Rock music fans can expect an evening of high-energy performances, crowd interaction and a celebration of local music when Rock'n On the River takes place throughout the summer at Campbellton Landing. This month’s lineup, held on June 19, features Mostley Crue, a longtime Mötley Crüe tribute band from the Raleigh area, and Fayetteville's own Fear State, a modern rock band with roots in the local music scene. Although their musical styles differ, both bands share a passion for live performance and connecting with audiences.
Fear State will open the show at 6 p.m., and Mostley Crue will follow at 8 p.m.
For Mostley Crue, that connection begins with a love of classic hard rock.
"We are Mostley Crue, a Mötley Crüe tribute band based out of the Raleigh area," said lead singer Gabriel Pettit. "We've been performing together for 19 years. Our goal is to recreate the music as closely to the original recordings as possible and give fans an authentic concert experience."
Fear State takes a different approach, drawing from the nu-metal and hard rock sounds that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
"Our sound ranges from bands like Godsmack, Papa Roach and Killswitch Engage," said founder Bernie "B-Man" Mangiboyat. "It's a mix of different eras of music because of the ages of our members."
Both bands have unique origin stories. Pettit explained that Mostley Crue was formed almost by accident after a guitarist volunteered him to audition for a tribute project without his knowledge.
"I wasn't even sure I could sing Mötley Crüe's music because it's a demanding vocal style," Pettit said. "But I decided to give it a try, got the part and it's grown from there."
For Mangiboyat, the inspiration came after a life-changing health challenge.
"After my hospitalization from COVID in 2021, I wanted to put a band together," he said. "We just wanted to play live."
When asked what makes their bands unique, both pointed to the way their music connects with audiences. Pettit said he is continually surprised by how Mötley Crüe's music resonates with younger generations.
"We've had five- and six-year-olds singing along to songs from the band's first album," he said. "It's amazing to see kids and college students singing along to songs that came out decades ago."
Mangiboyat said Fear State's sound is familiar while still offering something fresh.
"We have a sound that fits the songs we cover and the music we write," he said.
Fans attending Rock'n On the River can expect plenty of energy from both bands. Pettit promises an authentic Mötley Crüe experience featuring the band's biggest hits and signature attitude. Mangiboyat offered a similar guarantee.
"A high-energy rock show is what people can expect," he said. "We give our best no matter if there are five people in the crowd or 5,000."
Audience interaction is also a major part of Fear State's performances.
"We love to engage the crowd," Mangiboyat said. "Sometimes if they're sitting there, we bring the show out to them and make them part of it."
For both bands, performing live remains one of the most rewarding aspects of being musicians. Pettit enjoys watching multiple generations of fans come together through music, while Mangiboyat sees live shows as an opportunity to help people escape everyday stress.
"I love taking people away from their everyday problems by showing them a good time," he said. "I especially love seeing kids in the audience. Maybe they'll see us play and decide they want to pick up an instrument."
Both musicians also recognize the value of community events such as Rock'n On the River. Mangiboyat noted that events like these help unite Fayetteville's music scene and introduce local artists to new audiences. He is also excited that proceeds from the concert help support the Karen Chandler Trust, which assists local cancer patients with expenses during treatment.
"It's such a great local charity," he said.
The concert itself is free, but parking costs $10. Rock'n On The River is organized by Greg Adair, and could not be possible without a sponsorship from Healy Wholesale. Concert goers are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs or something comfy to sit on. Outside coolers are not allowed.
Whether fans are drawn by the nostalgia of classic Mötley Crüe hits or the powerful energy of Fear State, Rock'n On the River promises an evening of memorable performances, with both bands dedicated to giving audiences exactly what Mangiboyat describes,"We give you everything we've got."