A Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party That Speaks Only the Language of “Hell Yeah,” Screams, “Give it to Me, Baby,” and Inspires Your Legs to Move of Their Own Accord – Officially.
LoveEighty-three years ago, a man named Pappy knew that to throw a proper party you had to set the right mood. If he were advising on first dates, that might include a flower on the seat, a bottle of wine on moonlit haystacks and her arms wrapped around you when you…ride home. But Pappy wasn’t there to stare deep into your eyes and make babies. Instead, he was about to launch the world’s largest motorcycle rally – a party he knew would require high energy, entertainment, and, let’s not forget, smiling faces. There’s more to the formula you don’t know. First, let’s be honest. When someone invites you to an event, you ask yourself, “Is that worth submitting a vacation request, packing gear, and pushing myself up off this couch?” “Does it make my spirit say, ‘Hell yeahs,’ my heart scream, ‘Give it to me, baby,’ and my legs move in that direction by themselves?” The reality is that to commit to spicing up your life, it needs to satisfy a deep curiosity, be part of something authentic, and make you feel more alive. Getting out the door shouldn’t be that hard, but sometimes it is. That’s why, on the very first kickoff of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, WHAT DID PAPPY HOEL DO? He smashed through a wall of fire! (SURPRISE!) He threw a picnic. (FREE FOOD, GUYS!!!) He had friends lock handlebars while going fast around corners on motorcycles. (WHO KNEW IT’D BE SO MUCH FUN?) Saying it without saying it, Pappy said, WE AREN’T HERE ONLY TO RACE. WE’RE HERE TO LET LOOSE, ENTERTAIN EACH OTHER, SLAP BACKS, AND SMILE. At that original festivity, you bet that more than one person experienced their first “Holy S***!” moment and talked about it with their friends after. Although we find comfort in the known, predictable and commonplace, it’s the unusual, random, and surprising that cements a place in our memories, flavors our stories and impacts our lives, sometimes even changing them. The Legendary Buffalo Chip understands this when planning its Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party. They know you don’t come to read “The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” in your tent; you do that at home between monotonous, on-repeat workdays. Repeat doesn’t belong at a good party. Each smile should feel fresher than the last. Otherwise, you’re not at the Best Party Anywhere. Ironically, one thing people will repeat is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Not because of an addiction to Jager Bombs, deepening connections with friends, and smiles that grow into laughs that hurt. Well yeah, that. But also, because even the 10th time you visit, there is a new takeaway, friend, and smile to find. You can fall in love, lust, and get married at the rally. You can come for decades, make more friends than you have back home, and request that your friends spread your ashes there. I received an email the other day that read, “My husband recently passed away. He rode to Sturgis starting in 1961 and rode there for his last ride in 2022. He attended 61 years consecutively. Everyone thought he must have been a badass. No, he was just a biker obsessed with Sturgis.” The rally touches you in unusual, random and unexpected ways. Every year is different, exciting, and new, which is why we celebrate life at Sturgis. You might not be surprised to find there’s still a strong tradition of smashing through walls to kick off the party. This time, however, the smashing comes with a twist. In the spirit of Pappy, the founder of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Joe Mielke and I will smash through a wall of 1,440 cans of beer, not fire, with homemade battering rams mounted to the front of our bikes to welcome in the Buffalo Chip’s Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party. Why beer? Because a wall of fire seems so, you know, 1938. And we’d like to open some refreshments for you. To add spice to the excitement, Jason Lightner and his entourage will follow through the spurting wreckage in a motorized couch, two-wheeled Sea-Doo, boat, mini bikes, other mechanical creations, and a street roller to finish the job. But the Beer Wall Smash is only a tiny part of the fun that will get you off the couch and kickstart the rally with a bash. This year, join a parade of motorcyclists into The Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling’s amphitheater for the “grandest first day in Sturgis Rally history.” The party begins at the Big Engine Bar with the Support Bikers Moto Meetup. Then, line up and parade into the amphitheater. The Buffalo Chip Bikini Models will take the stage with their “Everything But Clothes!” Homemade Bikini Contest. Next, the Hot Hunks will face off against the gals, show off their homemade mankinis, and keep the smiles coming. We’ll also get serious and recognize that all this fun is a freedom we don’t take for granted with the Star-Spangled Banner and, with the help of your throttle hand, a thunderous roar at the front of the stage to power up The Best Party Anywhere and welcome in ZZ TOP at the no. 1 Sturgis Rally destination—the Sturgis Buffalo Chip!! If this all seems a bit unusual, the kickoff is meant to remind us why we left the confines of our boring jobs, help us escape the scrutiny and stresses of everyday life, and set the tone for the next nine days of music, motorcycles, freedom and friends. It might even set the tone for your future. If that rings true to you, here’s what you should do. Get out the door. Leave your work and routine behind. Add unusual, random, surprising excitement to your life, and join the Not So Unusual – Officially Part of a Long Tradition – Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party at the Legendary Buffalo Chip. That’s the rest of the formula for an unprecedented-level good time. Now, stop reading and go have a blast! Your spirit, heart, and legs are already taking you there. Love
3 Reasons You Must Attend the 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
LoveA good adventure is one that doesn’t leave you feeling the same-ole-same-ole, adds excitement to your life, and truly gives you a new story to tell. You may have had one or two that changed your life. And you’ve talked about them non-stop since – the pleasant surprise you had when you discovered that sign at the top of the pass that said “Curves Next 80 Miles,” the sudden hail storm that forced you into a stranger’s driveway who invited you in for coffee and a chat, and later, the tequila, the Aerosmith concert where the singer fell off the stage, and waking up in the wrong tent. Whoops. The truth is that good adventures are few and far between. That’s why when an opportunity threatens to hit you in the face like a flying brick, you should take a moment to see where it’s coming from. In this instance, that proverbial brick heading your way is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, specifically the Legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip. If you have yet to pay attention, you may have missed their promise to womp you good, pump you up with some excitement and get your adventure fix in 2023 with a triple dose of never-to-be-repeated experiences. From death-defying stunts to legendary rock performances and an unforgettable kickoff party, you’ll genuinely do once-in-a-lifetime so many times in one visit that you’ll need a bandage and extra padding to protect your chin from all the times your jaw drops clear to the ground. If all goes according to plan, you should leave the 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with a perma smile stretched across your face and a jaw ready to rattle off a slew of stories that can’t be one-upped. This blog will tell you straight up why you must attend the 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The Death Wire Daredevil Spectacular Unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed, Thursday, Aug. 10, will be an adrenaline-pumping spectacle when Blake Wallenda, a fearless highwire artist, will attempt “The Death Wire Walk” over the Sturgis Buffalo Chip amphitheater. As he braves the treacherous heights, daredevil Kyle Ives will attempt a motorcycle jump over Blake. This act will test their limits and leave you holding your breath. It’s easy to imagine what it will be like if they fail. But imagine how thrilling the excitement will be should they succeed. The significance of this death-defying feat cannot be overstated. Even iconic daredevils Evel Knievel and Karl Wallenda never dared to attempt it. The Death Wire Daredevil Spectacular will also feature ramp-to-ramp jumps by Shawn Ives, Sherco Trials Stunts, and other captivating activities that will leave you in awe. Def Leppard at The Best Party Anywhere® On Thursday, Aug. 10, legendary multi-platinum band Def Leppard hits the Sturgis Music and Motorcycle Festival stage for only the second time in history. Motorcycle enthusiasts and music lovers who’ve had the chance to experience it can agree that the Buffalo Chip’s reputation as The Best Party Anywhere® is well-deserved. The energy and excitement of the happy, smiling faces create a pulsating atmosphere and unforgettable memories. The Buffalo Chip Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party The festivities kick off with a bang at the Sturgis Rally’s Official Kickoff Party and Parade. The first official activity starts at the Buffalo Chip’s Big Engine Bar with the Support Bikers Moto Meetup at 4 pm. The parade lineup begins at 5 pm. At 6:00 pm, hundreds of riders will ride the mile to the amphitheater, where ZZ Top will perform later that night. Once inside the Buffalo Chip amphitheater, the party continues with a Beer Wall Smash, an exhilarating Star-Spangled Banner performance, and live entertainment from the winner of the Sturgis Battle of the Bands. The climax of the evening will come with the iconic rock band ZZ Top. And if that wasn’t enough, the International Bikini Team will add a touch of glamour parading around the stage. The Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party sets the tone for an unforgettable Sturgis Motorcycle Rally experience. It brings together the essence of camaraderie, patriotism, and high-octane entertainment that defines the rally. The down and dirty of it is that when you feel the music, revelry, and electric atmosphere, you’ll understand why the Sturgis Rally is renowned worldwide as the ultimate gathering for motorcycle enthusiasts. There’s no other way to slice it. The 2023 Sturgis Rally will be an extraordinary adventure at the Buffalo Chip. The original destination that brought music and motorcycles together has become synonymous with the excitement, freedom, and true spirit of the Sturgis Rally. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a music enthusiast, or simply seeking an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your life, 2023 presents the answer to each. August 4, 2023, marks a spot on the calendar for an incredible journey to the heart of motorcycle culture. There, courageous daredevils will push the limits of possibility and make history. Timeless melodies and electrifying energy of rock legends will thread people together in a way that only music and authentic human connection can. A celebration with fellow bikers united in a passion for freedom, friends, and the open road awaits for you to step out your front door, lay a leg over your ride, and lean into the adventure. 2023 offers an unforgettable chapter in the rally’s storied history. From the death-defying Death Wire Daredevil Spectacular, featuring Blake Wallenda and Kyle Ives, to the iconic rock performance by Def Leppard, and the unforgettable Buffalo Chip Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party, three once-in-a-lifetime experiences threaten you with a good time you cannot miss. If you want to join the adventure of a lifetime, go to sturgis.com for more information! Love
The Doggfather: Part 2. Snoop Dogg Returns to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip for 2022 Rally
Love Legendary rapper, actor and showman Snoop Dogg returns to the Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling® on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022 Sturgis, S.D. (October 12, 2021): Never one to fit the mold, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip® is breaking barriers once again with the return of Super Bowl-Level entertainer Snoop Dogg on the first Saturday of the 82nd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Based on the massive success of Snoop Dogg’s first visit to the Best Party Anywhere® in 2019, the venue is bringing back the Doggfather for an evening of Sturgis Rally Concerts. See the official concert announcement video at BuffaloChip.com/BANDS. Since 1993, Snoop Dogg has proved time and time again that his music appeals to just about any crowd. From Super Bowl LVI to a motorcycle rally at the Chip, crowds everywhere groove along with mega-hits like “Gin & Juice,” “Nuthin’ But A G Thang,” “Next Episode,” “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Young, Wild & Free,” and so many more. Snoop Dogg in 2019 at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip When we announced Snoop Dogg in 2019, no one knew what to expect. He wasn’t the traditional performer that the Buffalo Chip crowd was accustomed to. But when he took the stage, we were blown away! He had a huge fanbase at the Chip, singing and dancing along to his long list of hit songs. It was an incredible performance. With talent like that, it’s no surprise to me that Snoop Dogg is headlining the Super Bowl this year, and we are darn happy to bring folks here some Super-Bowl-quality entertainment! – Rod Woodruff, CEO of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip The unrivaled Snoop Dogg is the first artist announced for the 2022 Sturgis Buffalo Chip Music and Motorcycle Festival. More announcements coming soon. Performances from the world’s top entertainers are just a part of what the Sturgis Buffalo Chip has in store for 2022. Guests will have the opportunity to experience countless events, including legendary rides, powerful freedom celebrations, top-tier bike shows, heart-pounding stunts, white-knuckle racing events and so much more. The Buffalo Chip is home to the Sturgis Rally Information Center™ and is the official sponsor of the free Sturgis.com Official Sturgis Rally Registration Program. Love
2021 Sturgis Rally Concerts Expand With 4 More Bands
Love Here comes P.O.D., Black Stone Cherry, From Ashes To New and Reverend Horton Heat to join already announced Kid Rod, ZZ Top and Shinedown 2021 Sturgis Rally Concerts. The Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling® is lining up the noise with the addition of four bands with four different takes on the rock genre for the 40th anniversary party this August. P.O.D., Black Stone Cherry, From Ashes To New and Reverend Horton Heat are joining a booming Sturgis Motorcycle Rally lineup that already includes Kid Rock, ZZ Top and Shinedown. The Buffalo Chip’s Sturgis Rally Concert video announcement can be seen at www.BuffaloChip.com/BANDS. “Outdoor concerts are going to be more fun than ever!” said Rod Woodruff, President of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “People are craving live music, and bands are rearing to get out and perform in front of people again. We can’t wait for these bands and more to give our Chip family the fun 40th anniversary festival they deserve.” The Band P.O.D will perform at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip during the 2021 Sturgis Rally P.O.D Since 1992, P.O.D. have experienced relentless success, selling over 10 million records, selling out gigs on multiple continents and logging four Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top 200. The San Diego based quartet will bring their hypnotic hybrid of hard rock, hip-hop, reggae, and alternative to the Wolfman Jack Stage the second Saturday of the Sturgis Rally for the event’s grand finale. Black Stone Cherry will perform at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip during the 2021 Sturgis Rally Black Stone Cherry For two decades, Black Stone Cherry has put forth a new vicious breed of Southern rock, injecting youthful vitality and a myriad of fresh new influences into the beloved American rock tradition. The Kentucky-based rock n’ roll quartet will bring their chart-topping songs to The Best Party Anywhere® on Aug. 13. From Ashes To New will perform at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip during the 2021 Sturgis Rally From Ashes To New Energetic and driven, From Ashes To New exploded onto the scene in 2016 with their unmatched blend of rock, hip-hop, pop and metal. Now riding the success of their sophomore album, “The Future,” From Ashes To New will bring hits like “Panic,” “Through It All,” “Crazy” and more to the Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling Saturday, Aug. 14. Reverend Horton Heat will perform at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip during the 2021 Sturgis Rally Reverend Horton Heat Serving up their wild blues-country-rock groove to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip crowd for 2021 is Reverend Horton Heat. Their unique Texas-based, psychobilly mania will crash the Wolfman Jack Main Stage like a Texas twister on Aug. 8 prior to the American Badass, Kid Rock. Performances by top entertainers are just a part of what the Sturgis Buffalo Chip has in store for their 40th Anniversary in 2021. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience countless events, including legendary rides, powerful freedom celebrations, top-tier bike shows, white-knuckle racing events, and so much more. All events are held outdoors in an open environment for the safest experience possible. Entertainment is free with camping. More announcements are coming soon. A full list of Sturgis Buffalo Chip events is available at www.buffalochip.com/EVENTS. Love
ATTENTION ATTENTION: Shinedown is Coming to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2021
Love Summer Concerts Are Back for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2021! The Sturgis Buffalo Chip is bringing the Sound of Madness to the festival’s lineup with modern rock royalty Shinedown, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021 The Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling® just cranked the throttle and volume with alternative metal chart-toppers Shinedown set to rock the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s 40th-anniversary party. Joining Kid Rock and ZZ Top on the nine-night festival lineup, the Jacksonville, Florida quartet will “Cut The Cord” on fans’ daily grind on the second Friday of the Sturgis Rally. The lineup of the Buffalo Chip’s Sturgis Rally concerts can be seen at www.BuffaloChip.com/BANDS. “Fans deserve the best party we can throw for our 40th anniversary,” said Rod Woodruff, CEO of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “Shinedown has been dominating rock for about 20 years now with hit after hit after hit. It’s going to be one amazing show and an incredible part of this milestone anniversary.” Attendees will be stunned by intense performances from the band’s constantly growing catalog of hits, including fourteen no. 1’s such as “Monsters,” “Get Up,” “Devil,” “How Did You Love,” “State Of My Head,” “Cut the Cord,” and many more. The strength of these tunes has propelled Shinedown’s total album sales to over 10 million copies worldwide, a number that keeps growing alongside a volume of singles dropping from their latest album release, “ATTENTION ATTENTION.” Performances by top entertainers like Kid Rock, ZZ Top and Shinedown are just a part of what the Sturgis Buffalo Chip has in store for their 40th Anniversary in 2021. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience countless events, including legendary rides, powerful freedom celebrations, top-tier bike shows, white-knuckle racing events, and so much more. Entertainment is free with camping. More announcements are coming soon. A full list of Sturgis Buffalo Chip events is available at www.buffalochip.com/EVENTS. Register For the Sturgis Rally Now at https://dev.sturgis.com/registration. Get Your Passes for Shinedown Now at www.buffalochip.com/bands. Love
ZZ Top Announcement, And Gimme All Your Lovin’ Too!
Love The Sturgis Buffalo Chip is bringing in the ultimate, no-nonsense, make-you-party-so-hard-you-forget-what-planet-you’re-on band, ZZ Top, Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021 and showing some Valentine’s Day love by featuring fans in wild internet memes. While the world is busy getting sucked into a black hole of seriousness, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip is bringing blues-rock divinity ZZ Top to the masses as a reminder that good old rock and roll can help bring back their smiles. Festival fans worldwide are getting a ZZ Top announcement from the venue just in time for Valentine’s Day. GIMME ALL YOUR LOVIN’ Since ZZ Top music is about having fun and Valentine’s Day is a time for human connection, the Buffalo Chip is playing around with fans’ hearts using the great unifier of our time – internet memes. Drawing inspiration from ZZ Top’s hit “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” the Chip is connecting fans with the band through composite photos, gifs, and videos depicting them giving each other all their lovin’ and their hugs and kisses too. Visit the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s social media channels to enjoy a few smiles and hilarious alternate universe fan experiences with ZZ Top. ZZ Top performs Aug. 11, 2021, at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. Those who want to get in on the fun and preview the party that awaits can do so at BuffaloChip.com/BANDS. Turn off the news. Turn up the ZZ Top and Kid Rock. There is enough bad news going on in the world. We’ll stick to what we do best – having a good time. – Daymon Woodruff of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip “The news of ZZ Top coming for the 40th anniversary to perform on the same bill as Kid Rock is about the best Valentine’s present we could think of for the rally crowd,” said Rod Woodruff, CEO of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “ZZ Top makes music for the fun-lovin’ biker, so we’re going to take a page out of ZZ’s playbook and just have some fun announcing them.” Why is humor and having a good time so important? Sturgis Buffalo Chip Resident Fun Expert explains: “This ZZ Top announcement provides hope that the world of outdoor music festivals and real human connection has a bright future,” said Daymon Woodruff of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “Turn off the news. Turn up the ZZ Top and Kid Rock. There is enough bad news going on in the world. We’ll stick to what we do best – having a good time.” Performances by top entertainers like ZZ Top and Kid Rock are just a piece of what the Sturgis Buffalo Chip has in store for their 40th Anniversary in 2021. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience countless events, including legendary rides, powerful freedom celebrations, top-tier bike shows, white-knuckle racing events, and so much more. Entertainment is free with camping. More announcements are coming soon. See all events at https://dev.sturgis.com/events/all-events. Excited to see ZZ Top at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip? Tell us about it the comments below! Love
