David Cook to headline Pet Rock Fest in Worcester

‘Our biggest celebration yet’ – David Cook, the winner of Season 7 of “American Idol,” is excited to be headlining the 27th annual Pet Rock Festival on October 5 at the Lancaster Fairgrounds. While Cook has never performed at an event quite like this before, his love for pets – he currently has a dachshund beagle mix – makes him a perfect fit for the festival that celebrates compassion to all animals.

Cook expressed his anticipation for the unique opportunity to perform at Pet Rock Fest during a recent phone interview. Known not only for his musical talent but also for his charitable efforts, including raising over $1.5 million for brain cancer research, Cook views his performance as a chance to give back and support causes that are larger than himself.

Although Nashville is now home for him, Cook is looking forward to performing a solo, acoustic set at the festival, taking the stage at 2:15 p.m. on the day of the event. Fans can expect to hear a mix of his older hits, such as “The Time of My Life,” as well as some new tracks from his recently released EP titled “The Hero.”

Reflecting on his journey since winning “American Idol” in 2008, Cook acknowledges the impact the show has had on his career. Originally from Blue Springs, Missouri, Cook’s life transformed after his victory on the popular singing competition. Despite admitting that he did not foresee the long-term effects of his win, Cook is grateful for the continued support from his fans, allowing him to evolve as an artist.

The singer-songwriter’s musical journey began unexpectedly when he accompanied his younger brother to an “American Idol” audition, intending to provide moral support. To his surprise, Cook was discovered by a producer and earned a ticket to Hollywood, leading him on the path to success.

In light of his personal experience with his brother’s battle with brain cancer, Cook emphasizes the importance of charity work and supporting causes close to his heart. The tragic loss of his brother, Adam, led Cook to dedicate his time to charitable endeavors, recognizing the impact of giving back to the community.

With an active presence in the music industry and a passion for songwriting, Cook and his wife have settled in Nashville to explore his creativity. The singer fondly describes the joy of being in a studio, creating music from scratch, and continually expanding his songwriting skills. His most recent EP, “The Hero,” features tracks like “Rendezvous,” “Dead Weight,” and “Disappear,” showcasing his growth as an artist.

Aside from his music, Cook also ventured into acting when he appeared on Broadway in the musical “Kinky Boots” in 2018. He embraced the opportunity to play the role of Charlie Price and collaborate with renowned artist Cyndi Lauper on the musical’s music and lyrics.

Looking ahead, Cook remains open to new challenges, including the possibility of writing a musical of his own. Despite his achievements, Cook remains grounded and eager to explore new creative avenues in the future.

Pet Rock Fest Inc., founded in 1999 as an animal welfare nonprofit, offers a platform to advocate for the well-being of animals. The festival, known for its live music, games, children’s activities, vegetarian food, and animal-friendly vendors, represents a collaborative effort to spread awareness about animal rights while providing a fun and engaging experience for attendees. This year’s return to Lancaster Fairgrounds promises to be a memorable event filled with compassion, entertainment, and enthusiasm for animal welfare causes.