Rock Your Labor Day: Legendary BBQ, Rockstar Playlists & German Grill Classics with XOUNTS

August 15, 2025

Table of Contents

Rock Your Labor Day with BBQ, Beats & Backyard Vibes

At XOUNTS, we believe sound isn’t just background music — it’s the heartbeat of every great moment. It’s the glow of the lights, the design that sets the stage, the laughter around the table, the sizzle of good food, and the pulse of good music. Music connects. Food connects. XOUNTS SOUND CONNECTS.

So What do Metal and Labor Day have in common? They both rock! Labor Day Weekend isn’t just a date on the calendar — it’s the unofficial last hurrah of summer.
 It’s the time to gather your crew, fire up the grill, turn up the tunes, and create memories that last long after the embers fade.
And this year, XOUNTS is here to help you turn it into something legendary.

In this ultimate guide, you’ll get rockstar-worthy BBQ recipes, epic playlists, and insider tips to make your Labor Day the loudest, tastiest, and most unforgettable party of the summer.

BBQ Like a Rockstar

Every great cookout needs three things: friend or family, incredible food and the perfect soundtrack.
This Labor Day, we’re taking inspiration straight from music legends and XOUNTS fans worldwide.

Smiling man with curly blond hair wearing a red apron grilling meat at a backyard BBQ, with a XOUNTS speaker wrapped in an American flag design in the background.
Loaded Sammy HAGAR Shrimp Tacos with Cheese, Sour Cream, and Fresh Avocado

Sammy Hagar’s “Red Rocker” Grill Style

The former Van Halen frontman doesn’t just rock stages — he rocks the grill.
 One of his signature hits? Cabo Wabo Shrimp Tacos paired with a classic Red Rocker Margarita.

Cabo Wabo Shrimp Tacos (serves 4)

  • 500g large shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp (tea-spoon) smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Small corn tortillas
  • Shredded cabbage, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for topping

 

Instructions

Toss shrimp in olive oil, paprika, chili powder, and salt.
Grill on medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque.
Warm tortillas, fill with shrimp, top with cabbage, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Red Rocker Margarita

When Sammy Hagar isn’t melting faces on stage, he’s mixing drinks that hit just as hard. The Red Rocker Margarita isn’t just a cocktail — it’s a backstage pass to summer in a glass

  • 60ml premium tequila (Sammy recommends Cabo Wabo)
  • 30ml fresh lime juice
  • 15ml triple sec
  • Salt for the rim

 

Instructions

Shake with ice, strain into a salt-rimmed glass, and toast to summer.
“Grilling is like playing a solo — when you get it right, everyone feels it.” — Sammy Hagar

Sammy Hagar wearing a Hawaiian lei pours a margarita from a cocktail shaker at a bar, with liquor bottles in the background.
Eddie, Iron Maiden’s mascot, wearing sunglasses and an Iron Maiden T-shirt, grilling meat at a backyard garden party, with a subtle XOUNTS speaker in the background.

Eddie’s BBQ Spirit

Iron Maiden never released a cookbook — but their fans sure have. “Eddie’s BBQ” is all about heavy riffs, fiery ribs, and a side of chaos.

Host your own Maiden Metal Grill Night: think fiery ribs, thunderous spice rubs, and a grill that roars louder than the amps.

“Run to the Ribs” – Spicy Bourbon BBQ Ribs

Ingredients Serves: 4–6:

  • 2 racks baby back ribs
  • 120ml bourbon whiskey
  • 250ml ketchup
  • 100g brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt & pepper

 

Instructions:

Preheat grill to low heat (120°C).

Season ribs generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

In a saucepan, combine bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened.

Slow-cook ribs over indirect heat for 2–3 hours, basting with sauce in the last 30 minutes.

Serve with extra sauce and crank “Run to the Hills” to max volume.

Close-up of glazed BBQ spare ribs sprinkled with sesame seeds on a wooden board, served with a bowl of barbecue sauce, fresh lettuce, and cherry tomatoes in the background.
Plate of spicy, sauce-covered chicken wings served on lettuce, with an Iron Maiden receip and dipping sauces on the side.

“Number of the Beast” Hellfire Wings

Ingredients (Serves: 4):

  • 1kg chicken wings
  • 4 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s or a ghost pepper sauce for daredevils)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping

 

Instructions:

Grill or bake wings at 200°C until crispy (about 30–35 minutes).

Melt butter in a pan, whisk in hot sauce, cayenne, garlic powder, and paprika.

Toss wings in sauce until coated.

Serve with a warning label — these pack a serious punch.

“Fear of the Pork” Loaded BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Ingredients (Serves: 6–8):

  • 2kg pork shoulder
  • 3 tbsp BBQ dry rub
  • 250ml apple juice
  • 250ml BBQ sauce
  • 8 brioche buns
  • Coleslaw for topping

 

Instructions:

Rub pork shoulder with BBQ dry rub and let sit for at least 1 hour.

Slow-cook on the grill or smoker at 110°C for 6–8 hours, spritzing with apple juice every hour.

Shred pork, mix with BBQ sauce, and pile high on brioche buns.

Top with crunchy coleslaw and serve with “Fear of the Dark” blasting.

Close-up of a pulled pork sandwich topped with coleslaw and drizzled with BBQ sauce in a soft brioche bun, styled with an Iron Maiden–themed background

Every burger flip needs a beat. Here’s your 10-track soundtrack:

  • Run to the Hills – Iron Maiden
  • Rock You Like a Hurricane – Scorpions
  • Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
  • Heavy Metal Love – Helix
  • I Can’t Drive 55 – Sammy Hagar
  • Back in Black – AC/DC
  • Pour Some Sugar on Me – Def Leppard
  • You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC
  • Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
  • Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf

🇩🇪 Bonus: Surprise Your Guests with German BBQ Classics

XOUNTS is a German quality brand — so this year, bring a little taste of Germany to your Labor Day spread.

These four traditional party favorites are the dishes every German expects at a great summer cookout.

Bearded man in an Iron Maiden T-shirt and lederhosen holding a large beer stein and making the rock hand sign, with a plate of German sausages, sauerkraut, and sliced cucumbers at a backyard party, and a XOUNTS speaker with an American flag design in the background.
Bowl of homemade sauerkraut with peppercorns, bay leaves, and fresh parsley garnish, served on a rustic wooden table with garlic cloves and caraway seeds.

Sauerkraut — The Soul of German BBQ

Tangy, crunchy, and full of gut-friendly probiotics, sauerkraut isn’t just a side dish — it’s a conversation starter.
Pro tip: Serve warm with grilled bratwurst for maximum flavor.

[Get the full sauerkraut recipe in this video]

The Great German Potato Salad Debate

It’s the eternal BBQ side dish battle – creamy vs. tangy. In Germany, the choice between rich northern-style potato salad and zesty southern-style vinegar potato salad has divided tables for generations. But here’s the truth: both are worth trying, and both will rock your grill party plate.

Southern-Style Potato Salad (with Vinegar) – Left Side
Popular in Bavaria and the south, this potato salad is served warm, tossed in a tangy dressing of vinegar, mustard, onions, and fresh herbs. Light, bold, and perfect with grilled meat.

[Get the full southern potato salad recipe]

Northern-Style Potato Salad (with Mayo) – Right Side
Creamy, rich, and a bit indulgent — this mayo-based potato salad is a northern German staple. Often enhanced with boiled eggs, pickles, and chives.

[Get the full northern potato salad recipe]

Traditional Bavarian Obazda cheese spread in a rustic ceramic bowl, garnished with red onion rings, radish slices, and parsley, served with pretzels on a wooden table.

Last but not least: The Bavarian Cheese Bomb 💥🧀

Before the grill cools down, give your Labor Day guests a taste of Bavaria’s best-kept BBQ secret – Obazda. This creamy, tangy cheese spread made with Camembert, butter, onions, and paprika is the rock solo your taste buds didn’t know they needed. Serve it with fresh pretzels or crusty bread, and watch it vanish faster than the last cold beer.

Pro tip: Make it a day ahead – the flavors get even bolder, just like your playlist.

Rock your Labor Day. The XOUNTS way.

At XOUNTS, we believe sound isn’t just background music — it’s the heartbeat of every great moment. It’s the glow of the lights, the design that sets the stage, the laughter around the table, the sizzle of good food, and the pulse of good music. Music connects. Food connects. And XOUNTS sound brings it all together.

Now it’s your turn to fire up the grill, turn up the volume, and give your Labor Day a rockstar twist. Whether it’s Sammy Hagar’s shrimp tacos, Eddie’s heavy metal ribs, or a secret bowl of Obazda — we want to be part of your celebration.

📸 Show us your Labor Day in full volume — snap it, share it, and tag us on Instagram or send us your party pics and feedback. We’ll feature our favorites and keep the summer vibes alive long after the last song fades.

Let’s make this Labor Day loud, tasty, and unforgettable.
Rock your Labor Day. The XOUNTS way. 🎸🔥

Group of young people enjoying an evening party with music, string lights, and a glowing XOUNTS speaker as the centerpiece.

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