Imagine plugging in your guitar, looking across the room, and realizing you’re about to rehearse with the musicians whose albums taught you how to play in the first place.
A few days later, you’re standing under the lights at the Whisky A Go Go or the Viper Room, performing the songs that helped define an era. That’s exactly what Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp is promising when it returns to Hollywood this November.
Running November 12 to 15, 2026, on the Sunset Strip, this year’s camp celebrates the 40th anniversaries of Van Halen‘s 5150 and Ratt‘s Dancing Undercover, while also shining a spotlight on the music of Night Ranger and other iconic 1980s rock acts.
Leading the experience are Michael Anthony, Warren DeMartini, Brad Gillis and Kenny Aronoff, who will spend four days mentoring musicians through rehearsals, performances, masterclasses, question-and-answer sessions and live jams.
The experience is open to musicians and vocalists of all ages and skill levels. Before arriving, every participant completes a musical evaluation to help place them in a band with players of similar ability, creating an environment that’s both challenging and rewarding.
The camp builds toward two live performances at Hollywood’s legendary Whisky A Go Go and the Viper Room, giving campers the chance to perform in front of a live audience on stages that helped launch generations of rock stars.
“Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp is about much more than learning songs,” said founder David Fishof. “It’s about sharing the stage with your heroes, making lifelong friendships, and experiencing the thrill of performing at legendary venues. It’s an experience you’ll remember forever.”
Campers will tackle classics from Van Halen, Ratt, Night Ranger and other ’80s favourites, including “Panama,” “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” “Best Of Both Worlds,” “Round And Round,” “Lay It Down” and “Sister Christian.”
Each band is paired with a touring musician serving as a mentor. This year’s counsellors include Vic Johnson, Pete Thorn, Tony Franklin, Valerie Franco, Vinny Appice, Monte Pittman and more.
Rock Camp musical director Britt Lightning says watching musicians transform over four days never gets old.
“Rock Camp is where musicians stop dreaming about playing with their heroes and actually do it,” she said. “Watching campers grow in confidence over just four days, and then take the stage at legendary venues, is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever been a part of.”
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp has welcomed everyone from hobbyists and aspiring musicians to executives, entrepreneurs and established professionals. Past campers have included Seattle Seahawks coach John Benton, a former lieutenant governor of Kentucky and Oracle co-founder Ed Oates.
The camp has also become increasingly diverse. More than 40 percent of participants are now women, and Rock Camp also offers Women’s Only and Songwriting camps designed to create even more opportunities for musicians to develop their craft.
Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp has also found its way into popular culture through appearances on The Simpsons, Billions, Saturday Night Live, The Today Show and Pawn Stars. The Rock Camp documentary is currently available to stream for free on Amazon, YouTube and other major streaming platforms, while the Rock Camp podcast continues to share stories from artists and campers alike.
“For 30 years, Rock Camp has been about one thing, changing lives through music,” Fishof said. “We’ve watched people rediscover their passion, gain confidence, and fulfill dreams they never thought possible. And we’ve seen the artists experience the same joy by giving back.”
If you had the chance to share the stage with your rock heroes, which musicians would make your Rock Camp?\
