Rocklahoma was held on Labor Day weekend in Pryor, Okla. Even though the weather threatened to ruin the event, guests refused to let a little rain damper their good time.
Almost 70,000 people walked through the gates to listen to some of their favorite bands like Drowning Pool, Five Finger Death Punch, Alice Cooper and others. The band Drowning Pool didn’t have to travel too far to take the stage on Saturday, August 31.
The band, which came up with the name from a 1976 movie of the same name, was formed in 1996 in Dallas, Texas. Consists of three original members - guitarist C.J. Pierce, drummer Mike Luce and bassist Stevie Benton. Ryan McCombs is the current lead vocalist. McCombs originally joined the band in 2005 but left in 2011. He returned in 2023.
The band initially started out as an instrumental trio but added vocals in 1999 when they added Dave Williams. Unfortunately, Williams wasfounddeadontheir tour bus in 2002. His death was from an undiagnosed heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Pierce and Benton have traveledtheworldwhiletouring with Drowning Pool. One thingthatBentonmakessure to never leave home without is extra underwear and his lucky hat. Pierce refuses to leave without his guitar and lucky watch.
While traveling the world, the band has played at many places, from giant arenas to smaller venues. Benton said he enjoys playing at both places because they each have their positive aspects.
“There is nothing like playing in front of thousands of people,” Benton said. “We just did our European tour, it’s amazing to have 150,000 people sing your song back to you.”
Pierce added that smaller theaters can be just as amazing to perform at.
“When you’re playing the smaller theaters and clubs, there’s an intimacy that’s hard to beat,” Pierce said.
Benton said that as long as there is a good crowd and the energy is there, “any place is awesome”.
In the almost 30 years of performing, the band has been blessed to be able to perform with many legendary bands, some of them even icons in the band members’ eyes. Benton and Pierce said that they would have loved to be able to perform with Led Zepplin, Aerosmith and AC/DC.
When It comes to advice for younger musicians, Benton laughed and said,” don’t do it.”
“Five or ten years ago, if somebodywould’veaskedme that, I would’ve said ‘go back to school,’” Benton said seriously. “However, if the bug is in you, do it 100%. Don’t only go halfway, go all the way.”