Alcohol-free Midlands concert Rock 4 Recovery reveals ‘Wonderful’ ‘90s rock headliner
An annual alcohol-free concert aimed at creating a safe space and raising awareness about “the power and healing of recovery from substance misuse” has announced a 2024 headliner that lines up well with that mission.
Rock 4 Recovery, which returns in its fifth year to Lexington’s Icehouse Amphitheater on Oct. 4, announced Tuesday that it will feature a performance from Everclear.
The band was massive from the mid-’90s through to the start of the new millennium, going platinum with three-straight albums (1995’s “Sparkle and Fade,” 1997’s “So Much for the Afterglow” and 2000’s “Songs from an American Movie Vol. One: Learning How to Smile”) and releasing a string of enduring singles (including “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine,” “I Will Buy You a New Life” and “Wonderful”).
But just as important for Rock for Recovery — put on by LRADAC, the state-designated alcohol and drug abuse authority covering the counties of Lexington and Richland — is lead singer and songwriter Art Alexakis’ openness and advocacy concerning his own recovery.
He “has an amazing background being 35 years sober and also helping others in the recovery community,” noted LRADAC Director of Communications Robbie Robertson in an email.
“I realize that I would not have been able to achieve what I’ve achieved both professionally and personally — my music, my band, and most importantly, my family and my friends — if I was still using and drinking,” Alexakis is quoted in a news release. “When it comes to recovery, there is no magic pill. It takes work. Being in a 12-step program has been a real blessing in my life, and I am very grateful for my sobriety.”
Proceeds from the annual concert — previously headlined by other bolts of ‘90s nostalgia in Taylor Dayne, Sister Hazel and Edwin McCain — go toward the presenting organization’s services and programs, “including assistance to persons in financial distress so they can participate in LRADAC’s treatment and recovery services for themselves and their families,” the release details.
Tickets for the event, which will feature an array of local food trucks, cost $30 and are available at R4R24.eventbrite.com.
This story was originally published July 24, 2024 at 5:30 AM.
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