Rebelution Festimonial

Article by: Laura Mason|@masonlazarus

Mon May 19, 2014 | 00:00 AM


Rebelution may be the most popular band you've never heard of. Pioneers of the California Reggae genre, Rebelution plays up to 120 shows a year, and they are fixtures on the festival circuit, having performed at Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits. We caught up with drummer Wesley Finley to talk to him about some of his favorite festival experiences.


What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you at a festival?

The funniest/craziest thing would have to be when our flights got delayed and we showed up to our set at Outside Lands with an hour or so to spare, and on next to no sleep. It was such a dream of ours [to play Outside Lands] and we weren’t sure if we were even going to make the show! We barely pulled it off and were so pumped when we finally made it on the stage.

What is your favorite festival to perform at and why?

I’d say there’s a top 3 on my list. Cali Roots is a fun one for me because it’s become the biggest reggae-centric festival and it takes place in my hometown so I get to be the hero for a day. Lollapalooza is another one because it’s in an urban setting in one of the greatest US cities. It’s a nice change of pace from the really rural festivals. Hangout has become one of the top festivals too and for good reason, you get to be on the beach the whole time! Not too many festivals can boast that.

Have you met anyone at a festival that you’ve formed a lasting relationship with (friends, spouses, business partners, etc)?

My second date with my girlfriend was actually at Wakarusa, so that will forever hold a special place in my heart. We went and watched Skrillex in a late night tent show before he got too huge. Everyone was sweatily dancing and throwing glow sticks when the beat dropped. I’ll never forget that moment.

Do you have any memories as a fan (rather than a performer) attending festivals?

Fate dealt me a winning card when our band was scheduled immediately after one of my favorite bands on the same stage at Outside Lands. I got to meet Dallas Green of City and Colour moments before he went onstage and while I was setting up my drums. I took a picture with him and showed him my Alexisonfire tattoo, which he has also. Needless to say I was on cloud nine going into my set.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen a fan do at a festival?

One year at Cali Roots there were two people having sex right out in the open, no inhibitions. People get pretty wasted at this festival but I couldn’t believe they couldn’t make it back to the hotel or campsite, which are both within walking distance. At least find a bush or a cardboard box!