WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— The seventh annual Rockin' the River event had their last concert at The River Common in Wilkes-Barre.
The event stirred some controversy over one of the acts being canceled, but the show went on.
Even after some rumors of the entire event getting canceled, Rockin the River crews pulled together two tribute bands for rock 'n' roll fans to enjoy one more free concert of the summer.
Rock 'n' roll fans didn't mind a brief rain storm for Rockin' the River's final concert for this year's event along the Susquehanna River.
"It's a place for people to come together, have some great food, listen to some great music, and kick back and relax at really one of the most beautiful settings in Luzerne County," said Alan Stout, Executive Director, Visit Luzerne County.
One member of the crowd says this location is unlike any other experience.
"I've been working with music my entire life, the biggest thing is the acoustics of the sound, and here, the music bounces off the river and comes back, you got to come down to experience it," expressed Tony Homa, Hanover Township.
The event caught some controversy after the original act was canceled.
That band, Low Cut Connie, says politics was behind that decision.
Without artists, rumors spread about the event itself not being able to go on.
"We needed to make sure that we could get bands to perform on Friday night, and Alan did a terrific job. In less than 48 hours, he didn't get one band, he got two," explained Romilda Crocamo, County Manager, Luzerne County.
Those two bands: Bat out of Hell, a tribute to Meatloaf, and Back in Black, a tribute to AC/DC, were welcomed on stage with excitement from the crowd.
Bat out of Hell's lead singer tells us he's eager to perform in Luzerne County.
"You know, I want to show people in my own hometown what we can do. We play out of the area a lot except for, like, the Luzerne County Fair, now I'm right here at my backdoor," stated Bob White, lead singer, Bat out of Hell.
Some younger kids came out to enjoy the night, and even if they aren't rock 'n' roll fans, they're still having a good time, and they tell us their favorite part is just being with friends.
"Hanging out with her. Yeah hanging out with her, and the cheesy fries here are amazing, so if you come here to get cheesy fries or anything, the cheesy fries, you are going to want to try those out," voiced Gia Trovato and Gabriella Illiano, attendees.
Along with the food vendors, the event also featured a dunk tank with the sheriff's department to raise funds for their new canine, and it's safe to say it was popular with the kids.
Planning for next year's Rockin' the River will begin in November.
Organizers are looking to add more genres to more shows in the future.
