Happy Birthday National Rock Review!

National Rock Review is gearing up to celebrate their second birthday. This 'small' little Detroit born music blog has seen a lot of growth in only two years time. They have amassed 26,000 followers on Facebook, sponsored two killer lineups at the last two Dirtfests, and expanded to have over 100 staff members across the world. This weekend they will host their two year birthday bash at this year's Full Terror Assault Festival in Illinois. The V.I.P bash will feature Meet and greets with several of the bands on the Full Throttle Assault roster and a BBQ buffet of smoked meats to feast on. There will also be a lot of surprises throughout the weekend. To buy tickets to attend the party click here.

We asked NRR creator and director Mick McDonald to reflect on the last two years and the future of the website. Check out what he had to say and make sure to wish them a happy birthday.

HID- How many people are working for NRR today? Did you ever think you would come this far when you started the website?
MM- "We now have over one hundred contributors and staff members around the world. The majority are based in the US but we also have people in Canada and the UK. I honestly didn't think that our site would become as popular as it is now. I am honored and humbled that we are such a recognized brand around the world by music lovers, artists and the music industry. Almost every day I get an email from some one thanking us for covering their unsigned band at a show where they opened for a national act."

HID- Why did you decide to celebrate NRR's two year birthday at the Full Terror Assault Festival?
MM- "It was mostly coincidence actually. The festival happened to occur at the same time of our anniversary date. What better way to celebrate our anniversary than with thousands of fans at one of the biggest metal festivals of the year!"

HID- What bands will be doing signings at the VIP party?
MM- "We currently have a few such as Green Death, Gruesome, Starkill on board. We have more on deck but I can't announce them until they confirm 100%. We're bringing Michigan metal band Kilbury Unit along to play our party and the band Blood Tribe from Illinois will also play a set."

HID- Will there be drinks and food at the party? If so from where?

MM- "I am personally catering the party myself with a ton of my famous smoked pulled pork from my smoker, along with other delicious food items. We'll be providing non-alcoholic beverages for our guests, but since the festival is a BYOB affair, I am sure more than a few bottles of liquor will find their way into the VIP tent."

HID- Where do you want to see NRR in a year?
MM- "On the cover of Entrepreneur magazine. :-)"

HID- What makes NRR special? What differentiates it from other rock review websites?
MM- "We specialize in live concert coverage more than any other publication out there. Not only do we cover the national acts, but we also make sure to give the local and smaller bands equal time on our site too. It means a lot to the local artists out there who are grinding away to make music and get it heard. It gives me great pleasure to have a platform upon which we can give these artists a place to be seen and heard so people can discover all the excellent music just outside their front door for the price of a beer. Get out and support your local music scene!"

HID- What motivates you to keep going every day?
MM- "Every day a new challenge presents itself to me, some new plateau to climb and conquer. I am never content to just sit back and be happy with where what I've achieved. There is always the next level to get to."

HID- If you could have any band play the two year party who would it be?
MM- "Queensryche or Iron Maiden"

~S