Who's headlining "Boardwalk Rock" now? Rob Zombie steps in after Mötley Crüe and Alice In Chains exit

Rock icon Rob Zombie has officially stepped in to co-headline the opening night of Ocean City's Boardwalk Rock Festival.

Rob Zombie replaces Alice in Chains, who had previously taken over from Mötley Crüe following health-related cancellations that have disrupted the original 2026 lineup in recent weeks.

The festival is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Mötley Crüe was among the notable names set to start the festival, alongside Def Leppard. Mötley Crüe dropped out in early April due to frontman Vince Neil's medical concerns. As a result, organizers brought in Alice in Chains as their replacement.

However, on Friday, May 9, 2025, Alice in Chains also pulled out due to drummer Sean Kinney's health emergency. Finally, Rob Zombie's name was announced on Saturday afternoon as a headliner.

The inaugural Boardwalk Rock Festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, and Sunday, May 18, 2025. It will take place on the Inlet Beach and Boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland. The producers of the event are Oceans Calling and Country Calling.

The two-day event will feature three stages of rock performances, local food vendors, access to amusement rides, and shuttle transportation across town.

Lineup changes of the Boardwalk Rock Festival before Rob Zombie's entry

At first, Mötley Crüe exited due to health concerns involving Vince Neil. Then came the late addition of Alice in Chains. However, they only canceled the appearance a month later after Kinney was hospitalized on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Although the band clarified that the medical issue was not life-threatening and drummer Kinney's long-term prognosis was positive, they chose to cancel all upcoming shows, including the Boardwalk Rock Festival schedule.

Alice in Chains shared in a statement:

"After careful consideration and following the advice of medical professionals, we have made the decision to cancel our upcoming festival performances and the ALICE IN CHAINS headline shows."

It also added:

"While we were all eager to return to the stage, Sean’s health is our top priority at this moment. Although the issue requires immediate attention, his long-term prognosis is positive. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and support during this time."

Now, Rob Zombie is officially set to perform after Def Leppard on the opening night.