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram Steals the River Spotlight
Over at the River stage, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram proved once again why he’s one of the most exciting young blues musicians on the planet. With soaring guitar work and a soulful voice, he captured every heart in the room. The lighting helped set the mood, bathing the stage in warm colors that matched the emotional depth of each song.
Even with Papa Roach playing the main stage, Kingfish pulled a strong crowd, and for good reason. His playing spoke louder than words, and his vocals added a rich, emotional layer that held the audience in awe. This was not just another festival set; it was a blues sermon from a rising legend.
Papa Roach Brings Down the House with a Fiery Finale
Papa Roach closed out the night with an explosion of energy and nostalgia. The crowd went wild for hits like “Getting Away with Murder” and “Between Angels and Insects,” and the mashup of “Break Stuff” and “Chop Suey” was a highlight no one saw coming. The stage lit up with pyro for the first few songs, adding a theatrical punch to their aggressive sound.
Even as the rain returned, the band never missed a beat. With frontman Jacoby Shaddix working the crowd and paying tribute to Linkin Park during “In the End,” the set hit emotional highs and heavy lows in equal measure. It was loud, it was bold, and it was everything a Bluesfest finale should be.
Bluesfest 2025 Day 8 Proved That Rock Still Reigns Supreme
From heartfelt blues stories and wild one-man bands to the thunder of guitars and the flames of rock legends, Bluesfest 2025 Day 8 hit every emotional note. The rain only made the night more memorable, soaking the crowd in sweat and soul.
We’re nearing the end, but the fire hasn’t faded. Catch us tomorrow for Day 9 as Bluesfest keeps the vibes rolling.
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