HRH NWOCR 2 - o2 Leicester

Live review by; Jo

HRH NWOCR Jan 2023

It’s strange to think that six months ago I had only the slightest inking of the NWOCR scene. I could name a couple of the newer bands and didn’t have the slightest clue how big or how good it is!

Just a few months later and there I was at the HRH NWOCR Festival, delighted to see some of my favourite bands, excited to catch some bands I’ve wanted to see for a while, and looking forward to seeing some new (to me) names.

It did not disappoint! What an incredible couple of days with some of the best music around.

Saturday

Bad Actress

Bad Actress were the band that got me into the scene! They were mentored by a good friend of mine and have shot from obscurity in the north of Scotland to a force to be reckoned with. There may have been a smaller audience for this first band of the weekend, but they played as if they were in front of an audience filling a big-name venue. It’s a delight to see lead guitarist Chick’s incredible mastery over his instrument while supported by perfectly choreographed music and moves from Tommy B on rhythm guitar and 80-R on bass, and those cheeky little stick flips from drummer Lui. From a rock n roll vibe to 80s rock classics-inspired music, this band is one to watch over the coming years. We didn’t know at the time, but this was the band’s last performance with Vinnie Vexx as lead vocalist – she is an incredible singer and will do well in her own music career – and we can’t wait to see where Bad Actress will go from here!

Beth Blade and the Beautiful Disasters

BBBD are one of those bands whose name seems to be cropping up more and more. I’d missed them when they came to my hometown recently and was looking forward to catching their set. They did not disappoint! One of the best dressed bands in the business, their melodic hard rock is perfectly fronted by Beth who has the presence and voice that make you want to shout for more. We’ll even forgive her for comparing us to a night out in Grimsby!

Life of a Hero

Opening the second stage for the weekend were Life of a Hero, one of the newer bands on the scene – but by no means strangers to it. Arising as a lockdown project, they are a combo of musicians from the bands Midnite City and Vega (the latter also playing that day) and the incredible vocals of Russ Grimmett, son of Lionheart frontman Steve. Their melodic hard rock just incited you to move – even those propping up the bar had their feet tapping!

Sweet Electric

Well, didn’t they go down a storm?! From the moment they burst onto stage, Sweet Electric, fronted by gold, tight-fitting tracksuit and cap-wearing frontman Brad, dominated. With killer bass and pounding drums (drummer Nico had the biggest grin on his face the whole set!), the band hails from Cologne, Germany, and this was their first performance in the UK. It will certainly not be their last!

Sunspy

This was the festival debut for North Wales based Sunspy, entertaining crowds on the second stage. Their classic sound must surely have had something for everyone; vocalist Mike’s smooth voice backed up incredibly by lead guitarist Tom (frontman for Mad Haven who were also playing the festival), Tom’s dad John on drums and bassist Tony, who, Mike tells us, produces the best ice cream in Wales. Sunspy were giving away copies of their EP Meltdown – as someone who appreciates (and has a car old enough!) the tangibility of a CD, I was delighted. I’ve played it several times since!

Collateral

They may have been one short following the departure of Todd Winger, but that didn’t stop another great set from a really great band. Angelo may have been nursing two broken ribs, but he gave a stellar performance.

Mad Haven

This is the second time I’ve seen the incredible Mad Haven, who hail from North Wales. Nurtured by my friend Tina alongside Bad Actress, they are another young band to watch as they gain more and more popularity. Look out for their huge riffs and a whole lot of sound for a three-piece. Oh, and the hair… !

Sons of Liberty

Bringing Southern Rock to the heart of Leicester, Sons of Liberty are a great crowd-pleaser and really did not disappoint. Judging by those watching singing along, there were a lot of fans there this weekend. Definitely a band to check out if you haven’t already. And you’d probably be surprised to hear their frontman’s from Birmingham. Not the one in Alabama.

The Jokers

I only caught the last song and a half of their set, and I was really disappointed I’d not heard more! New to me, this was good old fashioned rock and roll at its best – and, if guitarist Paul’s face is anything to go by, just as good to be part of!

Sunday

Gallows Circus

Oh my word. Gallows Circus are one of those bands I was vaguely aware of but had never checked out. More fool me! These guys have jumped straight up there among my favourite bands. As a bassist, I’m a sucker for someone who plays the instrument to the full, and Richard did it so well with melodic lines interwoven with some great tight rhythms with drummer Steve. From the beautiful ballad Holding My Breath to the ever popular Hell’s Whisky with its great intro, vocalist Ian captivated those who had ventured out for the first set of the day.

Daxx and Roxane

Disappointed again that I didn’t catch the whole set, what I did see was everything I expected it to be and more. Cedric’s lead vocals and melodic bass lines set the scene and supported by great theatre from the two guitarists. Cal decided he wanted a short sit down, so he took over the drum seat from Luca without missing a beat. A band you never get tired of listening to or watching with their stage acrobatics!

Electric Black

Kicking off Sunday on the second stage, Electric Black’s hard rock woke you up but seduced you with lovely melodic vocals and guitar breaks. And I’m always a bit of a sucker for some slide guitar.

King Voodoo

Liverpudlians King Voodoo kept the noise and the rock high with a great set. The first time I’ve seen them live though I’ve been listening to their music for a while. Hope to be able to catch them again soon – look out for their homegrown festival, VoodooFest. A spooky little story – I was interviewing the band and had just asked them (in light of their tagline #BeMoreVoodoo) which of them is the most voodoo. A discussion ensued and was ended only by me realising my phone had stopped recording – and the whole video had disappeared… Spellcasting at its finest, guys!

Doomsday Outlaw

The second time I’ve seen these guys live and was as blown away this time as I was last. It’s unusual to see a six-piece outfit on the scene, but their sound is better for it – can’t beat some keys on a track. The crowd was fully immersed in their music, dancing and singing along. Sheffield has produced some kick-ass bands, and these guys are one of the best. If you’ve not ordered their new album, do it. Now.

Leader of Down

Such a shame that a lot the punters had left by the time the headline act came on. Leader of Down are the band of the late, great guitar-wielding Würzel of Motörhead fame and bassist Tim Atkinson who is still the tour de force behind the band. Named after Würzel’s mishearing of the Status Quo song Down Down (I shall forever sing it that way now!), the influences of the golden age of rock are unmistakable, and beautifully handled by vocalist Matt Baker. Sadly I had to leave before the end and missed original Iron Maiden guitarist Dennis Stratton joining the band onstage. Well worth seeing these guys if you get the chance.

Having been interviewing bands throughout much of the weekend, I sadly didn’t get to see Silverjet, Pearler, Black Roze, Ransom, Loz Campbell, Sam Miller and the Sass Bandits, South of Salem, Vega or The Suicide Notes. Next time, guys!