For the second consecutive year, Milwaukee is set to host the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival, and this time, the lineup promises to be even more spectacular.
The festival will return to Veterans Park, featuring headliners like the iconic rockers Red Hot Chili Peppers, the country sensation turned rapper Jelly Roll, and the country rocker Hardy over the course of a two-day music extravaganza.
Scheduled from July 25 to 28, this city-wide celebration will see Hardy and Jelly Roll gracing the main stage at the Veterans Park music festival on July 26, followed by the Red Hot Chili Peppers taking center stage on July 27.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at hdhomecoming.com/tickets, with the presale kicking off on January 18 at 10 AM. Attendees can choose from VIP options and one or two day general admission passes, although specific prices have not been disclosed yet.
Red Hot Chili Peppers marked their return to Milwaukee in 2017
The Red Hot Chili Peppers marked their return to Milwaukee in 2017 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Summerfest at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater.
Since then, the band has performed in stadiums, released two albums (“Unlimited Love” and “Return of the Dream Canteen,” both in 2022), and welcomed back original guitarist John Frusciante in 2019 after a decade-long hiatus.
Sharing the stage with the Peppers on July 27 are punk legends the Offspring, who headlined their own American Family Insurance Amphitheater show last summer. Joining the lineup are hip-hop icons Cypress Hill, along with rock groups Destroy Boys, Otoboke Beaver, and Irontom, creating a diverse and electrifying music experience for festival-goers.
Jason DeFord triumphed over a tumultuous year
Jason DeFord, widely recognized by his stage moniker Jelly Roll, triumphed over a tumultuous year marked by struggles with drug addiction, a felony conviction for aggravated robbery, and numerous jail stays.
Despite facing these challenges, Jelly Roll, who achieved success as a rapper, securing a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, showcased his resilience and commitment. His recent testimony before Congress, advocating for a bill targeting fentanyl, further highlighted his advocacy beyond music.
Known for creating “real music for real people with real (expletive) problems,” Jelly Roll delivered a moving and emotional sold-out performance at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater last summer, earning a spot on the Journal Sentinel’s esteemed list of the best concerts in 2023.
On July 26, Hardy and Jelly Roll will jointly headline the event, with Hardy having previously captivated audiences with a hard-rock-infused country set during the stadium tour kickoff for Morgan Wallen at American Family Field in April. The day’s lineup will also feature emerging country talents Warren Zeiders, Priscilla Block, Hueston, and Shaylen, promising a diverse and dynamic musical experience.
The Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival
Harley-Davidson, known for hosting grand celebrations every five years with renowned musicians like Bruce Springsteen and Elton John, revived its festivities for the 120th anniversary last year.
The Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival featured the first Veterans Park music festival in 15 years, drawing 80,000 people to Milwaukee’s lakefront with headlining performances by Foo Fighters and Green Day. Following the success, Harley’s CEO, Jochen Zeitz, announced that the festival would now be an annual event.
The 2024 edition is anticipated to be a special celebration honoring Willie G. Davidson, the grandson of the company’s co-founder. Having retired in 2012 after 49 years as Harley’s chief stylist officer, Willie G. Davidson’s contributions will be highlighted. Further details about additional events in the Milwaukee area will be disclosed on hdhomecoming.com.
More about Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Red Hot Chili Peppers, a famous American rock band, was formed in Los Angeles in 1982. The group includes John Frusciante (guitarist), Chad Smith (drummer), Flea (bassist), and Anthony Kiedis (vocalist).
They play a mix of music styles like alternative rock, funk, punk rock, hard rock, hip hop, and psychedelic rock. People say their music has influenced other genres like funk metal, rap metal, rap rock, and nu-metal.
These musicians are one of the best-selling bands globally, selling more than 120 million albums. They hold several records on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, like having the most number-one singles (15), staying at number one for the longest time (91 weeks), and having the most top-ten songs (28).
Because of their significant impact on music, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. They also received six Grammy Awards and got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022.
