Day Two of Shaky Knees 2025 stretched its legs across Piedmont Park, blending fresh discoveries with career-defining performances. The festival’s new home once again proved it could handle the push and pull of nostalgia, innovation, and sheer spectacle. By the end of the night, Saturday felt less like a marathon and more like a victory lap for rock’s enduring pulse.
The day began with Songs for Kids, a nonprofit-powered set that reminded early arrivals of the festival’s community roots. Nearby, Girl Tones and Junior Varsity warmed up the Piedmont and Ponce de Leon stages with bright indie-pop leanings, while Soft Play (formerly Slaves) injected an early jolt of punk grit. By early afternoon, festivalgoers had scattered across the park’s shaded lawns, laying the groundwork for the day’s first heavy-hitters.
On the Peachtree Stage, Hey, Nothing delivered one of the day’s earliest standout performances. Their energy struck a balance between raw and earnest, offering melodic hooks that won over both diehards and curious newcomers.
Across the park, Michigander charmed with heartfelt indie-rock storytelling, while Fat Dog unleashed chaotic fun for those seeking something edgier. The variety underscored Shaky Knees’ true power: there’s always a sound for everyone.
Over on the Piedmont Stage, Toronto’s The Beaches lit up the afternoon with a magnetic performance. Their blend of rock swagger and pop sensibility turned casual listeners into fans on the spot. Songs pulsed with attitude, and their playful charisma commanded the crowd — proving why their buzz continues to build far beyond their hometown scene.
Meanwhile, Radio Free Alice offered jangly indie charm on Ponce de Leon, setting up a dynamic mid-afternoon stretch.
Few sets felt as reverent as Johnny Marr on the Peachtree Stage. The legendary guitarist moved seamlessly between solo material and nods to his Smiths legacy, drawing cheers that cut across generations. His presence carried an understated cool — the kind you don’t have to manufacture because it simply exists.
By late afternoon, Highly Suspect stormed the Piedmont Stage with snarling riffs and relentless bravado. Their set leaned hard into grit, their anthemic choruses erupting across the park as fans shouted back every word. At the same time, The Linda Lindas brought youthful energy and punk bite to Ponce de Leon, reminding the crowd that the future of rock is already here.
Shaky Knees welcomed back TV on the Radio on the Peachtree Stage, and it felt like a homecoming. Their genre-bending set — weaving art rock, soul, and electronic textures — was a masterclass in atmosphere. Songs swelled into crescendos, vocals soared, and the crowd leaned into every layered note. It was a performance that felt both timely and timeless.
By nightfall, choices became harder. But the headliners ensured nobody went home disappointed. The Backseat Lovers drew many to the Piedmont Stage, their emotionally charged indie rock turning the lawn into a choir. At the same time, The All-American Rejects hit Ponce de Leon with a sugary blast of 2000s nostalgia, reminding fans of the enduring power of emo hooks.
Cage the Elephant took the Peachtree Stage by storm, Matt Shultz bounding across the stage with his trademark unpredictability. The band’s blistering mix of alt-rock chaos and heartfelt ballads proved why they remain one of festival season’s most bankable draws. The set was frenetic, unhinged, and unforgettable.
Over on Piedmont, The Black Keys rolled out their blues-rock arsenal, guitars grinding under the Atlanta sky. Their stripped-down swagger was a reminder that sometimes simplicity hits hardest. Meanwhile, Public Enemy turned Ponce de Leon into a rallying cry, Chuck D’s booming presence making sure every lyric landed with force.
But the night truly belonged to My Chemical Romance. Closing the Peachtree Stage, the band delivered a headliner set that was both theatrical and visceral. Gerard Way, cloaked in dramatic flair, led the crowd through emo anthems that defined a generation. From the haunting swell of “Helena” to the explosive release of “I’m Not Okay,” the set was cathartic — part rock show, part collective memory. As fireworks crackled overhead, Piedmont Park became a cathedral for thousands of voices screaming in unison.
Day two showcased Shaky Knees’ full breadth — from up-and-comers like Hey, Nothing and The Beaches, to legends like Johnny Marr, to headliners commanding arenas in any era. It was a day of sweat, nostalgia, discovery, and above all, proof that Piedmont Park is more than a new venue — it’s the future of Shaky Knees.
My Chemical Romance photos courtesy of Shaky Knees
