Power Trip: 7 Things We Hope to See at the Event
Power Trip was announced today (March 30), and even seven months out, it’s hard to argue it won’t be the biggest rock event of 2023. The three-day lineup for the…
Power Trip was announced today (March 30), and even seven months out, it's hard to argue it won't be the biggest rock event of 2023.
The three-day lineup for the event taking place October 6-8 in Indio, Calif. gathers six of the biggest hard rock/heavy metal acts of all time. One of these bands performing a show is a big deal, but when you get Guns N' Roses, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica and Tool at the same event? That is nothing short of historic.
Even though the event was literally just announced, we can't help but think about what all could happen over the course of those three days in October. From the surprising to the funny, here are seven things we hope to see at Power Trip.
Axl Rose performing with AC/DC along with Brian Johnson
Mike Coppola/Getty ImagesWhen Brian Johnson was forced to step down from AC/DC in 2016 due to issues pertaining to hearing loss, Axl Rose was tapped to fill in on vocal duties and help the Aussie icons finish up their remaining tour dates in support of their album ‘Rock Or Bust.’ Johnson said in an October 2022 interview with Ultimate Classic Rock he never sought out any footage from Rose’s performances, but “I bear no grudges [toward Rose.]” However, he also said of Rose fronting AC/DC, “It's like finding a stranger in your house, sitting in your favorite chair.” It sure would be cool to see the two of them trading vocals on stage together. Perhaps, they could do that with a Bon Scott-era song.
Any crossover between GN'R and Metallica
Amy Sussman, Noam Galai/Getty ImagesOne of the biggest and, perhaps, most infamous tours in rock history was in 1992 when Guns N’ Roses and Metallica embarked on a massive co-headlining tour. GN’R was promoting ‘Use Your Illusion I & 2’ while Metallica was promoting “The Black Album.” The tour had its share of controversy, including James Hetfield suffering second and third degree burns due to a horrible pyrotechnics miscue. The two bands haven’t really crossed paths much since, so any sort of guesting on either set would be incredible.
Robert Trujillo performing with Ozzy Osbourne
Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesBefore joining Metallica in 2003, Trujillo’s biggest gig was as the bassist in Osbourne’s backing band. Having a moment where Trujillo joins Ozzy on stage would be special and show the connection between some of the acts on the Power Trip bill.
Having any of the guests from Ozzy Osbourne's past two LPs join him on stage
Harry How/Getty ImagesThe Prince of Darkness has released two albums in the past three years: 2020’s ‘Ordinary Man’ and 2022’s ‘Patient Number 9.’ Both albums are chock-full of guest appearances. Some of those guests are already on the Power Trip bill including the aforementioned Trujillo and Guns N’ Roses members Duff McKagan and Slash. However, there are plenty of other big names that could show up and perform with Osbourne during his set. Those names are a who’s who of rock gods including Tony Iommi, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Travis Scott, Chad Smith, Mike McCready, Josh Homme and Chris Chaney. Don’t be surprised if Ozzy’s set has the most guests at the entire event.
Metallica joins Iron Maiden on stage
Maria IvesMetallica has never been shy about the influence Iron Maiden had on them, especially James Hetfield. What if the ‘Tallica guys joined Maiden on stage? Perhaps, Papa Het could sing vocals on a track from the Paul Di’Anno-era of Maiden. However something like this would shake out, it would be a wonderful moment of two metal giants joining forces live.
Maynard James Keenan hosts a wine tasting
Steven Ferdman/Getty ImagesWhile the organizers of Power Trip have insisted this is an “event” and not a “festival,” we find it hard to believe that there won’t be any other activities available besides the performances themselves. Considering the grand nature of Power Trip, those other activities should also be grand. What wine-loving Tool fan wouldn’t want to attend a wine tasting hosted by Maynard James Keenan where he highlights the latest and greatest offerings from his own winery, Caduceus Cellars? This is something the festival could charge extra for, thus, making them more money. It would be a win-win for everyone involved.
Storytime with Zakk Wylde
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty ImagesThis one is silly, but it would be a lot of fun. Many people on the Power Trip bill have released memoirs, including Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde. Why not have Wylde read a passage from his book and some of the other books written by artists playing Power Trip. Wylde could deliver his trademark sense of humor in the process and riff on different passages. Frankly, the potential for hilarity is unlimited.
