Darryl DMC McDaniels visited our The School of Rock Waldwick on Thursday, November 7th, with the event kicking off at 6 PM, featuring an opening set from our House Band. Our venue was packed with students and guests,with a sold out crowd! Guests purchased their tickets via Eventbrite. Current Waldwick SoR students went free admission.
The House Band had been rehearsing new songs for several weeks. They arrived at 5:15 PM for a line and mic check. Darryl made his entrance 5:45 PM, sneaking in through our hidden backdoor to get ready for the performance. SoR Waldwick had a green room exclusively for Mr. McDaniels, and the House Band was buzzing with excitement for the show.
The evening kicked off with the House Band delivering an exhilarating rendition of "Go Your Own Way," featuring Aaron on drums, Zach on bass, and Jake and Hannah on guitar, while Jayden, Luciano, and Riley captivated the audience with their powerful vocals. This was followed by a hauntingly beautiful performance of "Zombie," where Jayden stole the spotlight with the vocals, supported by Cassie on drums and Zach on bass, who laid down a solid rhythm. The venue showcased impressive visuals for each song; during "Zombie," a green hand emerged from the earth, transforming into a Rock On hand, while Jake and Riley rocked out on guitar.
The momentum continued with a lively rendition of "Call Me," featuring Luciano on backing vocals and Riley taking the lead. The House Band brought their A-game with a rocking version of the Talking Heads’ "Psycho Killer," where Luciano truly shined. The energy in the room was electric as they transitioned into "Black Hole Sun," leaving everyone filled with good vibes. They concluded their set with the iconic "Don’t Stop Believin’," leaving the audience energized and excited.
After the House Band’s electrifying opening set, the atmosphere in the venue crackled with anticipation as Mr. McDaniels took the stage. Captivating the packed audience, he regaled them with stories from the illustrious history of Run-DMC, a group that carved out its place as one of the most iconic names in both hip hop and rock music. Pioneers in every sense, Run-DMC earned exceptional accolades as the first hip hop act to have their music videos aired on MTV, make appearances on American Bandstand, grace the cover of Rolling Stone, perform at the historic Live Aid concert, and garner a Grammy Award nomination.
Mr. McDaniels shared poignant tales from his childhood, recounting the formative experiences that ultimately led him to this very moment on Waldwick’s stage. In a heartfelt connection with the young musicians, he reflected on his own journey, remarking, “The thing that got me here to the School of Rock Waldwick, before the fame and records, I was just like these kids—trying to fit in and figure life out.”
He expressed that being at the School of Rock Waldwick brought him more joy than attending illustrious events like the Grammys or the American Music Awards. “When I look at them, they are genuinely happy; they fit in. Even if they don’t go on to play in a rock band for life, they’ve got the music. That feeling that music gives you is something that nobody can take away from you,” he passionately explained, emphasizing the power of music to foster joy and belonging.
Mr. McDaniels continued to praise the vibrant environment at the School of Rock Waldwick, saying, “It’s amazing! These kids are fearless—they move from one instrument to another with such enthusiasm. I’m inspired by their eagerness to learn. Remembering, you’re never too old to learn something new!”
As he concluded his heartfelt talk, Darryl left the students with an empowering message: “Kids, assert yourselves! Show up, be present, and tell someone you want to do it!” His words resonated deeply, igniting a spark of determination among the eager young musicians.
Following his inspiring address, Mr. McDaniels joined the House Band for an unforgettable performance. The crowd erupted in excitement as they launched into iconic hits like "King Of Rock," "It’s Tricky," and "Walk This Way," creating a euphoric atmosphere that united fans of all ages in the celebration of music and community. The evening not only honored the rich legacy of Run-DMC but also highlighted the vibrant, creative spirit alive at the School of Rock Waldwick.
After the awe-inspiring performance, Mr.McDaniels signed autographics for everyone present. He genuinely cared about the audience and graciously answered questions and took photos.
The evening was truly epic and inspiring for everyone there. The School of Rock Waldwick is eternally grateful to Mr. McDaniels for sharing his time, talent and inspirational words.
