The end of summer in Oklahoma City always comes with one guarantee: Rock 100.5 The KATT is throwing their annual birthday party, better known as Kattfest. This year, thousands of rock fans packed into the Lucky Star Casino Amphitheater for a stacked lineup of bands that truly define the spirit of the station. From the local “Battle for Kattfest” winners 9 Left Dead, to heavy-hitters like Fuel, Candlebox, Bush, and the evening’s powerhouse headliners Staind, it was a night of pure musical therapy.
9 Left Dead had the honor of opening after snagging their spot through the battle of the bands contest. They set the tone perfectly, proving why they deserved to be on this bill. The early crowd that showed up was rewarded with a tight, energetic set that got heads nodding and hands in the air.
The energy shifted gears when country-rock duo Lakeview hit the stage. Frontmen Jesse Denaro and Luke Healy blended southern grit with rock swagger, keeping fans on their feet. Their version of Hinder’s “Lips of an Angel” was a surprise highlight, and with beers raised high, the crowd was fully locked in for the rest of the night.
When Fuel took over, nostalgia and adrenaline collided. Aaron Scott had fans in the palm of his hand, especially when he jumped onto the barricades to belt out lyrics shoulder-to-shoulder with the crowd. Decades in, Fuel still delivers everything their fans crave — the songs hit just as hard today as they did 20 years ago.
A brief delay didn’t stop Candlebox from storming the stage, with Kevin Martin apologizing for the late arrival before unleashing a set that had fans singing along word-for-word. Their post-grunge sound reminded everyone why they’ve remained a cornerstone of ‘90s rock, and the energy they brought elevated the anticipation for what was still to come.
That anticipation exploded the second Bush hit the stage. Gavin Rossdale remains a force of nature — darting across the stage with the same passion he’s carried since the ‘90s. When the band tore through “Everything Zen” and “Glycerine,” the entire amphitheater became one massive sing-along. Rossdale’s jump into the crowd sent fans into a frenzy, making it one of the most unforgettable moments of the night.
Finally, the headliners everyone was waiting for: Staind. Aaron Lewis and the band unleashed a set that proved why they’ve remained one of the most enduring names in rock. Guitarist Mike Mushok was unstoppable, shredding with a level of energy that commanded the spotlight. The band’s set hit hard, but the night’s most powerful moment came when Lewis stayed on stage alone with an acoustic guitar to perform “Epiphany.” Goosebumps filled the amphitheater. By the time they closed with “Wannabe,” it was clear there weren’t many haters in this crowd — just thousands of satisfied fans soaking up every last note.
Kattfest 2025 was everything fans hoped for: a celebration of rock, nostalgia, and community. As the amps cooled down and fans spilled into the night, one thing was certain — the countdown to Kattfest 2026 has already begun.
