Drama continues to swirl in the aftermath of the 2023 The Blue Ridge Rock Festival. According to a published report from Lambgoat and Metal Insider, in addition to many issues stemmming from the management of the fest, and the weather, many attendees were reporting gastrointestinal issues. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH), in collaboration with the Southside Health District, is actively investigating these complaints. According to WRIC, festival-goers, including Andy Petite from Massachusetts, have complained of nausea and diarrhea, potentially linked to the event. Petite and three friends who consumed water from festival stations allegedly fell ill, exhibiting similar symptoms. Petite, suspecting exposure to giardia, underwent medical testing.

Petite who works in healthcare, commented:

There’s discoloration, there’s all sorts of stuff. I’m 172 pounds right now which is 13 pounds less than I was at the age of 13. Our nurse practitioner said ‘Andy you need to go immediately to employee health and tell them you may have ingested parasitics or been introduced to one at least.’

Still unsure what the actual diagnosis is, so it’s a little concerning but I was cleared to return to work.

Petite has since been cleared to return to work but still has no diagnosis.

To gather insights, VDH is urging all attendees to complete a confidential survey, regardless of their health status. The survey aims to identify patterns and determine the cause of the reported illnesses. Questions cover topics such as water consumption, use of facilities, vendor food intake, and proximity to the Dan River.

Those who camped at the festival continue to describe post-storm conditions as challenging, with soaked camps and overflowing porta-potties. 

Petite elaborated on his first-hand experience:

The camps, they were completely soaked, and with the porta potties overflowing with water, we were all literally traipsing around poop.

This story is early similar to both documentaries about the ill-fated Woodstock 99, where porta-potties overflowed and fest attendeeds has oral (trenchmouth) and similar intestinal distress.

Blue Ridge Rock Festival officials acknowledged the situation in a statement online
(read it below) blaming the festival’s cancellation to weather. No refunds have been offered so far, despite an earlier claim from the fest that was deleted. 

YouTuber and tour manager Tank The Tech gave his first hand account of the fest:

More coverage coming soon from Ghost Cult!