FIREVOLT ROCK FESTIVAL - FRIDAY REVIEW

AUTHOR - DJ PIXIE

Firevolt rock festival, held from August 7th to 10th at the picturesque Whitebottom Farm in Stockport, proved to be an unforgettable event for rock enthusiasts.

What was really great is the festival provided a free shuttle service to and from the carpark for guests, so no having to lug heavy back packs, tents and other things needed for the weekend ahead.

Many keen fans took advantage of the Thursday night early entry, pitching their tents to prepare themselves for the rock n' roll mayhem that was about to ensue at this amazing festival. There was also an option to hire for the weekend pre made tents (glamping - camping in style), which is even better for those who don't want the added stress of having to pitch their own tents.

We, for our part, travelled down on the Friday for our first experience of Firevolt, keen to see what they had to offer, and suffice to say, this festival did not disappoint.

Beyond the electrifying performances, the festival boasted an exceptional array of good vendors, offering delicious delicacies that catered to every imaginable craving, from piping hot pizzas and aromatic Thai food to unique Yorkshire pudding wraps, aptly named rock n' roll toasties, and much more, ensuring festival-goers were well-fueled throughout the high-octane weekend.

This year, Firevolt festival truly elevated the attendee experience, proudly hosting three magnificent stages catering to every musical palate.

Near the festival's grand entrance next to the weir waterfall, the Grand Central stage served as an immediate beacon of electrifying sound, welcoming fans old and new into the vibrant atmosphere.

For those eager to witness electrifying performances from bigger names and headline artists, the newly introduced Bludsucker Stage proved to be the epicentre of the weekend's biggest acts.

Meanwhile, directly in the heart of the festival village, the Trooper stage, nestled within the barn, offered unparalleled convenience; its central location provided easy access to a diverse range of food vendors, pristine indoor toilets (a welcome luxury, ensuring no portaloos in sight!), refreshing indoor showers, and plenty of well-stocked bars, perfect for staying hydrated.

With a meticulously planned schedule guaranteeing no band clashes, the weekend was perfectly primed for an immersive and uninterrupted enjoyment of music and festivities.

Our day at Firevolt ignited with an undeniable energy as we made our way to the colossal Bludsucker Stage, perfectly positioned to catch the highly anticipated set from RARE BREED.

Its immense scale lived up to its reputation, effortlessly drawing in the festival crowds in their droves, all basking in the glorious sunshine that illuminated the grounds all day long.

A palpable sense of elation filled the air as everyone revelled in the high spirits of the day.

RARE BREED, true to their bluesy rock and roll roots, unleashed a torrent of chunky riffs and blistering electric guitar solos, delivering a performance that was nothing short of powerful and commanding. These boys absolutely did not disappoint, setting an incredibly high bar and providing a truly electrifying start to our Firevolt experience.

Next, our path led us directly to the buzzing Grand Central stage, where the captivating sounds of Flint Guitar School immediately drew us in.

This incredibly talented group delivered a truly memorable performance, showcasing their exceptional skill by breathing new life into a medley of familiar tunes.

Their amazing covers resonated deeply with the crowd, offering a delightful opportunity to re-live some beloved classics. Among the standouts was their powerful rendition of Radiohead's "Creep," a song they performed with such raw emotion and precision that it sent shivers down your spine, perfectly demonstrating their ability to recapture the essence of an iconic track while making it uniquely their own.

Next we trundled down to the Trooper stage where we waited eagerly for the fabulous Sonic Whip from the Netherlands.

As the 3 lads stepped out onto the Trooper stage donning matching suits, these dapper lads caught the attention of everyone in the crowd from the get-go.

This 3-piece energetic rock band punched

out almighty riffs and blistering grooves and an air-shifting rhythm section. These guys have you up dancing from the first note played.

Their set was a masterclass in high-octane showmanship, delivering a torrent of sound that was both incredibly tight & wonderfully raw. The synergy between the guitarist's searing leads, the bassist's deep, trembling lines, and the drummer's chaotic beats created an undeniable force, propelling the audience into a turmoil of movement.

Sonic Whip didn't just play music; they owned the stage, leaving a forever lasting mark with their infectious energy and a performance that truly lived up to their name – a sonic blast that whipped the crowd into an absolute euphoria.

Next, we headed back over to the Bludsucker Stage for the always delightful SKAM.

This hard rock trio, having worked tirelessly over the years, and have cultivated a solid following, which is evident today as the packed crowds gathered for the bands set.

Our lovely compare, the very charming Paul Cash from Radio WigWam, not only announced the band but also took the opportunity to remind folks about the raffle tickets and their enticing prizes.

Paul cash - left

Despite being a young band from Leicestershire, SKAM already boasts an impressive six albums, each, in my opinion, absolutely chock full of ear-bending masterpieces.

They consistently deliver nothing but the best for their fans, a truth powerfully reaffirmed here today at Firevolt, where their performance provided more than enough energy to keep the crowds enthusiastically jumping throughout.

The Monday Smile, that unapologetic force of grunge, recently delivered an almighty set out here on the Grand Central stage that left no doubt about their raw, untamed energy.

The crowd was in high spirits, mirroring the band's infectious enthusiasm and renowned ability to party hard, turning the venue into a vibrant celebration.

But the good vibes don't stop there; the band themselves are buzzing with excitement, as tomorrow marks the highly anticipated launch of their new album, 'Nothing', poised to be unleashed into our astral orbit.

Fans will get their first taste at the official album launch show at The Hobbit, Southampton, on August 9th. For those eager to dive in, the album's vinyl and digital Bandcamp release also drops on August 9th, with the wider digital release across platforms like Spotify and iTunes following close behind on August 15th. From the explosive performance witnessed today, it's clear these guys are destined to go far!

Fury absolutely erupted onto the Trooper stage at Firevolt, delivering an electrifying and unforgettable performance that had the crowd in a frenzy.

Despite the temporary absence of the phenomenal Becky Baldwin, currently on tour with the magical Delilah Bon, the band didn't miss a beat.

Stepping in seamlessly was ex-Absolva bassist Karl Schramm, who fit right in, rocking out with such infectious energy it was as if he’d always been a part of the Fury family.

The excitement was palpable, not just from their dynamic stage presence, but also with the simultaneous drop of their hard-hitting new single, 'Don't Lie To Me.' This powerful track offers a tantalizing taste of their highly anticipated new album, "Interceptor," which is now available for pre-order on LP (black & purple), CD, and digital formats, before its official release on September 5th via Mighty Music.

Fury didn't just play music; they created a passionate following with their strong visuals and dynamic set, truly blowing the Firevolt crowd into another dimension.

With Nyah Ifill's powerful backing vocals soaring and Julian Jenkins absolutely smashing it as both a powerhouse frontman and a commanding lead guitarist, there's seemingly nothing this band can't bring to a stage.

They are, quite simply, pure, unadulterated rock and roll fun – a band so exhilarating, they leave you utterly spellbound and craving more.

Up next, we journeyed over to the Bludsucker Stage, ready to catch the renowned inspirational heavy metal masters, RoadWolf.

This Austrian powerhouse (and definitely not German, as the in-house joke among FireVolt attendees goes!) immediately commanded attention.

Drawing inspiration from titans like Saxon, UFO, Dio, and the late, great Ozzy Osbourne, RoadWolf brought a palpable, electrifying musical energy to the stage.

Their performance was a masterclass in traditional heavy metal, clad in the spirit of denim and leather, with solid, driving guitar riffs, a slick, thunderous bass and drum section, and groove-laden rhythms that perfectly encapsulated that classic metal vibe.

The anthemic vocals were utterly infectious, drawing the crowd into a joyous, euphoric sing-along, spreading a palpable buzz across the entire arena. It wasn't long before waves of unified headbanging swept through the audience, a testament to RoadWolf's magnetic pull.

'Untame The Wolf' proved to be an undeniable crowd-pleaser, a truly catchy tune that, from its very first chord to its explosive finish, showcased the band's complete potential and left an indelible mark. RoadWolf certainly delivered a monumental performance at Firevolt today, solidifying their presence.

This is unequivocally a band I'll be eagerly looking out for again!

Next up, Tygers of Pan Tang took to the Trooper stage, a band who have been around the block more than a few times as true NWOBHM legends – and they came, they played, they conquered.

With a setlist packed with powerful songs, delivered by the commanding vocalist Jacapo 'Jack' Meille, their performance was a masterclass in tight musicianship, featuring the intricate interplay of dual guitars. Led by long-standing founder member Rob Weir, the band served up a potent mix of catchy riffs and energetic anthems, expertly blending older classics from their extensive back catalogue with newer releases, taking the crowd on a memorable trip down memory lane while profoundly proving their continued relevance.

This band was hitting on all cylinders today, absolutely nailing their performance and demonstrating beyond doubt that they still possess what it takes to get the crowds pumped up.

With the sun still shining down on the Trooper stage at the barn, what more could you ask for? Sunshine, great company, and a fab band bringing you some almighty classics.

Songs such as 'Love Don't Stay' and 'Keeping Me Alive' particularly got the place buzzing, cementing the feeling that the Tygers of Pan Tang are very definitely at a high point in their career, showcasing their enduring power and appeal to a thoroughly captivated audience.

Next up on the Bludsucker Stage, we had the highly anticipated performance from Graham Oliver's Army, featuring the legendary former Saxon guitarist, Graham Oliver himself.

Their set was nothing short of brilliant, with frontman Brian Shaughnessy's electrifying persona captivating the audience from the get-go. His humour, in fact, was so infectious it almost outshone his powerful vocals, keeping the crowd smiling and roaring with laughter throughout.

This charismatic delivery resonated particularly with the veteran NWOBHM fans, who flocked to the very front of the stage as the band delved deep into the old Saxon back catalogue, unleashing classics like 'Denim and Leather' and 'Strangers In The Night'.

These anthems truly pumped up the atmosphere, with old school metallers singing in unison and even those relaxing on the hillside waving along enthusiastically. It was, without a doubt, a fantastic and memorable set!

The culmination of an entire day's anticipation arrived with the electrifying presence of Girlschool, one of the last bands of the evening, and undoubtedly the one I had been waiting for all day.

My fervent admiration for this band is no secret; they encapsulate everything one could ever need in a rock act – their raw power, their unwavering stance, their iconic look, and of course, their timeless music.

They are a true powerhouse, seemingly born to play, igniting that quintessential rock spirit deep within your soul. The stage came alive with Jackie Chambers' signature chunky riffs, perfectly complemented by co-founder Kim McAuliffe's classic rock vocals, belting out across the crowd with gripping intensity, all while she commanded her own guitar.

Witnessing them tear through anthems like 'Hit and Run' and 'Guilty as Sin' was pure magic, as the way Girlschool captivated and united the audience was truly extraordinary; a sea of smiling faces, overcome by euphoria and a shared, feel-good buzz, spoke volumes.

As a long-running pillar of NWOBHM, their enduring worldwide following is a testament to their influence and a profound inspiration for countless female rock musicians and fans alike.

Their set here today was utterly overwhelming, the widespread chants from the crowds underscoring something fundamental that Girlschool consistently brings to the stage: music that transcends background and walks of life, effortlessly bringing people together. It was, without a doubt, a truly exhilarating musical experience for the masses here at Firevolt.

The night surged to its exhilarating climax with the highly anticipated performance of headliners South Of Salem, the final, electrifying act on the Bludsucker stage.

From the moment they erupted, it was evident this was no ordinary show; their set was a completely awe-inspiring spectacle, boasting a phenomenal stage production complete with explosive pyrotechnics, dynamic dancers, and a barrage of striking visuals. Against a dramatic backdrop of coffin-shaped lights, thick smoke, and fiery bursts, the band appeared as powerful silhouettes, intensifying the already electric atmosphere.

The crowd was a pulsing, bouncing mass, completely in thrall, with frontman Joey Draper effortlessly orchestrating their every move.

Fists punched the air in unison as fans roared back every lyric, not missing a single beat. The thunderous bassline sent tremors through the venue, fueling a magnificent chaos as bodies exhilaratedly clashed in the audience.

This wasn't merely a headline act; it was a full-throttle party on stage, a band that took their songs, metaphorically ripped your head off with their intensity, and rammed them down your throat.

Their performance was a relentless assault of massive, hook-laden choruses, each one feeling like an ear-gasmic anthem delivered with 'sexy licks' that truly consumed the senses. South Of Salem was pure, unadulterated emotion and adrenaline rolled into one, each track snapping you back and forth.

The sheer chemistry of their set created an experience so profoundly impactful it was likened to 'the best sex of your life,' with grooves that hit hard and Joey's captivating smile leaving the crowd weak at the knees. This relentless powerhouse of a band delivered precisely what everyone needed for an unforgettable good time.

Stepping into my first Firevolt festival was an experience I won't soon forget, and wow, what a weekend it turned out to be!

A massive shout-out and heartfelt gratitude to Bev, Strett, and every single organiser and volunteer – you absolutely smashed it!

This wasn't just another music event; it was a vibrant gathering of like-minded souls, where strangers effortlessly morphed into friends amidst waves of laughter and unforgettable memories.

Even if Day 1 nearly rendered me obsolete – clocking over 20,000 steps trekking between stages – the sheer joy made every arduous step worthwhile. And that's coming from someone not camping, enduring four different modes of transportation just to get home. Talk about dedication!

So bring on Sunday! I'll be back for more, ready to create another day of magic.

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