Day three delivered genre-spanning performances, from rock legends to rising stars, closing BottleRock 2025 with energy, emotion, and unforgettable moments.
The final day of BottleRock 2025 unfolded under clear skies and warm sun, offering a diverse lineup that spanned genres and generations, culminating in an electrifying performance by Cage the Elephant.
The day commenced with Canadian singer-songwriter Goldie Boutilier, who brought an air of cinematic glamour to the Jam Cellars stage. Dressed in retro-chic ’70s fashion that echoed her vintage-inspired sound, Boutilier captivated early risers with a set that blended classic torch-song stylings with modern alt-pop sensibilities. Her sultry vocals evoked comparisons to Lana Del Rey and Nancy Sinatra, weaving tales of love, longing, and melancholy through tracks like “Cowboy Gangster Politician” and “The Actress.” It was a sophisticated, slow-burn opener that drew the audience in with its moody elegance.
Following her was Bella Rayne, the self-taught teenage guitar prodigy, who raised the emotional temperature with a deeply soulful set that showcased both technical guitar prowess and raw vulnerability. With a guitar sound that moved effortlessly between blues riffs and southern rock-tinged solos, Rayne delivered the festival a set that resonated with early festivalgoers seeking authenticity. Accompanied by a minimalist band that let her music shine, she filled the Prudential stage with quiet intensity.
Allen Stone brought his signature blend of R&B, soul, and a dash of funk to the BottleRock stage, immediately warming up the midday crowd with his infectious energy and undeniable charisma. Dressed in a country-inspired, brown singing cowboy suit, Stone radiated joy from the moment he stepped up to the mic, launching into a set that was as much about connection as it was about performance. His powerhouse vocals—equal parts smooth and gritty—soared through his familiar hit tracks eliciting cheers and singalongs from fans both longtime and new. Stone’s ability to blend uplifting lyrics with heartfelt vulnerability was on full display, making his set one of the most emotionally resonant of the day, creating a communal moment of joy, soul, and honest musicality.
Indie-pop artist Bel delivered a dreamy, synth-laden performance that served as a gentle and atmospheric interlude amid the festival’s afternoon momentum. Draped in soft lighting and washed in pastel visuals, her set exuded a calm, intimate vibe that invited listeners to slow down and sink into her sonic world. With ethereal vocals and lush, layered production, Bel performed a series of introspective tracks that explored themes of longing, identity, and emotional nuance. The set felt almost cinematic, with gentle swells of synth and minimalist beats creating a hazy soundscape perfect for a sun-dappled mid-afternoon in Napa. For many festivalgoers, it was a moment to exhale, reflect, and simply get lost in the music.
Grace Bowers & the Hodge Podge delivered one of the afternoon’s most jaw-dropping sets, fusing gritty Southern rock with funk, soul, and blues in a way that felt both reverent and revolutionary. At just 17 years old, Bowers commanded the stage with guitar work well beyond her years—equal parts fire and finesse—channeling the swagger of classic rock legends with a fresh, modern sensibility. Backed by her powerhouse ensemble, the Hodge Podge, Bowers tore through solos that left jaws on the floor and heads shaking in disbelief. Originals and covers alike were reimagined with tight arrangements and extended instrumental sections, transforming the performance into a full-on groove session. By the time the set wrapped, it was clear that Bowers is not just a prodigy—she’s a rising star redefining what a guitar hero can be.
Jam band Eggy took the stage with a sense of purpose and playfulness, quickly winning over the crowd with their genre-blending improvisation and undeniable chemistry. The Connecticut-based quartet moved fluidly between funk-infused grooves, jazzy detours, and classic rock-inspired riffs, showcasing both their technical prowess and instinctive synergy. Each song felt like a journey, with spontaneous solos and rhythm shifts that kept even the most seasoned jam-band fans on their toes. By the end of their set, they had transformed the stage into a celebration of live spontaneity, drawing cheers from a crowd fully locked into their ever-evolving soundscape.
In contrast, Australian singer-songwriter Hazlett followed with a performance that pulled the energy inward. With emotive lyrics and warm, textural instrumentation, his set was a masterclass in vulnerability. Accompanied by sparse acoustic and electronic elements, Hazlett created atmospheric soundscapes that seemed to float on the breeze, encouraging quiet reflection rather than overt movement. His songs, often rooted in themes of nostalgia, loss, and self-discovery, resonated deeply with listeners seeking a more introspective festival moment.
Hans Williams delivered a heartfelt and emotionally resonant set that showcased his rising star power and raw lyrical talent. The Vermont-based singer-songwriter captivated the crowd with his blend of indie folk and alt-rock, channeling a vulnerability that felt both intimate and universal. With a warm, textured voice and deeply personal lyrics, Williams explored themes of mental health, self-discovery, and resilience—striking a chord with an audience that responded with quiet reverence and visible connection. Tracks like “All Is Well” and “Nosebleed” stood out for their cathartic honesty, while his stripped-down acoustic moments highlighted the strength of his songwriting. Williams’ unassuming stage presence only amplified the authenticity of his performance, making his set one of the most quietly powerful of the day.
Vacations energized the audience with their jangly guitars, sun-soaked melodies, and effortlessly cool demeanor that perfectly suited the BottleRock afternoon. Hailing from Newcastle, Australia, the indie rock quartet delivered a set brimming with breezy hooks and wistful lyrics, tapping into the emotional undercurrents of youth, longing, and carefree escapism. Their laid-back charisma and tight musicianship made songs like “Telephones” and “Relax” instant crowd-pleasers, drawing festivalgoers closer to the stage and into their shimmering sonic world.
Then came Goose, whose highly anticipated set lived up to its hype and then some. With a loyal fanbase already gathered at the stage, the Connecticut-based jam band launched into a high-octane performance filled with complex rhythms, extended instrumental passages, and seamless transitions. Their mix of jam-band fluidity and indie-rock sensibility ignited the crowd, who danced fervently as the band wove between their signature tracks and unexpected detours. The band’s dynamic interplay and virtuosic solos showcased why they’ve become one of the most buzzed-about live acts on the circuit. By the time their set came to a close, it was clear they had delivered one of the most electrifying performances of the day.
The tequila-swigging Mexican sensation Carin León brought a vibrant dose of regional pride and musical authenticity to BottleRock, infusing the afternoon with his powerful vocals and heartfelt storytelling. Opening his set with a playful question in Spanish—“¿Dónde están todos mis Mexicanos borrachos?” (“Where are all my drunk Mexicans?”)—he was met with a huge roar of approval that echoed across the festival grounds. Backed by a tight band that could swell to over 30 members, featuring accordion, bajo sexto, and tuba, León delivered a spirited performance that blended traditional norteño and banda sounds with touches of contemporary pop and country.
Khruangbin’s genre-blending set, combining elements of soul, funk, psychedelia, and global grooves, unfolded like a hypnotic dream as the sun began to dip behind the Napa hills. The Houston-based trio—bassist Laura Lee, guitarist Mark Speer, and drummer Donald “DJ” Johnson—hardly needed words to communicate, letting their intricate instrumentals speak volumes. With Lee & DJ dressed in their signature stylish attire, they delivered a seamless flow of lush, reverb-drenched melodies and laid-back rhythms that transported the audience to faraway sonic landscapes.
With Speer’s fluid guitar work echoing surf rock and Thai funk, Lee’s magnetic stage presence and deep, elastic basslines, and Johnson’s understated yet precise drumming, the band created a vibe that was both chilled-out and deeply immersive. Highlights included extended renditions of “People Everywhere (Still Alive)” and “So We Won’t Forget,” with subtle improvisations and tasteful transitions that rewarded attentive listeners. The crowd swayed in unison, fully locked into the band’s unhurried tempo and transcendental atmosphere. Khruangbin didn’t just perform—they conjured a mood, proving once again that music doesn’t always need lyrics to tell a powerful story.
The 79-year-old legendary guitarist Robby Krieger of The Doors took the Prudential stage with quiet confidence, delivering a set steeped in rock history that transported the audience back in time. Backed by a tight ensemble of seasoned musicians and younger players, Krieger’s signature guitar tone rang out across the festival grounds, unmistakably evoking the psychedelic spirit of the late ’60s. Songs like “Five to One,” “Peace Frog,” and the iconic “LA Woman” were met with enthusiastic cheers, as fans—many of whom weren’t even born during The Doors’ heyday—sang along with reverence.
Krieger’s playing remained fluid and expressive, each solo a reminder of the pioneering role he played in shaping the sound of classic rock. He also read some of his late bandmate Jim Morrison’s poetry between songs, offering a glimpse into the era and experiences behind the music, which lent the set a warmly nostalgic and personal touch. As dusk approached, his performance served as a poignant bridge between generations, a living link to rock’s revolutionary past, and a rare opportunity to witness one of music’s true icons in his element.
As night fell and excitement and anticipation reached a fever pitch, Cage the Elephant took the stage for a headlining performance that brought BottleRock 2025 to a triumphant close. With an eruption of lights and sound, the Grammy-winning alt-rockers launched into a set that was equal parts chaos and catharsis. Frontman Matt Shultz—well dressed and channeling his signature blend of manic energy and emotional vulnerability—held the audience in the palm of his hand from the first note. He leapt, crawled, and danced across the stage with abandon, making every inch his canvas.
Backed by the band’s tight musicianship and sonic versatility, Shultz led the charge through a thunderous setlist that included anthems like “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked,” “Come a Little Closer,” “Mess Around,” and their newer material from the 2024 album Neon Pillbox. Each song was delivered with unrelenting intensity, the kind that made the ground shake and the crowd roar in euphoric unison.
The band’s dynamic interplay—guitarist Brad Shultz’s gritty riffs, Jared Champion’s propulsive drumming, and Daniel Tichenor’s anchoring bass—created a soundscape that was both fierce and unfiltered, yet nuanced enough to showcase the group’s evolution. A particularly moving moment came during “Trouble,” when the crowd lit up the night sky with phone lights, swaying in collective emotion.
By the time the final encore rang out, BottleRock’s three-day journey had reached its euphoric crescendo. Cage the Elephant didn’t just headline—they ignited a closing celebration that will echo long after the amps cool down.
Throughout the day, attendees also indulged in gourmet offerings, such as the famed lobster corn dog with caviar and the Godzilla Sumo Dog, enhancing the festival’s reputation as a haven for both music and culinary enthusiasts.
2025’s iteration of BottleRock once again delivered on its reputation of being one of the world’s finest festivals as its final day showcased a harmonious blend of emerging talents and seasoned legends, delivering a rich menu of gastro delights from world-class restaurants and tapestry of performances that celebrated the universal language of music.
