Free concert at Camp Pendleton

[USMC5831]

Camp Pendleton has 'a rockin' good time'
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification #:200547132611
Story by Lance Cpl. Brian Reimers



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (April 1, 2005) -- Thousands of lights, hundreds of yards of red carpet, dozens of celebrities and approximately 50,000 music fans took their positions on the sandy beach of Camp Del Mar April 1.

Marines, sailors and family members were all treated to an electrifying and spectacular free-of-charge concert. A star-studded lineup of bands and performers - from the fire-flinging, pile-driving rock review of the masked quartet Kiss to the smooth, sleek R&B grooves of Destiny's Child - took the stage one after another to show support for the Marines and sailors of Camp Pendleton fighting the war on terrorism.

Sixty buses, furnished by Marine Corps Community Services, transported guests to the eight-hour extravaganza, dubbed "Rockin' the Corps," for no charge from just inside the base's main gate.

Joe Robert, a prominent Washington businessman and philanthropist whose son is a recon Marine currently deployed to Iraq, hosted the concert. "I am the crazy one that put this thing together," confirmed Robert, who in part bankrolled the show of appreciation, in partnership with a handful of well-known corporations, and enlisted help from friends in the music business, including legendary producer Quincy Jones, to make it happen.Ê

Actors and actresses walked along the red carpet, which extended out from the main stage, throughout the evening. They shared their thoughts about the troops and the concert.

"It's an amazing thing, I'm humbled by it," said Louie Anderson, a Hollywood comedian. "People ask me who I'm excited to see and who I want to see. I tell them I want to see the troops and the crowd."

Rock musician Ted Nugent kicked off the night with a rousing solo - a heavy-metal version of the "Star Spangled Banner."

Godsmack, a Boston rock band, opened their act with the rifle creed and quickly pumped up the onlooking crowd into a sea of waving hands and a chorus of excited chanting.

At least one of the celebrities who came out to entertain and honor service members knows something about what it's like to go to war.

Mark Valley, a former soldier who served in the first Gulf War and now plays "Brad" on the hit show "Boston Legal," spoke about his deployment.

"When I was there, I listened to music a lot. That was like a constant bridge to American culture. I think it's cool that bands are coming out here for free to support this country," he said.

Many among the honorees who filled the sandy shore were pleased with the number of supporters who showed up to honor them and their work.

"It was a great opportunity to come out and see some of the greatest acts in the world," said Lance Cpl. Ryan Stanford, a direct air support clerk with the 3rd Marine Air Wing.

Comedians Jah Mohr and Chris Tucker pulled many laughs out of the crowd in between performers.

"It is important to show everyone how much we appreciate the troops," Mohr said. "To come down here and do it for free is awesome."

The evening's lineup featured a steady stream of Hollywood divas, including Heather Locklear, Carmen Electra, Alyssa Milano, Sharon Stone and Cindy Crawford.

The concert was produced for video and will be available for purchase in the near future, organizers said. A similar concert is being planned for foreign soil so deployed troops can experience it firsthand, they added.

E-mail Lance Cpl. Reimers at brian.reimers@usmc.mil.

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Photos included with story:Fans cheer as Gene Simmons and the rest of Kiss perform the last act in "Rockin' the Corps," a salute to servicemembers aboard Camp Pendleton. Kiss was joined on stage by a plethora of celebrities and recording artists Friday at Del Mar Beach. Joe Robert, a Washington, D.C.-based philanthropist, whose son is a deployed Marine, conceived and organized the event, with help from MCCS. Photo by: Wayne Short
Kiss headlined "Rockin' the Corps" a military tribute to servicemembers and their families aboard Camp Pendleton. More than 50,000 Marines, sailors and their families attended the event Friday. Photo by: Cpl. Samuel Palmer
The night began with Godsmack and featured many celebrities such as Sharon Stone, Carmen Electra, Chris Tucker, Cedric the Entertainer and many more. Photo by: Cpl. Samuel Palmer
More than 50,000 Marines, sailors and their families participated in "Rockin' the Corps" - a free concert held in their honor - Friday at Del Mar Beach Photo by: Wayne Short