Stevie J’s view of Firevolt 2024

It didn’t take me long to remember why Firevolt 2024 is one of my favourite, if not the favourite Festival in the UK today.

Now in its 3^rd year, Firevolt is set in an idyllic Country Park large wedding venue that is Whitebottom Farm this has become a must go event for many a seasoned Rocker to enjoy a weekend of music in the Countryside of Stockport.

The staff are the most friendly and accommodating on the circuit, and it wasn’t long before I was settled in, issued my Press pass and off to the two stages, one set in a covered Barn, and the other a large Big Top.

One of the great things about Firevolt, is that there are no clashes. With just 100 metres or so between the stages, Organisers Stret & Bev Stretford have carefully scheduled 15 mins or so between sets ensuring time for a top up, or a bite before the next band.

 

Friday:

A band not to be missed was Ransom, who took the Big Top stage with the air of stadium fillers. Fresh from their covers set the night before, the dynamic Dave Barlow & vocalist Matt Fielder churned out a series of their classics to a good reception, including new single ‘Predator’ and the hilariously hard to forget ‘Even Nuns Watch Porn’.

Notables from Friday included The Karma Effect, who took to the stage to Aerosmith’s ‘Hearts Done Time’ to a rapturous reception from the crowd and followed up with a riff-heavy set including tracks from their latest release ‘The Promised Land’.

South Of Salem took things to another level, this band has been a Festival favourite of both young and old, and with a faultless and catchy set, they proved what many have said, that they should and would be topping the bill at Festivals very shortly. Every band member is a star in their own right, and the energy of this band is infectious, a definite ‘Do Not Miss’ for any Rock & Metal fan.

‘The Treatment’ & ‘Stone Broken’ both delivered predictably superb sets in the Big Top, always welcome additions to a British festival Line-up and always firm favourites with the fans old and young alike.

Back on the main stage, Vandenberg closed the day with a tight and masterful set, proving themselves deserving of the headline slot, and keeping even the most reluctant Whitesnake fan smiling and moving!

Saturday:

I was intrigued by the young Classic Hard Rockers Jayler. No need to be really, as they took to the main stage bringing the look, the panache and the riffs by the bucket-load.

Co- frontman James even whipped out a Harmonica for the opening song, a long forgotten art these days, & couldn’t help but think of early Black Crowes here. They are not trying to be anything complicated or pretentious, just simply restoring many people’s faith in the hard Rock Scene and proving if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

‘White Tyger’ in the Big Top delivered a set laden with Classic hard Rock riffs, a modern take on sleaze/hair Metal, with an energy that had the crowd behind them from the off. It’s easy to see how they have opened up for the likes of Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P) & Love/Hate. In short, not only do the band Look the part, they certainly play it well too!

Halfway through the day, it was time for ‘The Hot One Two’ to hit the main stage, and hit it they did. The 5 piece from Cambridge with charismatic front-man Simon West had the crowd in the palm of their hands for 40 minutes, grabbing the ears with riff-laden tracks from their 2023 Album ‘Superbia’, as well their debut EP ‘Unrestrained’. It was all over too soon!

‘Dead Man’s Whiskey’ opened up with their monster track ‘Masquerade’ in the Big Top, from their strong 2023 album ‘Into The Storm’. They delivered a tight set that frankly nobody could keep still to. The 5 piece from London would sit well on any stadium stage, with a fine set of pipes out front courtesy of Nico Rogers. Its easy to see why these guys have played both Stonedead and the Kiss Kruise previously.

‘Florence Black’ on the main stage took things to a stratospheric level, much to the delight of everyone and anyone. The 3 piece power trio from Merthyr Tydfil (a place everyone can pronounce but nobody can spell) punched through a simply blistering set, finishing with the totally addictive riff-heavy ‘Zulu’ before returning for an encore and whipping up the crowd with their version of ‘Breadfan’

Finally for Saturday, Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons came out and satisfied anyone with Motorhead cravings,  with their delivery of the Motorhead set, oozing charisma, energy and proving once and for all that Singer Joel Peters was made for this roll! Everyone retired 100% satisfied with the day.

Sunday:

If it’s catchy riffs and unforgettable heavy tunes you look for, then look no further than local lads ‘Unknown Refuge’ The Bolton 4-piece hit the ground running, and rather like ‘South Of Salem’ this band has not one star, but 4. With a pairing of founders Alex Mancini on vocals (often compared for good reason to a young Hetfield) and Jack Tracey (delivering well composed Van-Halen-esque guitar licks) this band has a bright future both live and on recordings.

With backing vocals by Bassist Ben Cooper Brown & Jack Tracey and the very obvious talents of Drummer Connor Byrne behind him, Alex Mancini had the ear of the crowd and proved that there is a cracking time to come for Rock & Metal.

I had retired briefly to recharge my batteries, when Lawrence Jones hit the stage in the Big Top. I’d not come across him before, but after a few tracks, I knew I had to return double quick as something special was going down. This guy is a guitar genius, not to be missed, and I simply wrote 4 words in my review notes ‘Watch out Joe Bonamassa’ enough said?

If Heavy Blues- laden riffage was required, then ‘Kira Mac’ delivered just that by the truck-load. Fronted by the ultra talented Rhiannon Kira Hill, the 4 piece from Stoke-On-Trent had the ear of everyone the second they hit the stage. Quite simply this band is one that sits well on any Festival Bill, powered by Rhiannon’s power-house vocals and Joe Worral’s consistent riffage!

The much anticipated ‘The Last Internationale’ took to the Big Top to a sadly dwindled crowd, I think it was a ‘recharge our batteries’ moment for a few before the headliners. The much lauded band from New York, favourites of Tom Morello hit the ground running, opening with the classic MC5 number ‘Kick Out The Jam’, vocalist Delila Paz proving her standing as a superb front artist and a real catch for Firevolt too. Paz’s interaction with the  crowd was superb, and with a string of catchy hooks, it’s easy to see why they have opened for the likes of Robert Plant and The Who.

Back on the main stage, the pride of Scotland Gun closed proceedings with a tight set peppered with classics and new tracks from the album ‘Hombres’ including ones used in the new Samuel L Jackson Movie ‘Damaged’. Of course the staples we wanted were there too, and we were treated to ‘Better Days’ & ‘Word Up’ to name just two.

I have nothing but praise for Firevolt, the whole weekend appeared to run like clockwork, thanks to the diligence of all those Staff and Volunteers, and of course to Stret & Bev, who sure know how to pull together a brilliant line-up! I’ll be back for sure!

Stevie J, Presenter Of Rockhammer With Stevie J on TotalRock.