97X Next Big Thing Throwback: 97X Next Big Thing 9

The 97X Next Big Thing 9 was on December 6, 2009 at what was then called “The 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre.” The show was headlined by Rise Against, who would go on to headline NBT again in 2012. Their performance drew criticism from some fans because of their backdrop being a upside down US flag. Some saw it as unpatriotic. The band actually responded via email to fans who complained to them and explained that the flag displayed in that fashion is a “sign of distress” and not disrespectful. The days lineup also featured Panic! at the Disco’s first NBT performance, they would return in 2018 to headline the show. Cage The Elephant made their NBT debut in 2009 and ended up playing the show three years in a row (2009-2011). Matisyahu stage dived with Matt from Cage The Elephant during his set and Matt ended up breaking his finger when it hit the security barricade. Thirty Seconds to Mars’ new album, This Is War was set to be released on December 8, 2009, but they brought 1000 copies for fans to buy early at the 97X Next Big Thing and they met everyone that bought one and signed every single one of the CDs before the show! The rest of the lineup featured Chevelle, Anberlin, Framing Hanley, The Used, Metric, Sick Puppies and Manchester Orchestra.