CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The chance to see heavy metal singer Ivan Moody of Five Finger Death Punch celebrate the opening of his new Cheyenne businesses doesn’t happen every day.
Local community members, a.k.a. die-hard Five Finger fans, weren’t going to miss that opportunity come rain, shine, hail — or a combination of all three.
Braving the unpredictable Wyoming weather, hundreds gathered in a blocked-off section of west Pershing Boulevard and Snyder Avenue this afternoon to witness the grand opening of Moody’s Rock Stop.
The Denver-raised entrepreneur is best known as the lead singer and songwriter for the critically acclaimed, platinum-selling band. The band will preform at Cheyenne Frontier Days on July 26.
In June, Moody announced he had moved to Cheyenne and will open two new businesses in the city. The first, Moody’s Rock Stop, is a rock n’ roll–based convenience store and fueling station located at 901 W. Pershing Blvd. The store sells a variety of snacks, beverages and the rock star’s personal line of specialized products. Current and former Armed Service members can receive 5 cents off per gallon and 10% off anything in the convenience store except cigarettes.
His second business, Ciara Coral, is an intensive outpatient facility that focuses on treating addiction and mental health disorders. The facility is located at 433 E. 19th St. No. 2 and will offer personalized treatment plans for each individual. Moody has been open about his struggles with addiction and mental health and hopes to help others by opening this facility, according to a press release.
While both locations opened today, the grand opening block party took place at the gas station. Having the businesses in Cheyenne means a lot to locals, especially 15-year-fan Sabrina Sawicki.
“It’s freaking amazing,” she said, standing inside the crowded convince store and looking around at the snacks and rock n’ roll–themed decorations. “I can’t believe he’s here.”
Sawicki used to work at Taco John’s off of South Greeley Highway, and said Moody would stop by all the time to order food and talk to the employees. Her mother, who passed away two years ago, was also a fan of the band and would have loved to see the businesses.
“My mom was a fan of Five Finger Death Punch as well,” she said. “so [being at Moody’s], it’s a lot for her right now since she can’t be here.”
During the event, people lined up outside the store to buy food and trinkets. Several food trucks parked along the streets, and a makeshift stage was set up to host live performances from local musicians City Creek Band and Antisaint. The crowd periodically dispersed from the street throughout the day to avoid the rain and hail, but always regrouped when the sun made its appearance.
At 4 p.m., Moody made his entrance on the stage, thanking the crowd of multi-generational fans bearing Five Finger Death Punch merchandise for sticking around.
“I guess in Wyoming if you don’t like the weather you give it a second?” he said during the event.
Moody said he came across the capital city a few years ago. He was headed to Tennessee from Las Vegas to look for a place to live when a storm hit.
“I was going halfway down [Interstate] 80 and, unknowing to me, you guys have 70–80 miles f—ing wind gusts,” he said, “so I had to stop for the night and went to Terry Bison Ranch.”
He ended up staying in Cheyenne for two weeks. It was all the time he needed to decide to put down roots.
“I’ll tell you, man, I grew up in Colorado right down the street, and when I go back these days I don’t see the same city I used to,” he said. “Lucky for me, it’s God’s will that I ended up here with all of you.”
Moody and his team ceremoniously cut a red ribbon on stage to symbolize the two locations’ official openings. He then expressed his appreciation for everyone involved in setting up and supporting the businesses, including his family, management team, the City Council, first responders and the Cheyenne community.
“I’m here to stay, I’m here to live, I want to know every single one of you today,” he said.
