It’s that time of year again when Wildcats prepare for one of the biggest student-run events of the year, Wildstock. For those unfamiliar with the annual event, Wildstock is a concert just for Linfield students and friends to enjoy each May. Every year, Wildcats anxiously await the announcement of that year’s artist as it is different each time. With that, there is a long list of past Wildstock performers. So who is on this list and where are they now?
Macklemore
Starting off strong, Macklemore and his producer Ryan Lewis took the Wildstock stage in 2012. Macklemore’s most memorable hits include “Can’t Hold Us” and “Thrift Shop” featured on their debut album released later that year titled “The Heist” that would later go on to win a Grammy for Best Rap Album. At the time, Wildcats had no idea they were experiencing the performance of a future Grammy winner. After the huge debut success, Macklemore continued to release music until 2017 with his “Gemini” album. Now, he uses his platform for philanthropy and even joined the ownership group for Seattle Kraken, his hometown’s professional hockey team.
Dan & Shay
Six years later, country duo Dan & Shay came to McMinnville. While they had been releasing music since 2013, they released their self-titled breakout album just a month after performing at Wildstock in 2018 featuring hits “Tequila” and “Speechless.” They would go on to win three consecutive Grammys for Best Country Duo/Group and even became the first coaching duo on “The Voice.” The friends are currently on tour performing at festivals including Stagecoach in Indio, Calif. and have new music coming out this month.
Waka Flocka Flame
While Waka Flocka Flame was scheduled to perform in 2020, he never made it to McMinnville to perform on the Wildstock stage due to the COVID-19 virus. Luckily, he is returning to Wildstock this year as the 2026 headliner! Wildcats will get the chance to dance to “No Hands” and “Lights Down Low” after all.
Rapper Kyle
Wildstock returned in 2022 with Rapper Kyle, exciting news for Wildcats who felt the event’s absence. Rapper Kyle is most known for his 2016 song “iSpy” featuring Lil Yachty. His 2018 release “Hey Julie!” also rose in popularity especially on early TikTok. Now, he is referred to as Super Duper Kyle and continues to release music operating as an independent artist in Los Angeles.
Bryce Vine
Current Wildcats may remember that in 2024, Bryce Vine was the year’s Wildstock performer. Vine is most known for his 2019 song “La La Land” featuring YG. As of this month, Vine released a new album titled “LET’S DO SOMETHING STUPID!”
While Wildcats are buzzing about this year’s performer Waka Flocka Flame, it’s fun to look back on Wildstock’s past and see where these artists are now since they’ve passed through our small campus. Whether it’s music festivals or the Grammys, who knows where they and our future performers will go next.
