So if Storm Ciaran had plans to disrupt HRH, they failed dismally, whilst the storm hit and disrupted lots of travel plans, impacting arrivals on Thursday, the HRH faithful turned up in their masses ready to rock out and party.

Looking at Thursday’s line-up, Warbirds were a new band to myself hailing from Melbourne, Australia, this three-piece were superb – new fans won over and now heading out on a few more dates in the UK, catch them while you can, you will not be disappointed.

Adam and the Metal Hawks were band I had looked forward to seeing, hoping that the same gusto from their albums would come across in their live set, I wasn’t disappointed! High energy, catchy baselines and all round bad ass with a lovely pinch of comedy from vocalist Adam

The set had a few covers included “Don’t Stop Me Now” and opening with the “Time Warp” but this didn’t detract from their original material, “Fine Line” “Backwards” and “I’m Done” were standouts. A band to check out.

Punk Rock Factory take well known covers and turn them pop punk! Their magical set included Disney covers kicking off with “just can’t wait to be king” from The Lion King, the HRH crew are dancing and reliving their childhood in the 90s with their covers of “power rangers” and “Pokémon” a complete wave of euphoria and nostalgia. High energy, great fun, with even die hard rock fans singing away, a wave of happy energy in the room.

Thursday Headliner, Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons open with ‘Going to Brazil’ which sets the pace and for one hell of a set combining classic Motorhead, Hawkwind as well as new material off their latest album, ‘Kings Of The Asylum’ and the audience pleasing ‘Born to Raise Hell’. If the amazing solo by Phil Campbell in ‘Hammer and Dance’ is anything to go by, the album will be immense.

Not taking any prisoners when they chuck in a cover of the Sex Pistols ‘God Save The Queen’ and raising the level again with the crowd pleaser combination of ‘Ace Of Spades’ and ‘Heroes’ just as you think they can’t top it, they encore with ‘Silver Machine’ and ‘Killed by Death’ (anyone remember the quiz earlier when there was a reference to Bon Scott leaving AC/DC by death?) Phil Campbell & the Bastard Sons head out on tour now to promote the new album, they’re on fine form, perfect end Thursday.

HRH XVI

One of the hardest working bands you could ever wish to meet, The Darker my Horizon did four sets (2 acoustic) over the festival, including opening Stage two on Thursday, this is no mean feat but factor in that their drummer, Russ is carrying a significant injury in the form of a ruptured ligament to his hand, and had previously played at SharkFest with his drumstick gaffer taped to his hand. It is no wonder he’s called Super Russ!

For TDMH their set of the weekend was when they took the main stage by storm on Friday afternoon, putting storm Ciaran to shame and raising the roof for an hour with a packed set – absolute highlights were ‘Waste of Oxygen’, ‘Closure’ (an audience request), the ever popular ‘Spit’ with trademark groovy rift. Closing out with ‘Still Alive’ the audience are eating out of their hands and to be honest, this is the best I’ve ever seen them – tight performance, great sound and spot on delivery including all the banter from frontman, Paul Stead. Crowd reaction was amazing and highly appreciative.

Next up for me was Ward XVI and for those who are uninitiated Inmates, this is musical theatre at its best I can really only describe them as an Alice Cooper stage show on acid, dramatic storytelling, combined with fine musicians and lots of props – some may find it a little dark, but you have to watch them at least once for the experience!

Crowley, I have to say as a huge supporter for women in music, these ladies have it all. With a goth/witchy aesthetic with a nice splash of classic rock, these ladies were ready to tear up the stage, and they did just that.

Ransom are on stage two, so not a pub band, Matt is a fantastic frontman and the band are on fine form as they belt out original classic rock, rousing the crowd and certainly drowning out any remnants of this storm. One crowd pleasing band delivery quality rock – sold!

Slackrr are a trio packing a pop punk punch and promoting mental health awareness, which was welcomed by some in the crowd, and it was a wholesome moment of comforting those who needed a little extra boost.

Quick switch to catch some of Hells Addiction’s set who were as accomplished as they’ve ever been delivering a quality set. They were followed by Killcode, who hit that stage and absolutely nailed it! Next up were Sasquatch, an interesting set to say the least, another one to check out a little more.

Closing Stage 2 were The Dead Amigos, the riffs were bouncing, the lead singer/ guitarist was fun, cheeky, and full of charisma. The whole musical vibe was classic hard rock with a very nice measure of sleaze.

Headliner, Tyketto pull out all the stops and deliver a high class set including newer songs too – they never fail to please.

Saturday stage one opener was White Tyger, on a rainy windswept day but what a way to blast any cobwebs away from the late night after show party with Killcode, what a cracking set with all credit to the lead vocalist, who was struggling with his voice prior to performance, you played and you delivered, way to go!

The Hot One Two opened stage two in an absolute ball of energy, bringing a very explosive, great fun set delighting the crowd, who frankly were eating out of their hands 2 songs in, making this one of my highlight sets of the weekend. That set Rocked!

Next up are firm favourites King Voodoo, having performed an acoustic set earlier in the day, they step up and bring the place alive with sublime, rock perfection delivered brilliantly to an enraptured crowd you can see loads of people engage. Another highlight set! Both of these bands have found an army of new fans – stage two is the place to be!

They’re followed by Birmingham trio, Daylight Robbery who despite some technical issues, they deliver a solid set with lead guitar Mark and bassist Colin sharing vocal duties, whilst Rob delivers the power on drums. Highlight Edwards No 8 (if you know, you know!).

Another three-piece follow, this time it’s Blitz from Nottingham. Again, some technical challenges with the lead guitar not been particularly clear, which is a shame as Kevin is blistering, they play on regardless and deliver with all the showmanship you’d expect a rocking set that wowed the crowd and had them singing along.

Now over to stage one to see Gypsy Pistoleros deliver their main set, frontman Lee is an absolute trooper, despite struggling with his voice since arriving at the festival, managed to deliver a blinding set supported by Kerry, who lends her voice in support while Crag and Shane deliver a belter of rock power to an enamoured crowd.

Their performance, the new material, the banter and just the sheer force of nature that is Gypsy Pistoleros means that they take HRH by storm and whilst you can’t label their style, it’s completely infectious and cracking fun, I really hope they make that Top 40 with their new album and give Taylor Swift a good kicking! If you’ve not seen them, check them out, you’ll love them.

On stage two is the upcoming trio, Muddibrook, they are so very different, and they are quietly coming up the ranks so catch them while you can.

The Saturday headliner, with the biggest Marshall backdrop only rivalled by Airbourne in recent years, is Yngwie Malmsteen, serving up one guitar aficionado with many decades under his belt to a packed audience of loyal fans. I expected a lot of guitar solos and very technical content. I wasn’t wrong, I think he’s marmite, but certainly the lovers were there in force.

Let’s talk about the unsung heroes of Hard Rock Hell, the bar staff, the security staff, the sound engineers, the lighting technicians, the photographers, the cleaners, all of whom worked tirelessly all weekend in quite tricky, weather conditions with great humour and a welcoming smile, frankly these people make all the difference to these events because if none of that stuff works, then the rest of it doesn’t go well so a huge appreciation post for all the supporting workers over the festival, you made it easy thank you

To Hard Rock Hell, there’s a saying from my childhood, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”. There’s been plenty of a negativity thrown your way and to your absolute credit, you just dig deep and carry on, supporting the live music scene, putting on those newer bands, and us, the music fans, we support you because these events are great fun, where people come together and have a good time, so thank you.

Long live HRH, long live new music, long live the people supporting live music and bands. Without festivals like these, new bands have nowhere to play or platforms to showcase their talents. We need HRH. We are a rock community; we are rock family.

Review by Karen Clayton and Lucy Denis

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 3 November 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 29 October 2024.

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More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024

ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)