Freestyle Music Park

Freestyle Music Park (previously known as Hard Rock Park), was a short-lived music themed amusement park built on 55 acres (22 ha) of a 140-acre (57 ha) property[1] located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The park was located at the intersection of US 501 and the Intracoastal Waterway. It included part of the former Waccamaw Factory Shoppes in Fantasy Harbour, and used Mall 3 as its headquarters.[2]

Freestyle Music Park
Location2904 Fantasy Way
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29579, United States
Coordinates33.714°N 78.933°W / 33.714; -78.933
ThemeMusic
Slogan
  • Where Rock Comes to Play (Hardrock Park)
  • Full Volume Family Fun (Freestyle Music Park)
Owner
  • HRP Myrtle Beach Operations (April–September 2008)
  • FPI MB Entertainment (May 2009–August 2011)
  • FPI US LLC/FPI US Holdings, Inc.(August 2011–December 28, 2018)
  • FTPP Bishop Parkway LLC (December 28, 2018–present)
OpenedApril 15, 2008 (2008-04-15)
Closed2009 (2009)
Previous namesHard Rock Park
Operating seasonMemorial Day weekend to Labor Day
Area55 acres (22 ha)
Attractions
Total50+
Roller coasters5
Other rides15+
Shows7-8
StatusChapter 7 bankruptcy; rides dismantled and sold; property sold

The park originally opened on April 15, 2008, but closed on September 24, 2008, due to financial issues. It reopened on May 23, 2009, under the Freestyle brand,[3][4][5] and closed again after the 2009 season due to financial issues and lawsuits that were filed against the park.[6]

History
Hard Rock Park sign

Development of Hard Rock Park

Plans for a Hard Rock-themed amusement park were released in 2003, but at the time funding and licensing agreements had yet to be finalized.[7] AVX Corporation CEO Dick Rosen and other investors including Ziel Feldman and Safe Harbor Capital Partners managing partner Amnon Bar-Tur created two companies. Myrtle Property Owners I, which invested in the proposed theme park and Myrtle Property Owners II which bought land from Rosen with the intent to build a hotel along the Intracoastal Waterway in October 2005. A feasibility study predicted 3 million visitors a year in the park's first year, with growth of nine percent the second year and decreasing growth rates after that.[8]

By 2006, a licensing agreement with the Hard Rock franchise was reached.[9] The Hard Rock name was licensed from Seminole Nation–owned Hard Rock International, current owners/operators of the Hard Rock Cafe brand, to HRP Myrtle Beach Operations, LLC, which designed and built the park, for a fee of $2.5 million per year.[10] Investors included Tim Duncan and AVX Corporation CEO Dick Rosen. Financing also included a loan of $385 million, though the park only cost $225 million to build. An early theme was the four seasons of summer, spring, winter and fall.[11]

Hard Rock Park was officially announced in early 2007.[12] Construction for the park took place in 2007.[13]

2008 season: Hard Rock Park

The grand opening celebration as Hard Rock Park on June 2, 2008, featured a concert by Eagles and The Moody Blues. The park featured six "rock environs" celebrating rock's culture, lifestyle, legends and irreverence. These rock environs included the All Access Entry Plaza, Rock & Roll Heaven, British Invasion, Lost in the 70's, Born in the USA and Cool Country.[14] At opening, the park had amusement rides, live shows, interactive elements, kids play areas, gardens, shopping and dining attractions. The main attractions of the park were the roller coasters and live shows that were set to music. The park included an amphitheater with 10,000-person capacity featuring live daily shows and special performances. Other amusements included a carousel, a water play structure and swings. Most attractions prominently featured music, bands, and rock memorabilia like its cafe counterpart.

The park opened to positive reviews. The Times of London's writer Chris Haslam concluded that America's newest theme park brought the genre "from the preschool plastic of Disney to a new age of insubordinate adolescence through a combination of nerdy attention to detail, startling irreverence and sly wit."[15] Beth J. Harpaz, Associated Press travel editor, declared Nights in White Satin: The Trip as one of her all-time favorite rides from any park.[16] However, Hard Rock Park had stated the park could accommodate up to 30,000 visitors a day,[17] and in light of the frozen credit markets during the financial crisis of 2007–2008, the park could not secure sufficient finance to underwrite its planned advertising campaign.[18] As the 2008 economic downturn deepened during the summer, high gas and hotel prices coupled with limited advertising by the park led to lower-than-expected attendance. The park cited "macroeconomic conditions that significantly depressed overall demand in the travel and leisure industry" and a lack of cash to advertise.[19] The park had borrowed a lot of money and could not convince investors to provide more help to keep the park going.[11]

Changes were made to operating hours and planned operating days. The original closing time of 1 a.m. was moved up to 10 p.m. in August and the park moved to weekend-only operations after Labor Day. With an earlier end-of-season planned on November 2, the park scheduled no concerts past August 30.[20]

Early closure, bankruptcy and new owners

In September 2008, HRP investor Africa Israel Investments decided to write off its entire $10 million investment in the park "due to liquidity difficulties the park is experiencing".[21] Hard Rock Park then announced that they were ending the 2008 season over a month early, laying off most of the employees, and had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. At the time of the filing, the park expressed hopes of reopening in 2009;[22] the following month the company announced plans to sell the park. In January 2009, the company converted to Chapter 7.[23]

In February 2009, the Delaware bankruptcy court declined to force an auction and approved the sale of the park to FPI MB Entertainment (FPI) for $25 million.[24] FPI MB Entertainment was a joint venture of FPI US LLC, a company incorporated in Delaware, and MB Entertainment.[25] The partners included Roundbox Advisors, Freestyle Park International, Baker Leisure Group, and two of the park's original owners, Thomas M. Hiles and D. Tim Duncan. Baker Leisure Group managed the day-to-day park operations.[24] FPI had to completely re-skin and overhaul the park to comply with court rulings.[26]

On April 2, 2009, the new owners announced that the Hard Rock name would be dropped. While Hard Rock International had been willing to continue use of the name if conditions could be met, the owners felt that changing the name would give the park a more positive image since the old name was connected with the bankruptcy; also, the "Hard Rock" name was not considered family-oriented. Because of the name change, the bankruptcy court required all Hard Rock merchandise to be destroyed.

Later that month, FPI unveiled a new name for the park: Freestyle Music Park, stating that it would pay homage to a variety of musical genres, including rock n' roll, country, reggae, beach music, pop, R&B, alternative, Christian, disco, and rap.[3] The name does not refer to the Latin music genre, according to sales and marketing director John Stine.[27]

In May 2009, HRP Creative Services Co. wanted to make certain attractions separate from the park the new owners planned, with former park CEO Steven Goodwin wanting the new owners to pay royalties.[28] However, a Delaware federal judge said on March 30 that some of the previous owners still owned intellectual property rights relating to the original theme.[29] The original owners then sued FPI, claiming they had not done enough to change the park, and that the new owners were using intellectual property that was not theirs. This action threatened to delay the reopening.[30]

On June 22, 2009, the county planning commission agreed to change the name of Hard Rock Parkway to Fantasy Harbour Boulevard. FPI agreed to pay part of the cost for new signs. Businesses located on the road would have to pay their own expenses as the road, once called Outlet Boulevard, received its second name change in two years.[31] By mid-September, five of the seven signs on the street itself had been changed.[32]

2009 season: Freestyle Music Park

The park reopened on May 23, 2009, with adult admission reduced to $39.95 ($29.95 for children) and annual passes to $64.95 ($39.95 for children).[4][5] Additionally, the park offered three separate promotions during the 2009 summer season: $10 off for South Carolina residents, $17.76 for two admission tickets after 4PM and $19.99 for two admission tickets prior to 4PM. As a result of these discounts, the park also made less money than hoped.

Aside from the renaming of the overall park, sections of the park also got new names; "Myrtle's Beach" (previously "Rock 'N' Roll Heaven") became a "tongue-in-cheek celebration of all things Polynesian," "Born in the USA" became "Kids in America," "British Invasion" became "Across the Pond," and "Cool Country" became "Country USA." The entrance changed names from "All Access Entry Plaza" to "VIP Plaza". FPI also introduced Kids in America, a 17,000-square-foot (1,600 m2) children's section with four rides named after hit songs purchased from Zamperla of Italy. The rides are named "Get Off My Cloud," "Fly Like an Eagle," "Wheels in the Sky" and "Life Is a Highway."[33] "CSI: Live", previously performed at Six Flags Magic Mountain near Los Angeles, was added to the park and was based on the CSI TV series.[34]

As the park prepared to close at the end of the summer, FPI President Steve Baker said, "Overall, I'm real happy," and that "we're doing our best, and we're here to stay."[35] Baker made these comments despite the fact that the economy and the park's past problems contributed to a less than spectacular first season. Many amusement parks were also having difficulties, said David Mandt of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. Consultant Dennis Speigel, who had no connection to the park, said, "It's probably the largest catastrophe in our industry. Quite frankly the park shouldn't reopen." He said for the price FPI paid, they should have been able to make the park succeed. Speigel said the park was too far from the beach.[36]

Further problems and subsequent closure

Throughout the season, a series of lawsuits were filed against the park, adding to the park's woes. The lawsuits were filed by Brandon Advertising (for $1.4 million) on August 5, 2009, and Roundbox Advisors LLC (for $360,000) on August 17, 2009. Baker explained that FPI MB would pay both creditors, saying that Freestyle Park had fewer problems than Hard Rock Park, but people were assuming the difficulties would continue, meaning that they were less patient. Tetra Financial Group also filed a lawsuit in September for lease payments, taxes and fees.[37] In October 2009, FPI announced that they had lined up some new investors to help the park pay its debts. They signed a memorandum of understanding with the investors.[38]

The agreement to purchase Hard Rock Park included paying $570,000 owed by the former park owners. In January 2010, the attorney for Hard Rock Park's trustee allowed an extension on that payment as the park searched for new investors. Court documents said the economic situation caused difficulties in making the payments. The park laid off 30 employees early in January 2010.

In February 2010, FPI attorney Tobey Daluz announced that the park would not open in March 2010 as planned. She said when or if the park opened depended on actions of investors who have not been identified.[39][40] On March 29, 2010, lawyer David Slough said the park would not reopen unless investors allowed FPI to pay Hard Rock Park's debt by the deadline of April 1, 2010. He would not say how close investors were to a deal. On April 1, 2010, Slough said, "Currently, the park has no ability to make the payment." Foreclosure and even bankruptcy are now possibilities, but the park could still find investors and reopen, according to attorney Allen Jeffcoat.[6] Court documents filed April 13, 2010, in federal bankruptcy court in Delaware say a court ruling will create a lien; the next step will likely be a Horry County court action leading to the park's sale.[41] On June 29, 2010, a federal court awarded Tetra $14 million after Freestyle failed to answer the lawsuit. On June 30, 2010, Baker said the park was "aggressively" seeking new investors. Jeffcoat, who had no connection to the case, said Tetra would only be repaid after other creditors who already had claims.[37]

On August 9, 2010, foreclosure proceedings were filed against Freestyle Music Park.[42] Mortgage holder FPI US LLC seeks over $25 million from park owner FPI MB Entertainment LLC. Loan documents identified the general manager of FPI US LLC as Alexey (Alexei in most documents) Sidnev; Sidnev was a former partner in Moscow-based MT Development, an investor in Freestyle Park that had planned a similar park in Europe. Court filings showed FPI US LLC is a division of MT Development.[25] On August 20, FPI MB Entertainment responded to the foreclosure action, admitting the amount of debt is correct and that it cannot pay.[43] Four out of five creditors responding to the foreclosure claimed FPI US and FPI MB were the same company and that FPI US should not have first claim to park assets. FPI MB attorney Nate Fata denied this.[44] In an August 24, 2010, interview, Baker said the park's entire board had resigned, except for one member appointed by Russian investors who would work to sell the park. Baker, who continued to head Baker Leisure Group, believed the park could succeed under new owners.[43]

VenCore Solutions, which leased items such as radios and shelves to Hard Rock Park, continued its agreement with Freestyle Park. On September 8, VenCore, claiming FPI MB owes the company over $1 million was granted the right to repossess the property.[45] FPI MB stated in a letter that VenCore was correct that the property "is currently uninsured and not subject to a hurricane contingency plan."[46]

In December 2011, FPI US which received the property in an August foreclosure auction, filed papers showing it had mortgaged the property for $20 million, money that the company's attorney was needed for maintenance and other expenses until a sale. Land for a proposed hotel which was never built was later sold in a foreclosure auction on July 2, 2012.[8]

Three months before the Summer 2012 season, Alain Wizman of Keller Williams, who had been looking for buyers, said Freestyle appeared unlikely to make a return before 2013.[47] However, on April 18, 2013, local Myrtle Beach newspaper My Horry News reported that local Christian nonprofit arts group Abiding Village launched a campaign to generate enough money to buy the former park minus the rides for $10 million and convert the old park into an education and entertainment complex. An official with Freestyle gave the group three weeks to come up with the resources to purchase the land and buildings, according to Abiding Village officials.[48][49] On May 7 it was announced via The Sun News that with 5 days left Abiding Village had raised only $1 million of the $10 million goal.[50] On May 13, WBTW and WMBF-TV reported the Abiding Village would not call the old theme park home. The group held a yard sale on May 12, 2013 and later that evening the group's website listed the total as $155,789.82. Abiding Village reps said that they were hopeful that they would still be able to buy the land in the future.[51][52]

Martin Durham, the park's former vice president for entertainment, said many factors led to the park's demise, but the biggest culprit was the recession that hit right as it opened.[53][54][55]

On November 12, 2013, local media reported that Freestyle Music Park was trying to sell off many of the rides from the venture. This was despite earlier rumors that Baker had plans to move the Freestyle rides to a park he planned to open in Orlando, Florida.[56] Dozens of the rides were listed for sale with Nashville-based Ital International; exceptions were the Wave Swinger and Balloon Race, previously sold to Seabreeze Amusement Park.[57][58] On December 20, 2013, The Sun News reported that the 13-acre Family Kingdom Amusement Park had purchased The Magic Bikes and Jump Around Dunebuggies, two interactive family rides which were the right size for the park.[59] In late July 2014, dismantling and removal of the other rides began.[60] As of August 11, 2014, Ital International no longer listed the rides, and it was reported that other rides were being shipped out of the US, possibly to Vietnam. Being taken down was the roller coaster known as The Eagles' Life In The Fast Lane. Other rides from the park already had been sold.[61][62] As of February 2015, all of the rides had been dismantled. They were reassembled in Asia Park in Da Nang, Vietnam with the exception of the Led Zeppelin/Time Machine, Maximum RPM!/Round About, and Slippery When Wet/Soakd’ coasters. The track has appeared in Ha Long, Vietnam at a new park called Dragon Park Ha Long. Both parks have the same owner. The ride opened in 2017 under the name Dragon’s Run. Two of the former coasters were set up at Sun World Danang Wonders, but never operated.

On February 20, 2014, The Sun News reported that Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament bought roughly four acres of the park which it used prior to 2008 for its horses to exercise and graze.[63][64]

Area government officials visited China in February 2016 and reported that investors had plans for a $100 million development on the site.[65]

Sale of former park property

On January 1, 2019, it was reported that the former Hard Rock/Freestyle Music Park property of approximately 125.14 acres as well as several other parcels was sold by FPI US LLC. to FTPP Bishop Parkway LLC for $3,545,000. The future of the property is currently unknown though the land is currently zoned as a planned development district, according to the Geographic information system (GIS) maps, so it a prime spot for potential development that could include housing or even another tourist attraction.[66][67][68][69][70]

On February 26, 2019, it was revealed that former Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes purchased the old park property back on December 28, 2018. Rhodes said that he was not sure of what he wanted to do with the property, saying that only that any development would take advantage of the waterway and that "it will not be another theme park." Rhodes applied for demolition permits but did say some buildings might remain.[71][72][73][74]

On April 6, 2019, John Rhodes, managing partner of the new ownership group, stated that he did not have any immediate plans for the property, an that he was not against selling the property undeveloped. Rhodes stated that he was in no rush to develop the property as there might be others who wanted it more than he did. He did state that he had some ideas for the property, but that he had to find out from his contractor of any of his ideas would work with the existing buildings.[75]

Suspicious Fires

On February 17, 2019 fire official were called just before midnight to the former Hard Rock/Freestyle Music Park for a three-alarm fire. At about 3:00 a.m the fire was out and investigators were working the scene and the cause of the blaze was not immediately known, but was later deemed suspicious by fire investigators and local police.[76][77][78]

On June 30, 2019, a debris/structure fire broke out at the former amusement park and a preliminary investigation by fire officials show that the two separate fires were not "of an accidental ignition." A witness told police that they saw smoke coming from the park and that they saw a group of people leaving the site and was able to provide police with a license number, but nobody has been arrested in connection to the case and police continue to investigate. [79][80][81]

On September 6, 2019 at 5:20 am, fire officials responded to a reported commercial structure fire, with the fire being in a former ticket booth area near where one of the parks entrances used to be and flames were visible upon arrival, but the fire was under control within about 30 minutes and there no reported injuries. There currently are no indications that the fire was suspicious, and is currently under investigation. [82][83][84][85]

Redevelopment

On October 10, 2019 it was reported that Horry County received a rezoning application in which the property owner is requesting an update to the Planned Development District and to allow for additional uses on a portion of the site. The 112 acre property is currently zone for only theme park use and possible uses for the property were to be presented during a planning and zoning workshop on November 7, where leaders would decide on what possible uses will be permitted at the former amusement park. The owner of the land confirmed the future development of the property will not include an amusement park.[86][87]

Attractions

Roller coasters
Hard Rock ParkFreestyle Music ParkManufacturerTypeStatusRef(s)
NameAreaNameArea
Eagles Life in the Fast LaneCool CountryIron HorseCountry USAVekomaMine Train roller coasterRelocated[88]
A mine train roller coaster that would take riders through a creepy abandoned lumber mill. The ride was originally set to be named Midnight Rider; however, the coaster was renamed after it was announced that the soundtrack would be set to Eagles, and named for their 1977 hit song.
Led Zeppelin: The RideRock & Roll HeavenTime MachineMyrtle's BeachBolliger & MabillardSteel roller coasterRelocated[89]
The ride stood 150 feet (46 m) tall, and had a top speed of 65 mph (105 km/h). Other features included six inversions, a spiral over the existing lagoon, and an on-ride video system. When originally operating as Led Zeppelin – The Ride, guests were treated to a unique multimedia Led Zeppelin live-concert experience during the pre-show. The ride was most notable for active participation of surviving Led Zeppelin band members Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones, who contributed to all aspects of the ride, including the ride name, logo and overall look and feel of the vehicles.[90] The Led Zeppelin properties were licensed from C + P Eighty-Six Ltd. Under Freestyle Music Park, the ride was set to the music of the 1960s to the 2000s.
Maximum RPM!British InvasionRound AboutAcross the PondPremier RidesSteel roller coasterDismantled[91]
A convertible car-coaster that races to 1980s hits, particularly Gary Numan's "Cars". Riders go for a test drive through a mock factory in British sports cars. The coaster features a first-of-its-kind ferris wheel lift hill, where the coaster trains are rolled from the bottom of the track onto a ferris wheel-like contraption and then pushed off at the top into a high speed adventure. The ride building somewhat resembles Battersea Power Station with an inflatable pig, in reference to the cover of Pink Floyd's Animals album. Automaker BMW sued the park in 2010 over the similarity of the attraction's ride vehicle to the plaintiff's Mini Cooper. Never operated at its new home until it was dismantled later around 2018.
Shake, Rattle & RollercoasterBorn in the USAHang TenKids in AmericaVekomaJunior roller coasterRelocated[92]
A classic boardwalk-themed kiddie roller coaster.
Slippery When WetBorn in the USASoak'dKids in AmericaPremier RidesSuspended roller coasterDismantled[93]
A suspended roller coaster that featured an interactive experience permitting non-riders to fire water cannons as the roller coaster trains passed by, at the risk of themselves being drenched by overhead showers that fired at random. Like Maximum RPM!, it never operated at its new home and was later dismantled around 2018.

Other attractions
Hard Rock ParkFreestyle Music ParkManufacturerTypeStatusRef(s)
NameAreaNameArea
All the King's Horses CarouselBritish InvasionCarnaby CarouselAcross the PondChance RidesGrand CarouselClosed[94]
Garage JamLost in the 70sGrunge StationAcross the PondPrime InteractivesBall play areaClosed[95]
GamesLost in the 70sRing My BellAcross the PondUpcharge attractionClosed
Just a Swingin'Cool CountryThe Texas SwingCountry USABertazzonWave SwingerRelocating to Seabreeze Amusement Park[57][58]
Kids Rock! State ParkBorn in the USAFantasy Harbour State ParkKids in AmericaRope Courses, Inc.Ropes courseClosed[96]
London Cab RideBritish InvasionMcGillivray Cab CompanyAcross the PondHUSS Park AttractionsRodeo (London cabs)Relocated to Sunworld Danang Wonders[97]
Magic Mushroom GardenBritish InvasionFaerie GlenAcross the PondHUSS Park AttractionsAirboatRelocated to Sunworld Danang Wonders[98]
A Scrambler-style ride featuring the "World's largest blacklight poster."[99]
Muddin' Monster RaceCool CountryBig Ol' TrucksCountry USAHUSS Park AttractionsBee BeeRelocated to Sunworld Danang Wonders[100]
Nights in White Satin: The TripBritish InvasionMonstars of RockAcross the PondSally Corp. / ETFDark rideClosed[101]
Was a dark ride based on The Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin". The ride incorporated sights, sounds, smells and tactile effects, onboard ride vehicle audio, a purpose-made movie written to the spoken word section of the song, and a re-orchestrated version of the iconic song by Justin Hayward. Guests entered through a bead curtain and wore chroma-depth 3-D glasses during the ride. Nights was voted in the top three new attractions of 2008 in a themeparkinsider.com annual poll.
Pinball Wizard ArcadeLost in the 70sWho's Tommy ArcadeAcross the PondArcadeClosed
The Punk PitBorn in the USAJumpAcross the PondBounce houseClosed
Reggae River FallsRock & Roll HeavenPolly Nesian's Splash BashMyrtle's BeachWater play areaClosed[102]
Sole TrainBorn in the USACuckoo-Ka-ChooChooKids in AmericaZamperlaRio GrandeClosed[103]
N/AFly Like An EagleKids in AmericaZamperlaKite FlyerClosed[104]
N/AGet Off Of My CloudKids in AmericaZamperlaBalloon RaceRelocating to Seabreeze Amusement Park[57][58]
N/AKids' Tree HouseKids in AmericaHendersonTreehouse playgroundClosed[105]
N/ALife Is A HighwayKids in AmericaZamperlaConvoyClosed[106]

Shows
Hard Rock ParkFreestyle Music ParkManufacturerTypeStatusRef(s)
NameAreaNameArea
Bohemian RhapsodyAll Access Entry PlazaKiss the SkyVIP PlazaFireworks and laser showClosed
Bohemian Rhapsody was a nighttime show held over the lagoon, set to the classic song by Queen. The show featured fountains, fireworks and a laser-light show displayed from the top of the giant Gibson Guitar icon. The fireworks and lasers returned for Kiss the Sky.
Ice House TheatreCool CountryIce Cold CountryCountry USAIce showClosed
Originally showed "Country on the Rocks", a rock-themed show set on ice. Freestyle Music Park saw the theatre present an ice show set to country and southern rock music. Situated in a former Fantasy Harbour-era ice skating theater subsumed into the amusement park.
Live AmphitheaterBorn in the USAStars theatreKids In AmericaClosed
The main stage used for a series of headline acts, specialty musicians, high school bands as well as being the location of the opening-day Eagles/Moody Blues concerts. Bowling for Soup were the first band to play at the venue.
Malibu Beach PartyRock & Roll HeavenAdrenaline RushMyrtle's BeachClosed
Malibu Beach Party was a live-action comedy show set to all the great beach classics and some modern day pop songs. A cast of dancers and swimmers danced, dove, performed stunts on motorcycles and interacted with the crowd in a lakefront/poolside amphitheater. During Freestyle Music Park's operation the stunt show consisted of skateboards, bicycles and rollerblades.
OriginsAll Access Entry PlazaBeale Street TheatreVIP PlazaFilm presentationClosed
A film presentation showing the history of rock n roll and how it is intertwined with theme parks.
Phonehenge StageBritish InvasionN/APerformance stageDemolished
A performance area equipped with red British-style phone boxes arranged to resemble Stonehenge. Featured Fireeater/sword-swallower/juggler Lukas Dudek.
Roadies Stunt ShowBritish InvasionCSI: LiveAcross the PondShowClosed
Roadies Stunt Show was a twist on the popular stunt show concept with rock and roll 'roadies' as characters. This show featured many 'cirque'-type elements and numerous pyrotechnic effects. It was replaced by CSI: Live, based on the TV series. Investigators would try to determine who committed a murder at a magic show, with audience members considered suspects.

Flip 5 Live!-Stars Theatre-Kids In America This was "a high energy, interactive show that rocked the house." The 11 characters were named Kira, Kimmy, Dot, Spin, Chase, Bounce, Trip, Jive, Jam, Cali and Zach. They sang original and cover songs from the past and present.

In media

On October 26, 2010, the book Grand Strand by former park employee Reid Barwick, became available for purchase online. Many of the details of the fictional "Rocktime Amusement Park" match those of the real story of Hard Rock and Freestyle Music Parks. However, the book contains fraudulent deals which Baker denies took place.[107]

The park was used as a set on an episode of the TV Series Revolution. Several rides and the park itself was used as the scene of a post-apocalyptic amusement park.[108]

References
  1. [http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/hrp/ Hard Rock Park page - The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News Archived 2008-05-16 at the Wayback Machine
  2. Bordsen, John (2008-04-20). "A new riff from Hard Rock". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2012-02-14.
  3. Foster, Jessica (April 10, 2009). "Park Chucks Rock Name, Goes with Freestyle Music Park". The Sun News.
  4. Cherney, Mike (May 9, 2009). "Freestyle Music Park Shows Off Its Younger Side". The Sun News.
  5. Sim, Nick (12 May 2009). "Freestyle Music Park announces ticket prices and special offers". Theme Park Tourist. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
  6. Spring, Jake (2010-04-02). "Freestyle Music Park misses deadline". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 2012-09-13. Retrieved 2010-04-02.
  7. "Hard Rock Park? Cool". Sun Times. August 8, 2003.
  8. Bryant, Dawn (2012-07-30). "Myrtle Beach area land that would have had Hard Rock Park hotel headed to auction". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 2012-08-05. Retrieved 2012-07-31.
  9. Siew, Walden (April 5, 2006). "Hard Rock Park, Jostens Lead Sales of Riskiest Debt (Update 2)". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on June 13, 2015. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  10. "SC's Hard Rock Park to reopen in May with new name". USA Today. The Associated Press. 3 April 2009. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  11. Bryant, Dawn (2013-09-15). "Hard Rock Park developer reflects on what went wrong five years after its only season". The Sun News.
  12. Gieszl, Eric (April 13, 2007). "Led Zeppelin - The Ride Coming To Hard Rock Park". Ultimate Rollercoaster. Archived from the original on November 6, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  13. "Hard Rock Park builds stairway to coaster heaven". Park World Magazine. Datateam Business Media Limited. 21 August 2007. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 16 February 2013.
  14. Hard Rock Park Turns Up The Volume On The Family Leisure Scene Archived 2007-10-09 at the Wayback Machine, Press Release
  15. Holland, Eva (2008-05-15). "Hard Rock Park Opens to 'Awesome' Reviews". WorldHum. Archived from the original on 2011-04-15. Retrieved 2010-02-18.
  16. Harpaz, Beth J. (2008-05-21). "Grown-ups' revenge: Explaining Hard Rock Park". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 2008-09-05. Retrieved 2010-02-18.
  17. Hicks, Brian (August 31, 2008). "Hard Times at Hard Rock". The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on December 4, 2008. Retrieved 2009-05-13.
  18. Fleisher, Lisa (Dec 14, 2008). "Hard Rock Park: The Way the Music Died". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 2013-02-04. Retrieved 2009-05-13.
  19. Fleisher, Lisa (November 16, 2008). "Ill-timed Hard Rock Is on the Block". The Sun News. Archived from the original on July 30, 2012. Retrieved 2009-05-13.
  20. "TV report fuels rumors of Hard Rock Park demise". themeparkinsider.com (incl. transcript from WPDE-TV). 2009-08-07. Archived from the original on 2009-06-28. Retrieved 2010-02-18.
  21. "Hard Rock Park Loses an Investor". The Post and Courier. September 8, 2008. Archived from the original on November 13, 2008. Retrieved 2009-05-13.
  22. "Hard Rock Park in SC files Chapter 11 bankruptcy". USA Today. September 25, 2008. Archived from the original on April 9, 2009.
  23. "Ride Over for Hard Rock Park". WPDE. January 2, 2009. Archived from the original on January 5, 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-19.
  24. Fleisher, Lisa (February 18, 2009). "Judge clears sale of Hard Rock Park". The Sun News. Retrieved 2009-02-19.
  25. Spring, Jake (2010-08-23). "Consultant: 'Time to bury' Freestyle Music Park in Myrtle Beach area". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 2011-01-01. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
  26. Cohen, Melanie (2009-10-01). "Freestyle Music Park Gets Off to Rocky Start". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 2009-10-06. Retrieved 2010-02-18.
  27. Cherney, Mike (April 26, 2009). "Park Name a Music Style, but up for Interpretation". The Sun News. Archived from the original on August 16, 2013. Retrieved 2009-04-27.
  28. Cherney, Mike (May 9, 2009). "Hard Rock Park Ideas See New Plans". The Sun News. Archived from the original on August 16, 2013. Retrieved 2009-05-09.
  29. Cherney, Mike (April 3, 2009). "Theme park Scraps Hard Rock". The Sun News. Retrieved 2009-04-04.
  30. Cherney, Mike (May 20, 2009). "Hard Rock Park Creators File Suit". The Sun News. Archived from the original on August 16, 2013. Retrieved 2009-06-02.
  31. Cherney, Mike (June 23, 2009). "Freestyle Paying to Rename Parkway". The Sun News. Archived from the original on August 16, 2013. Retrieved 2009-06-23.
  32. Newton, Monique (September 13, 2009). "Hard Rock Parkway fades into the past". The Sun News. Archived from the original on August 16, 2013. Retrieved 2009-09-14.
  33. Cherney, Mike (April 23, 2009). "Kids' Romp Area Revealed at Freestyle Music Park". The Sun News. Retrieved 2009-04-25.
  34. Cherney, Mike (May 15, 2009). "Freestyle Music Park Unveils Last 2 Shows". The Sun News. Archived from the original on August 16, 2013. Retrieved 2009-05-15.
  35. Newton, Monique (2009-08-24). "Freestyle Music Park: How is it doing?". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 2013-08-16. Retrieved 2009-08-24.
  36. Spring, Jake (2010-03-30). "Freestyle Music Park opening hinges on investors". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 2011-10-06. Retrieved 2010-03-30.
  37. Spring, Jake (2010-07-01). "Court rules against Freestyle Music Park". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 2011-01-01. Retrieved 2010-07-01.
  38. Newton, Monique (2009-10-17). "Freestyle Music Park says it's lined up investors". The Sun News. Retrieved 2009-10-27.
  39. "Freestyle Music Park to close offices, lay off workers until deal made with new investors". The Sun News. 2010-02-06. Retrieved 2010-02-18.
  40. Saldinger, Adva (2010-02-16). "Freestyle Music Park won't open on schedule; needs investors". The Sun News. Retrieved 2010-02-18.
  41. Spring, Jake (2010-04-15). "Freestyle Music Park creditors close in". The Sun News. Retrieved 2010-04-15.
  42. Summer, Jake (2010-08-13). "Freestyle begins foreclosure proceedings". WMBF. Archived from the original on 2012-03-03. Retrieved 2010-08-13.
  43. Spring, Jake (2010-08-25). "Freestyle Music Park board resigns". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 2011-01-01. Retrieved 2010-08-25.
  44. Spring, Jake (2010-09-18). "Freestyle Music Park creditors cry fraud, fight back". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 2012-09-12. Retrieved 2010-09-18.
  45. Spring, Jake (2010-09-17). "Court gives go-ahead to repossess Freestyle Music Park property". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 2011-01-01. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
  46. Spring, Jake (2010-09-18). "Freestyle Music Park's legal tangle thickens". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 2013-02-04. Retrieved 2010-09-18.
  47. Bryant, Dawn (2012-02-16). "Theme park in Myrtle Beach likely won't reopen for this summer". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 2012-02-19. Retrieved 2012-02-16.
  48. "Myrtle Beach area nonprofit trying to buy Freestyle park". My Horry News. Retrieved 18 April 2013.
  49. Byers, Melissa. "Freestyle Music Park could become Christian Education Center". The Digitel Myrtle Beach. Archived from the original on 13 May 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  50. Bryant, Dawn (7 May 2013). "Group way short of $10 million goal to buy former Freestyle Music Park as deadline approaches". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 10 May 2013. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  51. Riggs, Kelsey. "Raising $10M in 3 weeks too tough for Abiding Village". WBTW. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  52. Gonzalez, Erika. "No deal reached for purchase of Freestyle Music Park". WMBF-TV. Archived from the original on 23 June 2013. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  53. "Rides listed for sale from former Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach". WBTW. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  54. Joel, Allen. "Former Hard Rock Park roller coasters for sale". WPDE. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  55. Bryant, Dawn (12 November 2013). "Rides at former Freestyle Music Park listed for sale". The Sun News. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
  56. Spring, Jake (2010-11-14). "Freestyle Music Park rides to stay put". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 2013-02-04. Retrieved 2010-11-23.
  57. Seabreeze Amusement Park (5 November 2013). "Balloon Race & Wave Swinger". Facebook. Archived from the original on 16 January 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  58. Seabreeze Amusement Park (5 November 2013). "It's official! We're adding two new..." Facebook. Archived from the original on 16 January 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  59. Bryant, Dawn (20 December 2013). "Some Freestyle rides find new home in Myrtle Beach". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 26 December 2013. Retrieved 25 December 2013.
  60. "Freestyle Music Park". www.screamscape.com. Archived from the original on 2014-08-08.
  61. Jones, Steve. "Freestyle rides headed from Myrtle Beach to Vietnam?". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 12 August 2014. Retrieved 11 August 2014.
  62. Allen, Joel. "Destination unknown for dismantled Freestyle park rides". WPDE. Archived from the original on 19 August 2014. Retrieved 11 August 2014.
  63. Bryant, Dawn. "Former Freestyle Music Park property to be used for Medieval Times horses to exercise". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 26 February 2014. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  64. "Horry County Council Regular Meeting 2/18/2014". Horry County Council. Retrieved 19 February 2014.
  65. Perry, Charles D. (29 February 2016). "Chinese investors eyeing former Hard Rock theme park site". Archived from the original on 1 March 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  66. Herring, Brandon. "Land of former Myrtle Beach area music park sold for $3.5 million". WBTW. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
  67. Gale, Heather. "Former Freestyle Music Park land sold to Myrtle Beach company run by attorney". WPDE-TV. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
  68. Doria, Nick. "Former Freestyle Music Park sold". WMBF-TV. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
  69. Fleming, Tyler. "What to do with Freestyle Park? The unused lot finds new owner". The Sun News. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
  70. "SC Secretary of State Entity Profile: FTPP Bishop Parkway LLC". Secretary of State of South Carolina. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
  71. Fleming, Tyler (26 February 2019). "'It will not be another theme park': Former Myrtle Beach Mayor bought Freestyle Park site". The Sun News. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  72. Thomas, Elizabeth. "'It won't be another amusement park:' Former mayor buys Freestyle Park". WPDE. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  73. Blomquist, Rob. "Former MB Mayor John Rhodes buys Freestyle Music Park Property". WMBF-TV. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  74. Perry, Charles. "Former Myrtle Beach mayor part of company that bought music park land". My Horry News. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  75. Blondin, Alan (6 April 2019). "There's no rush': A look at the former Hard Rock and Freestyle amusement parks". The Sun News. Retrieved 8 April 2019.
  76. "Crews battle fire at the former Freestyle Music Park". WMBF-TV. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
  77. "HCFR, HCPD investigates fire at former Freestyle Music Park as 'suspicious'". WMBF-TV. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
  78. Rivas, Briana. "HCFR: Fire at former Hard Rock Park deemed 'suspicious'". WPDE-TV. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
  79. Lang, Alex. "Police say fire at old Myrtle Beach area music park is being investigated as arson". The Sun News. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
  80. "Horry County police, fire respond to report of arson at former music park". WBTW. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
  81. "Arson investigation underway at former Freestyle Music Park". WMBF-TV. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
  82. "Fire at former Freestyle Music Park under investigation". WMBF-TV. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  83. ""Flames were visible upon arrival": HCFR crews respond to former Hard Rock Park". WBTW. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  84. Strong, Hannah. "Fire breaks out at old ticket booth at former Hard Rock Park, officials say". The Sun News. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  85. "Fire at former Freestyle Park still under investigation". My Horry News. Retrieved 10 September 2019.
  86. "Document outlines possible uses for former Freestyle Music Park site". WMBF-TV. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  87. Fleming, Tyler. "Changes are on the horizon for former Myrtle Beach area theme park site". The Sun News. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  88. Marden, Duane. "Iron Horse  (Freestyle Music Park)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  89. Marden, Duane. "Time Machine  (Freestyle Music Park)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  90. Led Zeppelin - NEWS - www.led-zeppelin.com
  91. Marden, Duane. "Round About  (Freestyle Music Park)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  92. Marden, Duane. "Hang Ten  (Freestyle Music Park)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  93. Marden, Duane. "Soak'd  (Freestyle Music Park)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  94. "Chance Freestyle Grand carousel". Ital International. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  95. "Freestyle air guns battle zone". Ital International. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  96. "Ropetrails inc. Freestyle rope course". Ital International. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  97. "HUSS Freestyle Taxi Rodeo". Ital International. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  98. "HUSS Freestyle Swamp Thing". Ital International. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  99. ThrillNetwork.com :: Hard Rock Park – For those that want to rock Archived 2008-06-12 at the Wayback Machine
  100. "HUSS Freestyle Swing Around". Ital International. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  101. "ETF Freestyle dark ride". Ital International. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  102. "Freestyle Soak Zone". Ital International. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  103. "Zamperla Freestyle Rio Grande Train". Ital International. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  104. "Zamperla Freestyle Kite Flier". Ital International. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  105. "Freestyle tree house playgr". Ital International. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  106. "Zamperla Freestyle Truckin'". Ital International. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  107. Spring, Jake (2010-11-07). "Freestyle Music Park book sure to intrigue". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 2013-02-04. Retrieved 2010-11-07.
  108. "Abandoned Freestyle/Hard Rock Amusement Park on NBC's Revolution". Archived from the original on 2014-07-15. Retrieved 2014-03-18.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.