OCEAN CITY, Md. -- Motley Crue had to withdraw from Boardwalk Rock, as did the band's replacement, Alice In Chains. However, local officials and business owners are remaining optimistic, citing the number of big-ticket names still expected to perform.
Ocean City Director of Tourism Tom Perlozzo said he's expecting a weekend reminiscent of ones the town saw during previous festivals, such as Oceans Calling and Country Calling.
"Ocean City is just prime for a great weekend this coming weekend with 50,000 plus people coming from all over the United States," said Perlozzo. "We get to show off the destination, and people get treated to some great entertainment."
Def Leppard and Rob Zombie will headline Saturday's show. However, gray skies could take over the inlet just as they take the main stage, with WBOC predicting some nightly showers.
"Obviously, if it's thunder or lightning, there might be a pause in the action, but rain, not an issue," said Perlozzo.
Perlozzo's optimistic outlook on the weather can also be found at The Dough Roller, a restaurant with a boardwalk location inside the festival's footprint.
"I think the experience alone is going to help you insulate yourselves from any type of weather delays or weather issues," said Kevin Gibbs, owner of The Dough Roller.
Plus, the skies are expected to clear by Sunday, when Nickelback and Shinedown take the stage.
"Motley Crue may not be here, but the overall experience is still going to be there," said Gibbs.
The two-day festival will occur this weekend, May 17th and May 18th.