90s Rock Icons Soul Asylum, Cracker, adn Sponge to Headline Celebration of 66 Fest at World Wide Technology Raceway
World-Today-News.com | Published March 20, 2025
Get ready to rock! The Celebration of 66 Fest is bringing a powerhouse lineup of 90s rock legends to the World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, this June. Soul asylum, Cracker, and Sponge will headline the three-day music festival, promising a nostalgic trip back to the era of grunge and choice rock.
A Rockin’ Kick-Off to the Route 66 Centennial
The Celebration of 66 Fest,scheduled for June 13-15,2025,serves as the official kick-off to the Centennial Celebration of Route 66. The festival will be held in conjunction with the 9th Annual Bommarito Automotive Group 500 NTT INDYCAR SERIES weekend, creating a high-octane blend of music and motorsports [[1]].
The event promises a unique experience for attendees, combining the thrill of IndyCar racing with the iconic sounds of 90s rock. For those unfamiliar, Route 66, also known as the ”Mother Road,” holds a special place in American culture, symbolizing freedom, adventure, and the open road. Its centennial is a major event, and the Celebration of 66 Fest aims to capture the spirit of this legendary highway.
Turn 4 Midway Stage: where the Music Happens
All headlining artists will perform on the Turn 4 Midway Stage,conveniently located adjacent to the Bommarito Automotive Group Experience display. A major perk for fans: admission to the concerts is included with every ticket purchased for that respective day [[1]].
This setup ensures that attendees can easily transition between the racing action and the live music performances, maximizing their entertainment experience. The Bommarito Automotive Group experience display will likely feature interactive exhibits and displays related to the automotive industry, adding another layer of engagement for fans.
Saturday, June 14: Cracker brings the Energy
American rock band Cracker is set to ignite the stage on Saturday, June 14, with a high-energy show immediately following the United States Auto Club (USAC) Silver Crown Series “Route 66 Classic.” The performance will cap off a day packed with racing action, including practice and NTT P1 Award qualifying for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. To top it off, a extraordinary fireworks show will light up the night sky at approximately 9:30 p.m.CT [[1]].
Cracker’s diverse discography, spanning nine studio albums, blends rock, punk, grunge, psychedelia, country, blues, and folk influences. Their impressive portfolio includes the 1992 number one single “Teen Angst (What the world Needs now),” as well as hits like “Low,” “Get Off This,” and “Euro-Trash Girl” [[1]]. Expect a setlist that caters to both die-hard fans and casual listeners, showcasing the band’s versatility and enduring appeal.
Considered a quintessential 90s band, Cracker’s music often reflects the anxieties and uncertainties of the era, resonating with a generation grappling with social and economic changes.Their songs frequently enough feature sardonic lyrics and catchy melodies, making them both thought-provoking and highly entertaining.
Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now)perfectly encapsulates the slacker generation’s disillusionment with mainstream society.
Sunday, June 15: Sponge Kicks Off the Pre-Race Party
On Sunday, June 15, the pre-race festivities will begin at noon CT with a performance by Sponge, who will be supporting their 10th studio album, “Planet Girls,” released in 2024. The Detroit-based band has built a solid reputation over a 30-plus-year career, producing hits such as “Plowed,” “Molly (16 Candles Down the Drain),” and “Wax Ecstatic (To Sell Angelina)” [[1]].
Sponge’s music is characterized by its hard-rocking sound and catchy hooks, making them a staple of 90s alternative radio. Their energetic live performances are known for getting the crowd pumped up, making them the perfect choice to kick off the pre-race party.
The band’s longevity in the music industry is a testament to their talent and dedication. They have consistently released new music and toured extensively, maintaining a loyal fan base throughout the years.
Soul Asylum Closes Out the Weekend with a Bang
Immediately following the checkered flag of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on Sunday, soul Asylum will take the stage for an electrifying show. fans can expect to hear hits like “Misery,” “Black Gold,” and “Somebody to Shove” [[1]].
The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota band, fronted by lead singer Dave Pirner, catapulted to fame in 1992 with their triple-platinum album “Grave Dancers union,” which featured the Grammy-winning song “Runaway Train” [[1]].
Soul Asylum’s music often tackles themes of social alienation and personal struggles, resonating with listeners who feel like outsiders. Their raw and honest lyrics, combined with their energetic performances, have made them a beloved band for decades.
“Runaway Train,” with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, became an anthem for lost souls and a powerful reminder of the importance of connection.
World Wide Technology Raceway: A Hub for Motorsports and entertainment
World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, formerly known as Gateway International Raceway and Gateway Motorsports Park, is a versatile motorsport complex located in Madison, Illinois, just east of St. Louis, Missouri [[3]]. The facility features a 1.25-mile oval used by the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series and IndyCar Series, as well as a 1.6-mile infield road course used by SCCA and Porsche Club events [[3]].
The raceway has a rich history, hosting a variety of racing events since its opening in 1990 [[2]]. Along with racing, the facility also hosts concerts, festivals, and other special events, making it a popular destination for entertainment in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
| Event | Date | Headliner |
|---|---|---|
| Celebration of 66 Fest | june 13-15, 2025 | Soul Asylum, Cracker, Sponge |
| USAC Silver crown Series “Route 66 Classic” | June 14, 2025 | N/A |
| Bommarito Automotive Group 500 NTT INDYCAR SERIES | June 13-15, 2025 | N/A |
Ticket Information
For more information on tickets and event details, visit wwtraceway.com or call the ticket office at 618-217-8888 Ext. 1.
Don’t miss out on this astonishing weekend of music and motorsports! Get your tickets now and experience the Celebration of 66 Fest.
90s Rock Reunion: Why Soul Asylum, Cracker, and Sponge still Matter
Senior Editor, World-Today-News.com: Welcome, music historian Dr. Eleanor Vance! This June, the Festivity of 66 Fest will feature iconic 90s bands Soul Asylum, Cracker, and Sponge. What makes these bands, and the 90s rock era itself, so enduringly popular years later?
Dr. Vance: Thank you for having me! The ongoing appeal of 90s rock, and specifically bands like Soul Asylum, Cracker, and Sponge, lies in their ability to capture a specific cultural moment: the angst, the optimism, and the evolving sound of a generation. It’s not just nostalgia; it’s about the authenticity and the lasting impact of the music. These bands weren’t just creating songs; they were crafting anthems that resonated with the struggles and triumphs of a whole generation grappling with societal shifts.
The Soundtrack of a Generation: Why 90s Rock Still Resonates
Senior Editor: let’s delve into it. Each of those bands – Soul asylum, Cracker, and Sponge – brings a unique flavour to the festival. Could you highlight what made each band stand out during the 90s?
Dr. Vance: Absolutely! Each band carved out a unique niche within the broader 90s rock landscape:
Soul asylum: They were the embodiment of emotional intensity and raw energy. Dave Pirner’s vocals and the band’s ability to blend choice rock with hints of pop and punk created a sound that still holds up today. runaway Train became much more than just a hit song; it became an anthem, a way to connect and to feel less alone. This emotional core is what has helped Soul Asylum endure.
Cracker: Cracker, on the other hand, offered a blend of intelligence and sardonic wit. Their music often reflected the uncertainties of that era. Cracker’s approach was more eclectic, mixing rock with elements of country, punk, and psychedelia. This versatility ensured they never became pigeonholed, and songs like Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now) perfectly captured the disillusionment of a generation. Their songs were both thought-provoking and highly entertaining.
Sponge: Sponge, a Detroit-based band, had a hard-rocking sound and catchy hooks. They brought an energy to the stage that no other band could match, the live performances being notably memorable, and were a staple of 90s alternative radio.Their hits, such as plowed* got crowds pumped and continues to be the go-to choice to start a party.
the Celebration of 66 Fest: More Than Just music
Senior Editor: The Celebration of 66 Fest is more than just a concert; it’s a kick-off to the Route 66 Centennial Celebration. How does this setting enhance the experience of seeing these 90s rock icons, and why is Route 66 so relevant here?
Dr. Vance: Combining 90s rock with the Route 66 Centennial is a stroke of genius! Route 66 represents the spirit of adventure, freedom, and the open road. It’s a symbol of America, and it embodies the same values of independence and self-discovery that many 90s rock anthems embraced. These bands, like the Mother Road, represent a journey and a search for something authentic. The music offers a powerful soundtrack to that journey, and the opportunity to celebrate it alongside the iconic highway is a potent combination.
The Lasting Legacy: Key Takeaways
Senior Editor: What should fans anticipate at the Celebration of 66 Fest, and what do you think is the lasting impact of these bands on music?
Dr. Vance: Fans can expect passionate performances that are both energetic and nostalgic. Bands like Soul Asylum, Cracker, and Sponge were not just products of their time; they were defining forces. For music fans, The Celebration of 66 Fest promises a high-energy, nostalgic trip back to a defining era of rock music.
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