97X Next Big Thing Throwback: 97X Next Big Thing 13

Hot off one of the biggest 97X Next Big Things in 2012, the show returned on Saturday, December 7, 2013 with a lineup featuring some of 97X’s biggest artists and some exciting new bands who had never played the show. This was also the first year that the show featured multiple stages in Vinoy Park. The morning kicked off on the main stage with 97X favorite, Manchester Orchestra playing their third NBT in five years. The second stage kicked off with Saints of Valory. Reggae rockers, Pepper performed on a blistering set on the main stage and were followed by Sleeping with Sirens on the Second stage. Their set included their single “Alone” which featured MGK. Up next on the main stage was English Punk singer/songwriter Frank Turner making his first and only NBT appearance (as of 2020). His forty minute set included the song “Recovery” which was one of the most voted on songs through the 97X App in 2013. Next up on the second stage was supposed to be The 1975 making their NBT debut, but a week prior to the show, the band were invited to record the Top of The Pops New Years special for BBC One so they cancelled. Matty and the boys would make up for missing the show, but returning to the Bay area just six months later for the free 2013 97X BBQ. Luckily, Spencer Chamberlain from St. Petersburg’s own Underoath stepped in to fill the spot with his new band Sleepwave who ended up headlining the second stage. NBT Veterans, The Dirty Heads delivered a classic set of hits on the main stage including “Lay Me Down”, “Spread To Thin”, “Cabin By The Sea” and “Stand Tall.” NBT legends, Jimmy Eat World hit the stage at 5pm, just as the sun was going down. Their set was full favorites like “Big Casino”, “The Middle” and “Sweetness.” Ocala’s own, A Day To Remember made their third NBT appearance in four years with a memorable set that saw lead singer, Jeremy walking on top of the crowd in an inflatable ball, toilet paper everywhere and a dance party on stage with fans. Next up on the main stage, was Stone Temple Pilots fronted by Chester Bennington of Linkin Park. This unforgettable set would be Chester’s second to last performance in Tampa ever. After receiving the TBT Award for “Frontman of the Year” which was voted on by 97X listeners, Chester and the band’s hour long set included alternative classics like “Big Empty”, “Interstate Love Song”, “Plush”, “Creep” and “Vasoline.” Arriving via a private jet, just forty minutes before their set was to begin was the night’s headliner and NBT veteran, Thirty Seconds To Mars. Although they had played three NBTs previously, this was their first time headlining. Their hour-long set included all the 30STM favorites like “The Kill”, “Kings and Queens”, “Up in the Air” and “City of Angels.” Never one to disappoint, the band’s on stage antics included multiple fans on stage, colorful inflatables being released into the crowd and multiple sing-a-long opportunities.