BottleRock 2025 day one: Green Day triumphs, Public Enemy roars, and Remi Wolf shines as BottleRock 2025 kicks off with a genre-spanning first-day bash.
Inarguably the best music festival in the world, BottleRock Napa Valley 2025 launched its 12th edition on Friday, May 23, with a dynamic blend of emerging talent, genre-spanning performances, and a triumphant homecoming set from East Bay punk legends Green Day. Under clear skies and amidst the aroma of gourmet offerings, the festival’s first day set an energetic tone for the Memorial Day weekend.
The day commenced with youthful vigor as The Alive, the teenage surf-punk hard rock trio from Santa Cruz stormed the Jam Cellars’ main stage with a ferocity that instantly shook any remaining morning grogginess from the crowd. Comprised of brothers Kai and Bastian Neukermans and their close friend Bastian Evans, the trio delivered a blistering set of distorted riffs, pounding drums, and tightly coiled energy that belied their youth. With hair flying and amps cranked high, The Alive tore through songs with the confidence and grit of a band twice their age, channeling the raw spirit of punk with the technical edge of seasoned pros. Their explosive performance not only turned heads but also set an assertive tone for the day, signaling that BottleRock 2025 wasn’t easing into the weekend—it was diving in headfirst.
Over on the Verizon Stage, The Alive’s youthful fire was quickly matched by One Less Zero, a hard-hitting fusion outfit blending a developed and mature sounding old school punk sound with unrelenting intensity. Their set roared to life with crushing guitar riffs, rapid-fire verses, and thunderous percussion that reverberated across the festival grounds, drawing in early arrivals like a sonic magnet. Frontwoman Sara Wright stalked the stage with a commanding presence, belting out lyrics with raw emotion while the band behind her delivered a wall of sound that left no doubt: this was a wake-up call, and a bold one. For those seeking an early jolt of adrenaline, One Less Zero delivered in full, setting the tone for a day that would only grow louder, wilder, and more unpredictable.
Miya Folick brought a moment of quiet magic to the VIP Village acoustic stage, captivating a rapt audience with her emotive vocals and soul-baring lyrics. Stripped of grand production and bombast, her performance stood in stark contrast to the high-energy acts dominating the larger stages, offering instead a space for reflection and emotional resonance. With just an acoustic guitar and her haunting, expressive voice, Folick delivered songs like “Deadbody” and “Nothing to See” with a raw vulnerability that drew listeners in close, as if each lyric were being whispered just to them. It was a poignant reminder of the power of restraint—and a standout moment of intimacy amid the festival’s otherwise electric atmosphere.
Following Miya Folick on the Jam Cellars main stage, Oakland’s Ultra Q took things in a darker, more frenetic direction, delivering a blistering set that firmly established their post-punk credentials. Fronted by Jakob Armstrong—son of Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong—the band carved out a sound all their own, layering jagged guitar lines over propulsive rhythms and moody synth textures. Armstrong’s stage presence balanced youthful intensity with a seasoned edge, his vocals oscillating between urgent and brooding as the band tore through songs like “Peace of Mind” and “VR Sex.” While their connection to punk royalty was evident, Ultra Q’s performance stood on its own merits—bold, dynamic, and thoroughly modern. For festivalgoers tuned into the day’s narrative arc, it was a fitting prelude to the legacy act that would later close the night, offering a glimpse at punk’s next generation while nodding respectfully to its past.
Beach Bunny brought a refreshing dose of indie-pop charm to the midday lineup, lighting up the stage with shimmering guitar riffs, upbeat rhythms, and frontwoman Lili Trifilio’s effortlessly candid vocals. Their set was filled with catchy hooks and emotionally resonant lyrics that struck a chord with the crowd, many of whom shouted along to fan favorites like “Prom Queen” and “Cloud 9.” Trifilio’s warm stage presence and easy rapport with the audience created a sense of community, turning the sun-drenched field into a joyful sing-along. With danceable melodies and heartfelt themes of love, self-doubt, and resilience, Beach Bunny proved that vulnerability and fun don’t have to be mutually exclusive—and that even under the midday sun, a little indie-pop catharsis goes a long way.
Colombian trio Baltvs introduced a vibrant psychedelic funk flair to the BottleRock landscape, offering a genre-blending set that stood out both musically and atmospherically. Combining Latin rhythms with spacey synths, funky basslines, and Afro-Caribbean percussion, their sound was a kaleidoscope of global influences that pulsed with infectious energy. The band’s instrumental interplay was tight and hypnotic, drawing in curious listeners and quickly transforming passive festivalgoers into dancers. Their performance brought a worldly, exploratory spirit to the afternoon, reminding the crowd that music’s power to transcend borders and genres is part of what makes festivals like BottleRock so compelling. It was a rhythmic, sun-dappled journey that felt equal parts dance party and sonic expedition.
Bay Area icon E-40 brought an unmistakable swagger and hometown pride to the VIP Village stage, commanding the crowd with the kind of charisma that only decades in the game can deliver. With his signature drawl, sharp lyrical wit, and infectious energy, the Vallejo native tore through a set that was both a celebration of his storied career and a love letter to Northern California hip-hop. From early anthems like “Captain Save a Hoe” to modern staples like “Choices (Yup),” E-40’s performance had the crowd rapping along, raising glasses, and grinning with recognition. The set was more than just nostalgia—it was a reminder of his continued relevance and influence in the ever-evolving rap landscape. Flanked by a hyped-up crew and backed by a booming bass, he delivered a performance that felt both intimate and iconic. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, it was a moment that reaffirmed not only E-40’s enduring appeal but also BottleRock’s commitment to elevating local legends alongside international stars.
Remi Wolf, the flamboyant pop provocateur and USC Thornton School of Music alum hailing from Palo Alto, lit up the stage with a kaleidoscopic performance that was as musically adventurous as it was visually explosive. Bursting onto the scene in a swirl of neon colors and infectious energy, Wolf delivered a genre-defying set that fused funk, soul, indie-pop, and alt-R&B with playful irreverence and razor-sharp vocals. Backed by a tight band and eye-popping visuals, she kept the audience dancing and shouting along to fan favorites like “Photo ID” and “Disco Man,” while newer tracks showcased her continued evolution as one of pop’s most original voices. Her playful banter and unfiltered charisma made the crowd feel like they were part of the show, not just watching it. Wolf’s vibrant presence and fearless sound proved to be a major highlight of the day—an exhilarating reminder of how far boundary-pushing pop can go when driven by pure artistic joy.
British punk outfit Bad Nerves injected a jolt of adrenaline into BottleRock with their fast-paced, no-frills rock assault on the White Claw Stage. More accustomed to packed, sweaty club shows in the UK’s underground circuit, the band wasted no time adapting to the festival setting. Instead, they brought the same intensity, volume, and ferocity that have made them a word-of-mouth sensation. Their 45-minute set was a relentless barrage of snarling guitars, pounding drums, and punchy, melodic hooks, delivered at breakneck speed. Tracks like “Can’t Be Mine” and “Baby Drummer” exploded from the speakers, whipping the crowd into a frenzy and leaving little room for banter or breath. It was punk rock in its purest form: lean, loud, and unapologetically raw. Bad Nerves didn’t just fill their slot—they detonated it, offering the perfect high-octane lead-in to the seismic force about to hit the Verizon Stage.
From hard rock to hard-hitting political hip-hop, the Verizon Stage pivoted into revolutionary territory with the arrival of hip-hop pioneers Public Enemy. As the sun began to dip behind the Napa hills, Chuck D and Flavor Flav emerged to thunderous applause, backed by the Bomb Squad’s signature wall of sound. What followed was more than a concert—it was a rallying cry. The duo tore through iconic tracks like “Fight the Power,” “Bring the Noise,” and “Don’t Believe the Hype” with undiminished urgency, their messages as relevant today as when they first debuted. Chuck D’s commanding presence and baritone delivery cut through the crowd with righteous clarity, while Flavor Flav brought his signature flair and comic relief, bounding across the stage in a giant clock and fluorescent camo. But beneath the theatrics was a potent undercurrent of truth. Between songs, both Flava Flav and Chuck D spoke on voter rights, social justice, and the ongoing fight for equity, reminding attendees that hip-hop was born not just to entertain, but to confront and provoke. Their performance stood as a defiant testament to the genre’s activist roots, grounding BottleRock’s celebratory atmosphere in a moment of cultural reflection—and proving, once again, that Public Enemy remains one of the most vital voices in American music.
Sublime, now fronted by Jakob Nowell—the son of the late Bradley Nowell—delivered a performance that felt both like a heartfelt tribute and a bold new chapter in the band’s enduring ska-punk legacy. Stepping into his father’s shoes with a mix of reverence and charisma, Jakob brought fresh energy to the stage without losing the laid-back, sun-soaked attitude that made Sublime a West Coast staple in the ’90s. Accompanied by original members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, the band tore through classics like “Santeria,” “Wrong Way,” and “Doin’ Time,” sparking joyful sing-alongs and a sea of swaying bodies in the crowd. Jakob’s vocals carried just enough of his father’s tonal imprint to stir nostalgia, while his own stage presence added a contemporary flair that resonated with younger festivalgoers discovering the music in real-time. The chemistry among the band members was palpable, and the set struck a perfect balance between honoring the past and pushing the sound forward. For many in the crowd, it was a deeply emotional moment—watching the next generation breathe life into timeless songs, bridging decades of fans under one shared sky.
As dusk settled over Napa Valley, Sofi Tukker transformed the festival grounds into a full-blown dance haven, igniting the evening with their genre-blending electro-pop and pulsating house beats. The dynamic duo—Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern—took the stage with infectious energy, backed by a riot of neon visuals, tropical-inspired imagery, and custom-built instruments that turned their set into a multi-sensory spectacle. From the hypnotic grooves of “Drinkee” to the euphoric pulse of “Purple Hat,” the duo commanded the stage with seamless chemistry, engaging the crowd with playful banter and relentless rhythm. Their set wasn’t just a performance—it was an invitation to let go, move freely, and get lost in the beat. As the sky shifted from gold to deep indigo, thousands of bodies danced in unison, swept up in Sofi Tukker’s kaleidoscopic world. It was a euphoric, communal moment that perfectly bridged the transition from day to night, setting the stage for the final acts to follow.
Dope Lemon followed with a mellow, psychedelic set that washed over the audience like a warm, calming breeze. Angus Stone and his band crafted a dreamy, atmospheric soundscape filled with swirling guitars, lush melodies, and Stone’s signature husky vocals, inviting listeners to slow down and soak in the moment. Their laid-back vibe offered a perfect contrast to the festival’s earlier high-energy performances, providing a peaceful interlude that allowed the crowd to recharge and reflect as the sun dipped lower. This soothing set created an intimate, almost hypnotic atmosphere, setting the tone for a seamless transition into the night’s much-anticipated headlining act.
Green Day’s much-anticipated performance was nothing short of a masterclass in punk rock showmanship, delivering a powerful journey through their sprawling career that thrilled longtime fans and newcomers alike. Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool commanded the stage for a dynamic 90-minute set, tearing through a high-octane mix of anthems including “Basket Case,” “Holiday,” and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” each greeted by roaring sing-alongs from the packed crowd. Armstrong’s charismatic engagement with the audience created a warm, communal vibe, punctuated by shout-outs to local cities and nods to celebrities scattered throughout the crowd. True to their legacy, the band infused their signature political edge into the evening, with Armstrong subtly updating the lyrics of “American Idiot” to address today’s charged social climate—reminding listeners why Green Day remains a voice of protest and reflection decades into their career. As the show wound down, the energy shifted to a more intimate space with an acoustic rendition of “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).” The moment reached an unexpected crescendo when Flavor Flav joined the band on stage, a symbolic gesture celebrating the day’s spirit of cross-genre collaboration and unity. It was a fitting close to a day defined by diversity, passion, and the enduring power of music to bring people together.
Day one of BottleRock 2025 exemplified the festival’s dedication to musical diversity, local talent, and memorable performances, setting a high bar for the weekend ahead.
