MAID OF STONE FESTIVAL 21ST-23RD JULY 2023

I needed a bit of a lie-in on Sunday morning (I must be getting old!) but arrived in time to catch The Outlaw Orchestra, a band who put a big smile on my face with their unique mix of countrified, hillbilly bangers and humour. As much a talented raconteur as he is a guitarist and singer, frontman Dave Roux had us all laughing, firstly advising the ladies not to be put off by his wedding ring (it’s ok… he was joking… I think!) and later catching the scent of ‘Willie Nelson’ on the air, claiming to be ‘like a bloodhound’. Sounding pretty much nothing like you would expect for a trio from Southampton (and all the better for it), their own banjo heavy anthems like ‘Rollin’ Stone’ and the impossibly catchy ‘Chicken Fried Snake’ were interspersed with crowd pleasing covers of ‘Come Together’ and ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’. Don’t make the mistake of writing The Outlaw Orchestra off as a bit of a novelty, this performance is a rocking, rolling hoedown you don't want to miss. 

I sloped off a little early as I’d heard so much hype about Welsh trio Florence Black that I had to witness their set on the main stage. The crowd levels seemed significantly higher than the previous day as I made my way across, the result of a stellar line-up that I suspect attracted a much younger audience than Ramblin’ Man ever did. It possibly helped that the sun was out too, bathing the park in glorious warm rays that we could only dream of on Saturday.

Florence Black was undoubtedly the heaviest band I heard over the weekend, the brutal riffs of ‘Zulu’ and bullish ‘On the Ropes’ generating some early afternoon head-banging. Their approach was equally aggressive, drummer Perry Davies demanding we “get those f***ing hands up”, a request that was met with fists in the air. It was great to hear Budgie classic ‘Breadfan’ repurposed for a new audience, but telling that they haven’t changed things much, after all, why mess with perfection? ‘Sun and Moon’ provided some contrast, the gentle verses and jangling guitar showing the versatility of an act who are surely in the ascent. Deserving of the hype? I think so. 

I saw part of NitroVille’s performance at distance, who filled the Phoenix Stage with a sprawling, seven-person line-up. Though I was initially impressed with Tola Lamont’s powerful vocals and the band’s Southern rock stylings, I found it increasingly difficult to differentiate between songs that seemed to blend into one. Admittedly, I probably wasn’t paying enough attention, having purchased a pretty unwieldy hot dog that I was trying to consume as elegantly as possible (apologies to anyone who may have witnessed). 

Somewhat incongruous with the otherwise heavy line-up gracing the Jeff Beck stage, Elles Bailey delivered soulful blues with real warmth. Bailey was an engaging presence, talking to the audience throughout and winning them over with an irresistible blend of blissful harmonies, classy guitar and flawless vocals.  The moody ‘Devil Claims His Prize’ and bouncy 'The Game' were particular highlights. 

Lemmy may have gone, but it seems his spirit is alive and well. Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons blasted through a set of Motörhead classics with real fire. Not just the obvious choices either; yes, ‘Iron Fist’, ‘Damage Case’ and, of course, ‘Ace of Spades’ were present and correct, but it was great to hear lesser-known gems like ‘Just ‘Cos You Got the Power’ being met with equal levels of excitement. I heard many describe this as their set of the weekend. Whether it's the lightning fast ‘R.A.M.O.N.E.S’ or the thrilling finale of ‘Overkill’ with some impressive drumming courtesy of Dane Campbell, it’s an adrenaline rush that could have gone on longer. Rejoice that Phil Campbell and his boys continue to play the music of Motörhead live and loud, just as nature intended.   

Anyone who doesn’t know what to make of Skindred probably hasn't seen the band live. Somehow, the unlikely mash-up of heavy metal, reggae and hip-hop all seems to make perfect sense the moment they take to the stage. If ‘Set Fazers’ doesn’t get you moving, I’d suggest it’s time to check your pulse because this is propulsive, exciting stuff. It’s impossible to take your eyes from Benji Webbe, a frontman with a formidable combination of charisma, a unique image and a voice that can switch from brutal metal attack to rap to the smooth reggae of ‘L.O.V.E. (Smile Please)’ with alarming ease. The likes of ‘Nobody’, the irrepressible ‘Ratrace’ and ‘Pressure’ get bodies moving and fists pumping. Unsurprisingly, the set concludes with ‘Warning’ and the first sighting of the Newport Helicopter in Maidstone. Contenders for best live act of the moment? You best believe it. 

Rumour has it that Robert Jon & the Wreck delivered one of the standout performances of the weekend. From what I heard whilst queuing to get food, I’d suggest the rumours are fairly accurate. I’m seeing the band in Folkestone later this year and can’t wait to get the full headline experience. 

And then there’s Airbourne, the absolute living, breathing embodiment of rock and roll. Often compared to AC/DC (like that could ever be a bad thing), this is rock at its most primal. Even a seemingly painful leg doesn’t stop Joel O’Keeffe from tearing up the stage, taking his guitar for a walk through the audience held aloft on someone’s shoulders or smashing a beer can open on his head. He is brash, humorous and actively encourages us to go wild; we’re told do what we want, whether it be crowd surf, head-bang or light a big spliff (er… no thanks!). But what about the songs? Airbourne have them in abundance, a plethora of full throttle, no messing, riotous anthems. 'Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast' remains a shout along classic, 'Burnout the Nitro' an explosion of pent-up energy. “You want another fast one?”, asks O'Keeffe, as if Airbourne really play at any other speed. And we wouldn't want it any other way. 

'Stand Up for Rock 'n' Roll' and get your tickets for 2024 now!