Planet Desert Rock Weekend V: Solace and Godzillionaire Join Lineup
Not that there was any reason to doubt the curated spirit of Las Vegas’ Planet Desert Rock Weekend V with thus-far announcements for the likes of JIRM, Mos Generator, Sergeant Thunderhoof, and so on, but bringing in New Jersey’s Solace and Kansas’ Godzillionaire — the latter of which boasts former Paw vocalist Mark Hennessy in its lineup — only offers reassurance in my mind. Three bands out from the lineup being complete, the possibilities feel all the more open amid intersecting geographies, generations, and styles.
Solace in 2025 will be a quarter-century out from their 2000 debut, Further, as well as six from their most recent LP, 2019’s The Brink (review here), but their volatility continues to precede them along with their penchant for leveling whatever stage they happen to be on. And as regards Godzillionaire, they’re new to me, but in addition to its striking title, the 2021 single “30 Days Same as Cash, Motherfucker” digs into punk-rooted heavy with a shuffling groove behind Hennessy‘s bluesy bellow, a ripper of a layered solo, thoughtful lyric and sharp finish. I went right from it to their preceding 2020 full-length, Negative Balance, which I always take as a good sign.
The full international assemblage can be seen on the poster below — righteous, yes — and fest producer John Gist sent the following down the PR wire:
Planet Desert Rock Weekend V — Jan. 30 – Feb. 1
FB event: https://facebook.com/events/s/planet-desert-rock-weekend-v-j/1399556780734695/
Solace
Solace is a band I have admired for years and the chance to have them as part of Planet Desert Rock Weekend is super exciting! These guys have been killing it on stage since around 1996 and have produced a signature sound that is part metal and part heavy rock. Their two guitar attack and strong vocals drives their style. Solace has played all over Europe including the Roadburn Festival and toured with Orange Goblin but have never played shows out west. We are excited to have these New Jersey legends coming out to join the Planet Desert Rock Weekend V festivities!
Godzillionaire
Godzillionaire is a heavy rock band out of Lawrence Kansas that features frontman Mark Hennessy formerly of the 90s band Paw! Paw rose to popularity with the album “Dragline” and their track “Jessie” has over 2,500,000 listens on Spotify! Their most recent album “Negative Balance” made a strong ripple in the scene with its creative textures and strong vocals by Mark. A new album is likely to be out by the time PDRW V happens. This will be a rare show for Godzillionaire outside of Kansas and their region. We will have this super cool group kick off one of the nights!
We have just 3 bands left to announce, and it may be a little while before these final groups are unveiled. We really appreciate all the amazing support from many of our former fest goers and we fully expect PDRW V to be the biggest yet! Thank you!
-John
https://www.facebook.com/VRRProductions/
https://www.facebook.com/vegasrockrevolution/
Solace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SOLACE!! New Jersey’s GIFT to the WORLD, Baby! This sounds like a GREAT FESTIVAL!!!
Thank you so much for all your help JJ. Our little festival is so grateful to you and the whole community !
Can’t wait, never thought I’d have the chance to to the mighty Solace!! Thanks John!!
Godzillionaire is one of my favorite rock bands out of Lawrence, KS. I live for the powerful riffs, deep killer bass, and the poetic lyrics. You’re going to go through a lot of emotions and wake up with a sore neck from their headbanging goodness. Get some!