MAIN STAGE – FRIDAY

It was a beautiful day in Maidstone, Kent. The sound of The Temperance Movement sound checking was a welcome treat as the entrance queue grew with a friendly crowd full of anticipation for the next three days of great music and great people. People started to pour in with plenty of time to set up their chairs, wander around the stalls and bag their places at the front of the stage and Paul Anthony of Planet Rock arrived bang on time. This was the fourth time he had presented the bands on the main stage and the first band of the festival had come all the way from Australia. Welcome to Cassidy Paris!

Cassidy Paris made a striking entrance wearing a red sleeveless bodysuit with cute matching devil horns! Finished off with fishnets and red garter she stood out even before singing a note. “How you doin’?” she yelled to an enthusiastic crowd. She then treated the audience to her own brand of high-energy melodic rock. Speaking to the crowd she talked about being bullied at school for liking rock music and how certain tracks that she played had changed her life. She made full use of the stage, running around with an energy that matched the music and was later joined by Russ Grimmett of bands Fireheart and Sons of Liberty (and Maid of Stone’s main stage manager), for a duet. It was good to see Fred Hale, also from Sons of Liberty on bass. A very enjoyable set and a great start to the festival.

Canadian Anthony Gomes was up next. A slight change in tempo from rock to blues. But red was definitely colour of the day as he sported red leather flares. “Bang, bang, bang” was the chant on his opening track as the blues became blues rock. Later in the set the track which started “My baby went shopping” had me chuckling. I then realised she was shopping for “fur-covered handcuffs” – showing what a great sense of humour Anthony Gomes has. With fantastic engagement with the crowd including his slight obsession with Tesco(!) he made many new fans at Maidstone and finishing with Whole Lotta Love is always going to be a crowd pleaser.

It was late afternoon when The New Roses took to the stage. Hailing from Wiesbaden in Germany, The New Roses are well known in Europe but not so much in the UK. Their performance at Maid of Stone could start to change that as their version of classic rock, blended with a Southern US sound got the crowd clapping and singing along from the very beginning of their set. “Show me what you got” shouts lead singer Timmy Rough. He soon had the audience in the palm of his hand with his charismatic nature – even stealing a kiss from a lady in the front row and a walk into the audience! A cover of Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World got the crowd singing along as did their 2016 hit song Thirsty. The Usual Suspects and Down by the River were also well received. I spoke to people who had not come across them before but absolutely loved them – a fantastic addition to the day.

The stage lit up as FM appeared and they were greeted with loud cheers. Digging Up the Dirt was soon blaring out to a large welcoming crowd. That Girl, which was the opening track of their debut album Indiscreet, released 40 years ago in 1986 was enthusiastically received. With a large back catalogue they had plenty of tracks to choose from and Steve Overland sounded as fresh as ever, as did the harmonies from Merv Goldsworthy and Jim Kirkpatrick. Bad Luck and Tough It Out were well received. It was a classic and polished performance much enjoyed by everyone.

It was lucky that A Thousand Horses were touring so that they could take the special guest spot on the Friday. Following a fairly low-key entrance, they went straight into Dead Man Walking from their new album White Flag Down followed by Suicide Eyes from their 2010 debut EP. But it was First Time, the opening track from the brilliant Southernality album that really got the crowd going. The band perform more than they engage with the audience, but it really is the music that does the talking. Lead singer Michael Hobby did say that the band had been going through a lot which took them into the superb Smoke, which segues into Oasis’ Champagne Supernova with the crowd singing along. Another flawless performance finished with another Southernality track, the favourite Travelin’ Man and then as an extended jam session Highway Sound from their 2024 album The Outside.

The Temperance Movement came on stage to rapturous applause and a big, big welcome from the Maidstone crowd. Although they had toured earlier in 2025, many of those there had not seen TTM since their last performance at The Ramblin’ Man Fair in 2019. It was a superb start, with Ain’t No Telling getting the crowd dancing and singing. Phil Campell made mention of the great food on offer at the festival with a shout out to The Texas Smoker which got a great cheer! It was fantastic set with some of their best-known songs such as Built-in Forgetter, Caught in the Middle and Take it Back. They took it down a notch with the beautiful Smouldering and played three new songs from their forthcoming album New Promised Land Incorporated. Phil Campbell introduced all of the band separately and it was truly fantastic to see them back, playing and working together again. They left the stage after new track Eat You Alive but returned for an encore of Midnight Black. A truly stunning performance and the end to a perfect day.

FIRESTARTER STAGE – FRIDAY

Regional One was the first band to take to the Firestarter stage in the early Friday afternoon. Our own ERB radio presenter (Stoned to Deaf) Craig Bailey had the honour of introducing this four-piece band from Bournemouth. A good selection of songs included Sold that started heads nodding from the offset. Others required the audience being taught lyrics for a singalong on Hide, and the “whoas” were dutifully sung as backing vocals. Catchy song Smoke it Away kept everyone engaged and dancing along, while Hero went “out to you all’ for taking the time to come and see them. There was one last song to play when a guitar string broke, and unfortunately this delay meant there wasn’t time to play it. Meanwhile the crowd filled the waiting time with a reprise of “whoas”, and I’m sure many will check them out again. A shortened set that didn’t detract from Regional One providing a great opening to the Firestarter stage this weekend.

The second band was also introduced by Craig Bailey, and even the microphone not working wasn’t going to deter him from introducing four-piece London band DeVere. Unfortunately, this technical hitch also meant there were no vocals for some of the first track, but when we did get to hear the singer he had a great voice. I looked up from making some notes only to see that the singer was bare chested, but there didn’t seem to be any complaints anywhere! He was also a great performer and used every opportunity to run around the stage to engage with everyone watching. Every song from Like Lightning to Surrender were lapped up by the audience. Empire began with the tolling of bells and then all too soon it was the last song. Another audience singalong required joining in singing “until the end’ and a cheeky little “by jove they’ve got it” from the singer. Set finished, new fan base gathered.

Next was a completely different artist with Sam Morrow in his four-piece band, all the way from Los Angeles and Nashville. This time the honour of introducing this singer-guitarist went to ERB radio presenter (No Lemons) Steve Lucas. A contrast to the first two bands, Sam brought his bluesy southern R’n’B music to Maid of Stone, and the arena soon filled as people migrated from the main stage. Not having a song called Friday Night to play us, he played the closest song he had called Saturday Night which sounded just as good on a Friday.  Faster paced than the previous songs but by no means fast, as powerful and sultry as this summer eve was South Texas Women as tribute to his Texan roots. There was a very different styled cover that Sam introduced as a “southern boogie, our own take on a little band from here”; it took me a moment to recognise Have a Cigar by Pink Floyd, and it was pretty good and the audience seemed to like it too.

Once again Steve Lucas had the pleasure of introducing the fourth band, and told us that the music from six-piece Morganway couldn’t be pigeonholed. The first female on the Firestarter stage and we were treated to two of them; the singer-tambourine-guitar player, and another playing a violin. There was a mixture of musical styles, sometimes within one song, and the violin gave an Irish vibe to tracks like Devil’s Canyon and Machine that they’d written for Spotify lamenting how we “give to the machine but we don’t get it back”. Influenced by Alanis Morissette there was a grungy cover of You Oughta Know with a deep drum beat. Changing styles again, the bouncy and upbeat Let Me Go included a violin solo into Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain. Seeing a group of four people in the audience, the singer asked the question that many of us were wondering, “why do you have cones on your heads?” I’m not sure we got an answer. We reached the last song and I think everyone agreed it had “been jolly lovely” and had enjoyed the variety of the songs and the siren vocals that delivered spot-on. Truly a unique band that we’re likely going to see more of in future, whichever pigeonhole they choose to be in.

Sounding like a What-Three-Words co-ordinate, Crow Black Chicken found themselves in the Friday headline slot, introduced by ERB radio presenter (Rock Radar) Kaz. The three-piece band from the “deep south of Ireland” was as entertaining with their banter as with their songs… “we brought weather with us” referring to the hot weather we’d been having, and this went down well with the large crowd.  There were groovy songs, there were songs with heavy blues riffs, and songs that were very laid back with perfect vibes for a hot summer night. The singer-guitarist told us English how the Irish “love Oliver Cromwell” and that there’s a day dedicated to him, and that there’s pictures in their houses next to the pope! I can’t verify if this is true or not, but it makes a good story. Hot Molasses was a bluesy slow, intense song with great lyrics that included “got Jesus by my side, he don’t help me no more”. The chilled music matched how the audience felt, although sometimes the lyrics not so much “I killed the wrong man that’s why I’m here”. There were occasional guitar swaps to keep the sound varied plus plenty of hydration breaks to keep the voice lubricated. One of the most mesmerising tracks was about cults (having had to carefully pronounce that with an Irish accent: C.U.L.T.S.), about Jim Jones’s People’s Temple, who committed ‘revolutionary suicide’ of around 900 people by giving them poisoned drinks, Jonestown “kill me now” was haunting in music as well as the subject matter. Lightening the mood with John the Revelator, a gospel-blues track that has been covered by many artists, and tonight’s version started with a long instrumental then brought in the deep gravely vocals that was matched by an increase in pace and vibrancy. Set completed, the band walked offstage with a “thank you” and left a satisfied audience who will want to experience Crow Black Chicken again.

MAIN STAGE – SATURDAY

All the way from South Wales, Häxan opened the Saturday with a very loud entrance! Playing solid hard rock, I was reminded very much of the days of NWOBHM with their no-nonsense sound. There was a great reaction from the crowd after the first song. Singer Sam Bolderson did admit that she was having a really hard time not swearing after being given strict instructions not to swear on stage. Hit single Killing Time was well received and it was great to see a number of Häxan t-shirts in the audience. “What’s with headbanging on a Saturday morning?” shouted Sam… “Best time to do it!” I could see Sam’s point when she said that they weren’t really a daytime band as their music was a bit ‘spooky’, but they were a great band to open the second day and went down well with the crowd.

Xander and the Peace Pirates were a bit of a contrast with a much mellower sound. With three guitars, including one acoustic, plus the bass, it was a big, full sound. Being Pirates of course, Keith Xander had to get the audience to give it their best “Arrrr”. Their sound is soulful with added rock and blues and occasionally has a ‘prog’ rock feel about it.  Dancing in the Light went down well with the audience. A beautiful performance with a quality sound.

The next band Paul Anthony introduced as ‘the incredible Girlschool’. A siren announced their arrival, and they came on to a full crowd and lots of cheering. Many in audience have fond memories of the band back in the 1980s and it was certainly back to that NWOBHM sound! Demolition got the crowd clapping along – even before the song had started! The next song was C’mon Let’s Go from  – well surely you must remember (it’s 45 years old)?! Singer Kim McAuliffe reminded the crowd that the band had been together for 47 years “This one goes way back – even before some of you were born” before they belted out Nothing to Lose. It was a nostalgic set for many as they played Screaming Blue Murder, Race with the Devil and, for the biggest cheer of the day so far, the Motörhead classic Bomber. They had the biggest crowd of the day so far and finished with Emergency.

It seemed fitting that Girlschool should be followed by Phil Campbell’s Bastard Sons. The band came on stage, straight into a cover of David Bowie’s Heroes, followed by We’re the Bastards and cover of Motörhead’s Going to Brazil. Fury’s Julian Jenkins was on vocals and the crowd had swelled again. Todd Campbell took a moment to thank everyone for all the messages of support that they had received following the death of their father. He said that his dad had taught them a lot – some good, some bad, but that he did teach them how to play rock ‘n’ roll. The set included further Motörhead favourites Ace of Spades, Born to Raise Hell and they finished with Phil Campbell’s Killed by Death.

Danko Jones had the difficult afternoon slot and numbers were a bit down as he started playing. He wasn’t fazed by this though as he belted out his hard-hitting songs including Every Day is a Saturday Night and First Date. He took great delight in announcing that he had managed six songs without taking a drink – or a ‘quench’ as he called it. “Can your band do that?” he jested and said that he wasn’t going to swear as “that’s what they want us to do! If songs are art, then there’s an art gallery right here. I came here to ‘fox’ it up and have a good time, and we’d like to come back”. A show full of attitude, humour, strong vocals and good old rock ‘n’ roll.

Paul Anthony introduced special guest Doro by saying that he interviewed her 40 years ago at the old Monsters of Rock festival when she was the front woman of Warlock. Thanks Paul, make us feel old why don’t you! “She’s one of the remaining queens of rock” he announced as she came on stage, her long white hair and dark glittery clothing covered in chains made her stand out with real presence. The crowd loved it and she soon had them chanting “Hey, hey”. “How’s the power over here” she asked. Her set consisted mainly of Warlock songs, which suited the crowd completely. She finished with a cover of Judas Priest’s Breaking the Law. A fitting final song to what was become a real NWOBHM day.

The wind dropped, the clouds disappeared, and it was a beautiful summer’s evening as Saxon took to the stage to massive cheers and applause. A flying V, lots of hair, what more could a rock fan want? Biff sounded great as commanded the stage. The whole band was head banging and the crowd just loved it. It was only four songs in when they played the classic And the Bands Played On, the story of the very first Monsters of Rock festival in 1980. This was followed by Madame Guillotine and then Sacrifice. Biff reminisced about the ‘80s. “No Spotify, no Tik Tok, only vinyl”. Saxon then went on to give a flawless performance, full of their greatest hits including Wheels of Steel, Denim and Leather, Never Surrender, 747 (Strangers in the Night) and finishing with the mighty Princess of the Night. What a Saturday night!

FIRESTARTER STAGE – SATURDAY

Today’s Firestarters began with Untamed Silence from Yorkshire, who were introduced by Kaz. This four-piece, classic rock band came onstage to slow music; the three guys first, soon followed by the female singer. They opened with the wise words of Long Time Dead followed by The Power that began with a voiceover before the strong vocals came in. The drummer took on the backing vocals, and complimented Debbie’s voice nicely. Nowhere which is the opening track on their album, was a slower tempo that demonstrated the vocal range and variety in their songs. Throughout the set there were t-shirts thrown into the audience, even if she claimed to be “rubbish at throwing” a number of fans were happy to catch them. You Are My Requiem was dramatic with a heavy bass and lyrics that included “guilty of deceiving you” was fast and bouncy and the audience were definitely enjoying it. The Firestarter stage was indeed announced open.

Kit Trigg’s introduction to the stage was by special request from Steve Lucas for the singer-guitarist in his three-piece band is his daughter’s guitar teacher! Tracks varied between fast and loud, bouncy, slow and soulful, acapella, rap-ish, and bluesy. Looking out to the crowd Kit declared this ”the best hat collection” he’d seen. Grow With the Flow was dedicated to his friend Will who had died, and was naturally slow and emotional. Lifting the mood, Kit asked if he could ”jam for a second”, and thus began a brilliant, but short session into the next song. The bass player decided to let his hair down which was met with wolf whistles, and a cheeky “oh stop it” in response. The last song Going for Glory was upbeat, full of cheer, which left the audience on an adrenaline high. Kit had also designed his merchandise which “you can coordinate” with other items, as many did looking at the queue.

Another Steve Lucas introduction, this time for the Nottingham five-piece Rattlesnakes. Another strong female singer, and a band that owned the stage with their brand of heavy metal, aptly enough with tracks like Firestarter and Love Me Harder, the first track on their debut EP.  More fast and heavy tracks ensued, and finished with a song that I think was about redemption and vengeance, but you’ll have to check that with the band. Shadows in the Night is their latest single and went down well with the audience. There was a heads up that they were recording tonight’s show, so who knows we may see ourselves in one of their videos at some point.

And now for something completely different. A band from the far flung cities of the north east. Introduced by ERB radio presenter (On the Rocks) Wardy who took us to the exciting world of LN. Various styles of tunics, furs, and face paint, the costumes took us back to a more medieval time. Unfortunately, I didn’t get all of the titles of the songs, so I’m going to give a sense of what it was like to be there. The singer Ellen had an amazing vocal range from wailing to grunge to metal but all crystal clear. Orders to ”get your hands up” left no doubt she was to be obeyed. Topics included being against misogyny, discrimination, and support for LGBTQ+, and a song was dedicated “for weirdos like us” and “all are welcome at LN gigs”. The track was dark, slow and menacing that fitted the powerful message.  At one point Ellen disappeared offstage to return with a head (not real) on a staff! This was their mascot Johnny “say hiya to Johnny” and of course the audience responded. “Does anyone believe in the devil?” led into a song about inappropriate behaviour which was “not family friendly.” The final track was Shield War where the crowd was split in two for a mock fight. Any energy left was extracted in these closing minutes. What’s the collective noun for a group of LN fans? Apparently, it’s “peasants” which explained many t-shirts in the audience, and there were more peasants after the show than before.

Introduced by Wardy, the five-piece Battle Born brought us a very polished set of classic heavy metal. They were only one year late as they’d had to cancel in 2025. Threatening music was heard through the speakers as a call to battle. First on was the drummer adding another beat to the call, closely followed by the rest of the band. It was energetic from the first to last song. Current single One on One was a little calmer but still heavy. There was a quick workout, lifting a dumbbell of one million kg, as it’s good to keep fit during a performance. Each musician moved around the whole stage, and I don’t think they could keep still if they tried. Powerforce included audience participation on backing vocals “power metal power force”. Nearing the end of their set title track Battle Born summed up the fellowship between the band and fans. The only band to play exit music, they left the stage with a feeling that they’d been worth the wait.

With an enthusiastic introduction from Craig Bailey, the duo powerhouse that is The Virginmarys took their headline slot. The fans who had been waiting by the barrier were quickly joined by the masses from the main stage. The set included many incredible songs, from You’re a Killer and Just a Ride, that covered politics and lies within a relationship. The animated drummer was out of breath from the intensity of performing his craft, and didn’t seem to rest for a breath. There were gentler tracks with Out of Mind but still with The Virginmarys trademark sound and clever lyrics. The single My Mettle was popular and everyone clapped and sang along, as with White Knuckle Riding and When The Lights Go Down due to regular radio plays. Soft cymbals started Where Are You Now about hiding behind computer screens, the song varied between a soft intense to a manic sound, as if trapped (in a computer). The audience was fully engaged and no doubt related to many of the explored topics. It didn’t go unnoticed by the band how many The Virginmarys t-shirts they could see being worn, and more were sold afterwards. The last song contained spine chilling screams, hallelujahs, and There Ain’t No Future was the perfect finish to an outstanding set that more than lived up to its introduction of being “immense, intense, powerful”.

MAIN STAGE – SUNDAY

Paul Anthony took to the stage to remind everyone that sadly we had reached the final day. It could have started with a disaster as first band on Velvet Rush from Germany had had all their equipment mislaid by British Airways! Luckily, they had been able to borrow all their gear from other bands performing that day. You wouldn’t have known though, as singer Sandra Lian wowed the crowd. With her black hair, and the most amazing cat suit (that was largely see through!) she announced, “We are Velvet Rush, put your hands up”. It was a fabulous beginning to the day and despite being relatively unknown they received lots of support from the crowd. As well as straightforward rock tracks, they also slowed it down a bit Give Me Your Lovin’ which was “for the ladies”. Later Sandra commanded: “I want you all to jump with me”– and some people did! She also got some people to crouch down – does she know how old some of us are?! Playing songs such as Heart of Stone from their album Trail of Gold they were a terrific opening act leaving a lasting impression on many new fans.

Another new band to many, Tuk Smith and the Restless Hearts from Nashville made a great pick for a Sunday morning. Pointing at guitarist Tobin Dale, Tuk Smith announced “Let’s give it up for my boy who’s been drinking since 8 a.m. – I don’t know how he does it!”. With a 60’s/70’s look, with more than a passing nod to the the Stones or the Faces, this was just great rock and roll. I found myself really enjoying and dancing to their catchy songs. “I’m not allowed to cuss on stage” he moaned, telling us that he had missed the UK and had not been over since the pandemic, which was just after the formation of the band. “This is not a Thin Lizzy cover” he said, “although I did rip it off from them!”. He said that he was trying to teach bands that there were other bands to rip off other than Led Zeppelin! I wonder who he was referring to?! … and yes, it did sound like Thin Lizzy. Despite it being the fourth version of the band, he assured us that he did not ask them all to get the same haircut! They played a cover of Cheap Trick’s Surrender and finished with their own Runnin’ with the Wild Ones.

More nostalgia next as Paul Anthony introduced Glaswegian band Heavy Pettin’. He’d first met them in the 1980s and they had got back together last year and recorded a new album. Rock Generation was the first track off the new album of the same name, announced by singer Stephen ‘Hamie’ Hayman “let’s see some hands”. He sounded great after all those years as they played hits In and Out of Love, Rock Ain’t Dead and Love Times Love. It wasn’t long until they had drawn a large crowd, who enjoyed their accomplished set.

All the way from South Carolina, Hannah Wicklund appeared on stage in the most beautiful black and gold dress. Wearing a gold tiara over her gorgeous long brown wavy hair, this was the complete opposite of the leather clad female rockers that we’d seen so far. She started with a guitar solo on her red Stratocaster – wow. For all her femininity she has a strong voice that delivers – from blues to rock and beyond. “How you all doin’?” she asked the crowd, “I’m just about to test a new one out on you all”. But it was Ghost that I recognised from the radio. Her musical and song writing ability can’t be disputed and she later brought on Erin Clare from Nashville (where Hannah now is based) who played the flute and covered A Little Piece of My Heart. With amazing vocals and connections to Greta van Fleet her future looks assured.

There was a massive crowd waiting for The Wildhearts. With Ginger announcing a couple of months ago that he’d been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, the crowd was keen to show great support of the band. It was a fast and furious start (as ever!) with Failure is the Mother of Success as the crowd were instructed to “just stick your hand in the air”. The crowd were singing along before Ginger had even started as he welcomed everyone to the party. I saw lots of Wildhearts t-shirts in the audience. “What a beautiful place – thanks for taking the time to share it with us”. Later songs included Cheers and Everlone and they finished with Diagnosis. There was a lot of affection for the band and the crowd were rewarded with a magnificent performance.

The arena was full when The Almighty came out on stage. The previous weekend they had triumphantly opened the show supporting Iron Maiden at Knebworth. At Maidstone they were co-headlining and still riding high from Eddfest. The Almighty t-shirts were everywhere as they kicked off with Power. Solid and energetic, they were a highlight for many with their no-nonsense performance. “We recorded this in one go” said Ricky Warwick before Jesus Loves You…But I Don’t – was he inferring some divine assistance?! Finishing with Wild and Wonderful and Free ‘n’ Easy, they delivered a very popular set.

It was Uriah Heep who had the job of closing the festival. It was cooling down but when Mick Box came on stage the crowd was as enthusiastic as ever. Singer Bernie Shaw sounded great, and at the grand age of 70 put some other veteran singers to shame. Opening with Grazed by Heaven from 2018 to Shadows of Grief from 1971, the set comprised tracks new(ish) and old. Favourites Stealin’, The Wizard and The Magician’s Birthday were all included and they finished the set with Lady in Black. As an encore they came back out and finished with Sunrise and Easy Livin’. It was a powerful end to the magnificent three-day event.

FIRESTARTER STAGE – SUNDAY

Queen Horizon was introduced by Craig as a “pick me up” from Saturday night. A six-piece band from Kent, the band boasted two female members, the singer and another playing what looked like a cross between a double-bass and a violin which was apparently an electric cello. Very confident singing in front of a large crowd, Kerry’s voice was almost spiritual at times, as it ranged from those high notes to deep grunge. Topics questioned “is there such a thing as freedom?” and another about “men’s photos!” (possibly?) Their latest single Broken Phoenix was catchy and instantly danceable. They had a great stage presence and were clearly able to entertain an audience that was ready for something new.

For the next intro’ it was back to Kaz who had the pleasure of unveiling five-piece Square Wild from Manchester to the waiting crowd.  A female singer-guitarist, along with the classic guitar, bass and drums, joined by a keyboard player. The set began with the menacingly heavy Hounds and although Lucy may be petite, she had a big voice with a big stage personality. Charismatic and animated, she jumped, she ran, she interacted with the audience. Songs with different tempos, and lyrics containing “happy and you know it” and “no time for change“ that demonstrated the variety in their songs. A call out asking “do you want some more” was replied to with cheering and clapping. There was a drums v bongos playoff which ended in a draw. New release Masquerade was played without her guitar, and she put whole self into delivering this final song. “Sing and dance with me” as the song ended with a Salsa style beat. Today they gained many new followers, and now there’s a new album to look forward to in August. Just in time for my birthday…if anyone’s interested?

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly was the intro’ music for Silveroller, who were presented to the large crowd by Kaz. We were treated to a “rocking good time” with this five-piece band. It is much easier to see artists when they’re not wearing black, so the light coloured trousers made the singer very visible. Starting with Black Crow and then into a medley that included The Doors and Aerosmith songs that were cleverly entwined. There was “breaking news” as they’d just signed their first LP contract, and we were all asked if “you’d be our witness?” Yes, of course.  In celebration there was Just for You (that may not quite be the title) that hadn’t been played live before. There was a passionate slow track Come On, Come In that had the audience swaying along, and the song ebbed and flowed in intensity. Fast, uptempo Hold brought the adrenaline back up and a great finish to the set.

All the way from Bonnie Scotland was Glasgow’s Anchor Lane who were introduced by Wardy. A three-piece band with an unexpected line up of two guitars and drums, but this didn’t deter from their heavy rock sound. The bass player had left a couple of years ago, and not been replaced. They began with the loud and fast Choke “the more we sink, then the less we choke” that made people take notice and watch. There was banter with another Glaswegian in the audience, and Stutter was dedicated “for those from Glasgow.” The single It’s the End My Friend had been featured on the radio, although we’d only have heard it if we listened to Radio Gaelic, and now ERB! The song had great riffs, changes in intensity, and takes Anchor Lane in a heavier direction. Not all tracks saw Conor playing guitar, and he put his voice to good use with a great ending scream. Anchor Lane are on an upward momentum so look out for them at other festivals and gigs.

>Aethoria brought Craig on to present this five-piece, hard rock band from Suffolk. Another female singer with a great voice. Classic fast rock, intermittent with softer moments. Apparently, this was their biggest show to date, but they didn’t look phased by this at all and put on a faultless set, and importantly, seemed to enjoy their time with a new crowd. Bring Me Home was met with cheers and clapping along, as was Stepping Stones that “you may have heard” and it meant a lot to them; it was fast and powerful and you could hear how important it was to the band. Another song about “not taking life too seriously” suited its upbeat and danceable sound. There’s an album to be released soon that many will be buying after seeing their performance today.

No introduction was required for Welsh lady Chez Kane as she let the music do the talking for her. The intro’ song was Fame (I want to live forever) as she leapt onstage to make up the six-piece band. Opening with the title track of the current EP Personal Rock ’n’ Roll the audience was more than ready for the final Firestarter party. Moving into the slower Too Late for Love that was sung passionately with her powerful voice. Taking a moment to demand “make some noise Maid of Stone” before she commenced telling everyone “I want it all” with an enticing and inviting dance. There were cheers from the audience when Chez announced this was their first (outdoor?) festival headlining. The party kept going with upbeat and catchy Reckless where she “wants to be the victim of perfect crime”. Then it was “time to take you guys to a Love Tornado”, with a matching fast and furious tempo that found Chez writhing on the floor. This led into a Night of Passion and then an invitation to Strip Me Down. The mood was kept hot and wild with Love Gone Wild after which Chez needed to pause for breath before she announced that “the last three songs (only three?!) were leading up to this next one”, as she wants to get down and dirty with Tongue of Love, at the end of which she confessed “I got very excited then!” Ooh er missus, I should have started this review with an 18-certificate warning!  80s rock and roll is what Chez Kane does best, and the last two songs Rocket on the Radio and Powerzone played back-to-back completed this high energy set, undoubtedly with more headline slots to follow.

One of the nice things about this weekend’s Firestarter stage was the increasing number of women appearing in emerging rock bands. Singing and playing instruments, this is fantastic to see and hear in a growing rock scene. Seventeen bands with a variety so musically wide that I defy anyone to say there wasn’t something they liked, or that they hadn’t been surprised by discovering something new to them. To those who say rock and roll is dead, I suggest you recommend they get themselves to MoS 2027 and find their next favourite band(s). Thanks again to the MoS team for a great weekend of music.

Check out all the photos from the festival here

Find out more about Maid of Stone Festival here