Stonedead Festival 2024: Review By Will Freeman Photos By Dawn Osborne

Stonedead Festival Review 2024

Stonedead smashes it out of the park with it’s best lineup yet

Stonedead Festival, which began in 2018 to revive the original vibe and feel of Monsters of Rock, proves in its sixth year of existence in 2024 that it has indeed succeeded in that goal. The festival takes place over one day on one stage, a rarity in today’s festival scene. However, it also hosts a party on the Friday night before the main event, which serves as a fun bonus for those camping. This format of focusing on one day and one stage allows Stonedead to maintain a strong lineup without becoming an overpriced corporate affair. Since the event is not run for profit, it results in a more enjoyable experience, free of intrusive sponsorships and exorbitant bar prices. This ethos is even reflected in the ticket pricing, with tickets costing just £55 and no charge for parking. The only optional extra is camping, which includes two nights of camping and access to the Friday night party—more than worth the additional £15.

The site itself is well laid out for a festival of its size. If you choose to camp, you’re just a short walk away from both the arena and your car. Even day visitors will find the arena easily accessible. The fact that you can bring your own alcohol into the arena further underscores that this festival is not about making money; it’s a celebration of music. The arena is well-equipped, with a surprising number of food vendors offering a diverse range of cuisine, better than many larger multi-day festivals. The inclusion of retailers specializing in goods aimed at the rock and metal crowd reflects the Stonedead team’s care for the community. Rather than selling generic merchandise, there were artisan goods ranging from jewellery made from guitar strings to patch shops for decorating your battle jacket.

Friday Night Party

Scarlet Rebels

The first band of Stonedead was Scarlet Rebels. Riding high on the news that their album had just reached number 15 in the charts, they delivered a high-energy set that matched the celebratory mood. Scarlet Rebels know how to please a festival crowd, playing high-energy rock that perfectly suited the Friday night party vibe. Despite being billed as a smaller band, there were plenty of sing-along moments, with “Secret Drug” from their new album being a standout. The crowd’s reaction made it clear that Scarlet Rebels are a band to watch in the scene.

 

Paul Di’Anno

Paul Di’Anno, a metal legend, has been through a lot in his life. His legacy as the vocalist on the first two Iron Maiden albums is what most people know him for, so his choice to perform a set focusing on that era was genius. Every song he played was treated as an anthem of the crowd’s youth, showcasing the strength of the material. Despite being in a wheelchair, Paul had the crowd in the palm of his hand with every song. His physical limitations do nothing to diminish his power as a performer; instead, they highlight his resilience and dedication to playing metal around the world. When the intro riff of “Phantom of the Opera” began, emotions ran high throughout the crowd, a testament to the combination of nostalgia and the power Paul still holds on stage. An absolute treat of a set.

 

The Quireboys

The Quireboys, headlining the Friday night party, may have seemed like an odd choice at first due to their softer sound, more akin to Status Quo and Rod Stewart than Saxon and Paul Di’Anno. Yet, in their headline set, they proved why they were booked—the crowd simply loved them. Spike, as a frontman, has all the classic old-school rock and roll charisma. From the way he moves around the stage to his playful handling of the microphone stand, he exudes charm. This gig was unusual for the band due to the absence of their usual drummer, who was replaced by Harry James of Thunder. Despite this change, the Quireboys were in top form, delivering a set full of magic, from slide guitar solos to the iconic piano intro of “7 O’Clock.” While not every song was familiar to the audience, every performance received enthusiastic applause. It was clear that the crowd loved the set, and the band loved them back.

 

Stonedead Main Day

 

The Hot One Two

The festival proper was kicked off by up-and-coming hard rock act The Hot One Two. Their infectious energy was evident as soon as they hit the stage. The fact that they were given full staging, including pyrotechnics, is almost unheard of for an opening band at a festival, but Stonedead ensured they had everything they needed to shine. Stonedead’s tradition of asking attendees who they would like to see open the festival pays off by creating great fan interaction and ensuring the first band is one everyone loves. The rhythm guitarist set the standard for stage presence for the day with constant energy and expression, engaging with fans directly and contributing significantly to the fun of the set. The frontman also demonstrated excellent crowd engagement, clearly knowing how to work the audience. Highlights of the set included the sheer amount of pyrotechnics and the addition of dancers, which brought back the 80s rock festival feel. Overall, it was a great way to start the festival.

 

Tailgunner

Tailgunner is a band that wears its inspirations on its sleeve. Although they only released their first music in 2022, you’d think they were a band cryogenically frozen in the 80s and just thawed out to bring back old-school British heavy metal. In a metal scene where many bands have embraced heavier sounds, Tailgunner retains the energy and vibe that make people love old-school metal—fast, loud, and unapologetically retro. The band knows exactly who they are marketing themselves to, with props, outfit changes, and pyrotechnics used to full effect. The only hitch in the set was when the lead singer tripped, ripping his trousers and cutting his knee in the process. But, like a true showman, he didn’t let it stop the performance. Tailgunner’s dedication to their craft and their 80s aesthetic, from hairstyles to guitars, makes them stand out, even if the only thing missing was a stack of amps behind them. Tailgunner a band to look out for who clearly have huge things coming.

 

The Bites

Hailing from sunny California, The Bites brought a different sonic experience to the festival with their modern rock sound influenced by 80s glam. Despite being the most modern-sounding band on the bill, The Bites’ 80s influences justified their presence at the festival. Their different sound helped break up the day and showed that the festival organizers had carefully sequenced the bands to give each act the best chance to shine. The Bites stood out as a modern band with a love of the 80s, offering something different to the scene.

 

Bonafide

Following a modern-sounding band, the pure vintage stylings of Bonafide provided a good contrast. Bonafide embodies everything you love about hard rock—nothing overly complicated, just sing-along songs that, even if you haven’t heard them before, you’ll end up singing along to. Despite being one of the smaller bands on the lineup, they had their own following, with many in the crowd knowing the songs, especially “Are You Listening,” the title track off their most recent album. The lead singer’s outfit—jeans and a denim vest—reflected their retro hard rock style. Bonafide knows exactly who they are, offering straightforward, enjoyable music that’s easy to like.

 

Eclipse

Eclipse is another hard rock band on the bill, but part of a new wave of hard rock bands currently enjoying popularity. Their matching outfits hinted at the professionalism they would bring to the stage, and they didn’t disappoint. The band played through their songs with a clear love for their craft. The middle of the set featured acoustic guitars, providing a nice break from the heavier music of their set and the rest of the day. Their set was treated almost like a greatest hits collection, with a new track off their upcoming album “Megalomanium II” thrown in for good measure. The band loved playing for Stonedead, and the festivalgoers gave that love right back, making for a well-sequenced and professional performance.

 

Doro

The middle of the day saw the arrival of Doro, the queen of metal, hitting the stage with her metal anthems from Warlock and her more recent solo material. Doro is no stranger to rock and metal festivals, but she rarely gets the chance to perform in the UK. Stonedead securing such a rare performance from this legend was a major draw for fans. Many in the crowd were already devoted, sporting Doro and Warlock shirts. From the moment she began her set, Doro showcased her seasoned ability to hold a crowd’s attention. Opening and closing with Warlock songs was a smart move, as these were the tracks most of the crowd were familiar with. Her solo songs, which made up the middle of the set, were played with equal grace and quality. Her backing band delivered outstanding performances on their respective instruments. Ending the set with the all-time classic “All We Are” was the perfect conclusion, with the crowd enthusiastically singing along. Doro’s performance at Stonedead was a rare treat, and she delivered exactly what her fans wanted—a great mix of songs from her career that reinforced her status as the queen of metal.

 

Ugly Kid Joe

Ugly Kid Joe is the only band on this lineup that you might have heard on mainstream radio in the 90s, thanks to their hit singles “Everything About You” and their cover of “Cat’s in the Cradle.” Their unique 90s hard rock still hits just as hard today, blending a heavy sound that appeals to rockers at a festival like Stonedead with an accessibility that makes it perfect for a mainstream audience. Frontman Whitfield Crane knows how to engage a crowd, making every effort to get everyone involved and raise their hands in the air. His respect for everyone working the festival is evident, as he even allows photographers to join him on stage for unique shots—a rare gesture. The crowd responds enthusiastically to the hits, singing along with gusto. The true test of a band is whether the crowd enjoys the non-hits, and Ugly Kid Joe passed with flying colors. The biggest surprise of the set was their cover of “Ace of Spades,” which they executed brilliantly while staying true to their own style. Ugly Kid Joe is a fantastic live act that ensures everyone has a great time. Even if you’re unfamiliar with their music, you’ll leave with a smile and likely become a fan.

 

KK’s Priest

KK Downing has nothing left to prove, being best known for his legendary guitar work in Judas Priest. However, KK’s Priest’s performance at Stonedead demonstrates why Downing is such an iconic guitarist and songwriter. The opening of their set featured three of the band’s original songs, all played expertly, with Tim “Ripper” Owens delivering a captivating vocal performance. The set was complemented by an impressive display of pyrotechnics, including explosions and flames—everything you’d expect from a top-notch metal performance. The majority of the set focused on Judas Priest material, spanning a wide range of their catalogue. This diversity was highlighted by the contrast between songs like “Diamonds and Rust” and “Hell Patrol.” Each song was performed with precision, allowing Downing to shine in key moments while giving the rest of the band space to excel. Every Judas Priest song was a crowd favourite, with fans raising their horns in the air for each beat. KK’s Priest could have been just another tribute band, but their original material stood up strongly alongside the classic hits, receiving the same enthusiastic response from the audience. They are not a tribute act; they are KK’s Priest.

 

Saxon

Saxon are legends who consistently deliver outstanding performances. After spending much of the year opening for Judas Priest, tonight they had the chance to headline in the UK, and they proved to be perfect headliners. This was the final night of their European tour, which included numerous opening slots and a few headlining gigs. Both types of performances showcased their ability to connect with any crowd. Frontman Biff Byford, despite being 73, demonstrated that his voice remains as powerful as ever. Throughout the tour, Byford had been asking crowds what songs they wanted to hear, and tonight’s setlist was a culmination of those requests. The band played material from their new album, Hell Fire and Damnation, which stood up well against their classic hits. Saxon knows how to write great music and deliver it flawlessly live. Each song was treated as if it were the crowd’s favourite, reflecting the band’s deep connection with their audience. Saxon’s mastery of metal was evident, with every band member excelling in their role. The newest member, Brian Tatler of Diamond Head fame, stood out with face-melting solos. The crowd went wild during the final stretch of the set, from “Denim and Leather” to the last notes of “Princess of the Night”—a five-song stretch of metal perfection. Saxon cemented their place in music history with this headlining slot, providing a treat for everyone in attendance. Biff hinted at more tour dates for February next year, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the crowd returns for another spellbinding performance. Saxon delivered a performance of unparalleled excellence, showcasing why they are a must-see band.