Rock Bands Including Cage the Elephant Perform at Nashville's CMA Fest 2026
By
Joseph Hudak
Pulled from the oven just right. Trustworthy, fact-dense, deeply satisfying.
Summary
During the 2026 CMA Fest in Nashville, over 20 rock bands including Cage the Elephant, Dexter and the Moonrocks, Mod Sun, and New Translations performed at Jon Bon Jovi's honky-tonk JBJ's on Lower Broadway, showcasing that Music City embraces more than just country music. While major country headliners like Cody Johnson and Keith Urban played Nissan Stadium, rock acts took over multiple stages, highlighting Nashville's diverse musical landscape.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledMore than 20 rock bands and artists descended upon Nashville's Lower Broadway on Friday during the heart of the 2026 CMA Fest to show that Music City is more than just three chords and the truth.
While country fans crossed the pedestrian bridge to see Cody Johnson and Keith Urban headline Nissan Stadium, Cage the Elephant, Dexter and the Moonrocks, Edgehill, Mod Sun, and New Translations were playing over three stages at Jon Bon Jovi's Nashville honky-tonk, JBJ's.
In a bit of irony, a band in the window of a branded country-star bar across the street was heard covering Guns N' Roses.
You might also wanna read
Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, and Jon Bon Jovi Perform at 250-Year American Music Celebration in New Jersey
Bruce Springsteen headlined the second and final night of Music America: The Songs that Shaped Us, a two-day concert at the OceanFirst Bank
Stereogum·2d ago
Austin City Limits 2026 Lineup Announced: Charli XCX, Lorde, The xx to Headline 25th Anniversary Festival
Austin City Limits music festival has announced its 2026 lineup for its 25th anniversary, taking place over two weekends (Oct. 2-4 and Oct.
Stereogum·1mo ago
Tom Morello Announces 'Power to the People' Festival with Springsteen, Foo Fighters, and More
Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine) has announced the 'Power to the People' festival, a non-partisan event focused on peace, justice, sol
Variety·11d ago
iHeartRadio Music Festival 2026 Announces Lineup: BTS, Cardi B, Benson Boone Among Headliners
The iHeartRadio Music Festival 2026, presented by Capital One, will take place September 18-19 at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena. Hosted by Ryan
Variety·6d ago
Iron Blossom Festival 2026 Announces LCD Soundsystem and Jack White as Headliners
The Iron Blossom Festival in Richmond, Virginia has announced its 2026 lineup, headlined by LCD Soundsystem and Jack White, taking place Sep
Stereogum·1mo ago
Pop Montreal Announces Initial 2026 Lineup for 25th Anniversary Edition
Pop Montreal has announced the initial lineup for its 2026 edition, which will also mark the festival's 25th anniversary. The event is sched
Stereogum·19d ago