INTERVIEW WITH TONY DOLAN OF VENOM INC. ABOUT BLOODSTOCK 2025 FROM AN ATTENDEE'S PERSPECTIVE, RATHER THAN PLAYING AT THE EVENT.

AUTHOR - DJ PIXIE

Today, we caught up with heavy metal legend Tony Dolan of Venom Inc. to discuss his recent experience at Bloodstock.

This year, however, saw Tony attending the iconic festival not as a performer, but as an enthusiastic fan.

We were eager to hear his insights from this unique vantage point, to understand how the event felt 'from the other side of the fence' – free from the demands of the stage. His perspective promises a fresh, unfiltered look at the festival's atmosphere, bands, and the spirit of the metal community, as seen through the eyes of one of its most respected figures.

Hi Tony, it's great to be catching up with you again!

And with you!!

We see that you went down to support the almighty Bloodstock this year as a punter.

Well i was very gratefully a AAA guest but of course i donate to the causes and fully support Bloodstock and the work of the team

Tony, having unleashed so much sonic devastation yourself over the years, what was it like submerging yourself in the Bloodstock chaos as a punter rather than playing on stage? 

Well i attend each year if i can and see friends in the bands (no exception this year) , i also see my own team members, sound, lighting, merchandisers, labels and even my own Tour Manager who was doing TM/Sound for my friends in Fear Factory this year. My new album cover artist was showing his bloodwork paintings in the gallery this year also as well as the infamous Roger Dean who i have an association with who was showing 3 pieces this year. But for me, i like to spend as much time with fans and absorbing the atmosphere as possible to keep myself grounded and in touch, which is something you can’t quite do just hanging out as a VIP..

From the moment you rolled into those Derbyshire fields, what was your initial read on the atmosphere, and how did you find the entire weekend unfold from your perspective?"

Well it’s always cool & exciting to arrive… Anticipation and an air of unknown expectations of new bands , new music and new experiences..

This year was i feel the apex year so far, sold out weekend, best atmosphere yet and the biggest sense of community i have felt to date, quite, quite exceptional performances and feeling.. 

Did you camp with all the other fans, or did you VIP?

Camp? At my age, with my hips lol Noooo.. I stayed in a nice warm bed with bacon & egg butties for breakfast.. I need, shower and clean comfy bed these days.. with coffee too!!

 "Beyond the general camaraderie and relentless noise, were there any specific sets or moments that truly resonated with the 'Demolition Man' inside you, that just hit differently? 

So much… I loved Fear Factory, Dogma, Machinehead, Obituary, Warbringer, Black Dahlia, Shrapnel… Flotsam & Jetsam, One Machine.. Then a whole host of other perhaps lesser know newer bands. I basically floated on the audiences, watching them as much as the acts.. 

And the crucial follow-up, the one every metal fan wants to know: out of all the crushing acts you witnessed over those few days, which band absolutely blew you away and solidified themselves as your undisputed favourite of the entire Bloodstock weekend, and what made their performance so utterly impactful?"

Impossible to pick.. each and every band i witnessed were distinctively themselves…and brought their best games… from Creeper to Nail Bomb and 3inches of Blood who were superb..

I think i enjoyed Rob and his interactions with the crowd and his sentimental dedications from stage to one of those amazing people we lost this year from our community.. No not Ozzy but the Ozzy wall was a beautiful and community driven celebration of our music and love for it this year which i loved.

A question we all want to know is did you get to meet the legendary man, myth and legend that is Spudman? haha! Did you partake in nibbling at his spuds? (We laugh!)

Did i? OH FUCK YES!! Well i queued and got a spud if that counts?! Haha, it’s a Bloodstock MUST DO really!

As someone who's seen the very guts of the UK metal scene evolve over decades, what's your take on this festival? 

A: It is everything it should be really.. Like the old days. None corporate, all about the fans and the music.. Thinking of new ways to give an even better and bigger experience. Concerned with your enjoyment, safety, cost and delivering everything they can for YOU!! THAT is truly rare. You NEVER feel it’s just about taking your money.. and doing what THEY want.. They listen to the fans and deliver.

Beyond the stacked line-ups and the sheer volume of riffs, what is it, in your seasoned opinion, that truly makes Bloodstock the heavy metal festival people keep returning to, year after year, with such unwavering devotion?"

A: It’s grows bigger every year from fairly humble beginnings and it’s amazing to see..

What makes it great? We have an incredible industry of bands and superb music.. for one but the YOU! The fans are what truly make the thing next level… Watching 20,000 people smile, laugh, families, kids, Darth Vader & dinosaurs and this year even Super Mario & the Princess plus Bananaman?!?! I mean comon nuff said!! 

Who would you like to see hit the main stage in 2026?

A: VENOM INC

We will catch up with you guy's in Venom Inc, at Bloodstock's new event in December - Bloodstock Winter Gathering. Any little exclusives you can tell us about? Any special guest appearances for this?

A: Ah… brilliant. Well playing the AVE album in full for the first time ever on the planet.. slipping in a track from the new upcoming album and a guest appearance perhaps, yes.. or two? Or one lol.. Surprises for sure! And to be celebrating with my friends in Candlemass? Cannot wait!! 

We look forward to seeing you real soon!

A: And i look forward to that too!!

Thanks again for your time today, it was great catching up with you again.

A: My great pleasure. Thankyou!! See you all

out there, somewhere on the dancefloor!!

https://www.facebook.com/VenomIncOfficial - VENOM INC. FB PAGE

https://www.facebook.com/events/3818193021777899 - BLOODSTOCK WINTER GATHERING EVENT