AC/DC tribute band Thunderstruck draws crowd at 2026 Festival of the Bells

A lively and enthusiastic crowd was “Thunderstruck” by the second annual “Rock the Bell” night at the City of Hillsboro Festival of the Bells, as the AC/DC tribute band drew a big turnout to uptown Hillsboro Friday, July 3.

When the concert began at 8 p.m., the Merchants National Bank sign behind the stage listed the temperature at 95 degrees, but despite the heat, rock fans lined High Street and the courthouse lawn. Members of the Thunderstruck band encouraged the crowd to move close to the stage to dance and sing along, although they received participation from the entire crowd.

Based in Louisville, Ky., Thunderstruck is known as “America’s AC/DC tribute” and has been touring the nation together since 2015. From their opening, “"Live Wire" from AC/DC’s “T.N.T.” album, the band put on a high-energy show with a variety of AC/DC’s biggest hits and a few deeper cuts. 

Perhaps most appropriately were two songs played back to back, beginning with “Hells Bells.” Lead guitarist Kyle LaPato insisted that they would not start until the entire crowd was on their feet.

“This is the Festival of the Bells, and we brought the bells,” LaPato said. 

The following song was the band’s namesake, “Thunderstruck,” with lead vocalist Bobby Lee Stamperintroducing the “rock and roll party.”

The band also led the crowd in a singalong of an extended version of “The Jack.” Other songs included "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” "Problem Child,” "Shoot to Thrill,”“Stiff Upper Lip,” “What Do You Do for Money Honey,” “Who Made Who” and “You Shook Me All Night Long.”

Before Friday’s headliner, local band Blue Steel also appeared in concert. The main stage also included other programs throughout the day, including a performance by the Highco flag team; an illusion show by Jake Lindsey; and armed service and veteran recognition ceremony. Other activities included bingo, coloring contests and the annual Battle of the Banks.

For the Fourth of July festivities, registration for the Bells Through the Ages 5K Walk/Run starts at 7:15 a.m., followed by the event at 8 a.m. A kids dash will take place at 9:30 a.m., with registration starting at 9:15.

Car show registration at the old school grounds will be held from 9 a.m.-noon. The car show and judging will take place at noon at the old school grounds, with awards being presented at 3 p.m.

Craft vendors will open at 9 a.m. as well.

Also at 9 a.m., registration for a 3-on-3 basketball tournament sponsored by State Farm will begin at Hillsboro High School, as play starts at 9:30 a.m.

Registration for the annual pet parade sponsored by Merchants National Bank starts at 9:30 a.m. with the parade to follow at 10 a.m. The baby parade, sponsored by NCB, will begin accepting entries at 10:30 a.m., with the parade at 11 a.m.

Also at 11 a.m., food vendors open, with rides starting at noon Saturday. Free kids games will again be offered starting at 1 p.m.

Participants will begin lining up for the Bells Through the Ages parade at 2 p.m. at the old school grounds. The parade, sponsored by All American Fire Equipment, will start at 4 p..m.

At 4:30 p.m., registration for a cornhole tournament sponsored by the Highland County Peace Officers Association starts, with competition kicking off at 5 p.m.

The concert series will conclude with three shows Saturday night, starting with Kyle Norris at 6 p.m. Sean Poole & Buckin’ Krazy will take the stage at 7:30 p.m.

After a meet and greet at 8 p.m., headliner and country music artist Chris Cagle will close out the 2026 festival on the main stage at 9 p.m.

Food vendors are located around the courthouse and along High Street, while craft vendors can be found inside the old firehouse and on High Street as well. Rides are located along Beech and High Streets.

For schedule updates and more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/festivalofthebells/ or festivalofthebells.com. 

Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 28 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.