Summer in the Garden of England – sounds idyllic, right? Now, imagine adding loud rock music at a volume that bothers the neighbours, the usual choice of refreshments, and weather that couldn’t quite decide if it was coming or going. Welcome to Maid Of Stone 2025: bigger, better, and a little wetter!
Day 1 – Friday
Hillbilly Vegas
With the USA’s Southern states famed for their warmth and hospitality, it was apt then that Oklahoma’s Hillbilly Vegas raised the curtain on the weekend on the Inferno Stage with some feel-good rock ‘n’ roll. New single’ Feels Good’ lived up to its name in the July sun, whilst’ Shake It Like A Hillbilly’ got everyone groovin’ like it’s the weekend and the booze is plentiful.
Leadfeather
Turning on one’s heel to the Firestarter Stage, London’s Leadfeather took their bow in introducing the Mote Park masses to their brand of hard rock. With the groove-laden’ Shoot For The Stars’ bringing a delightful energy to the fold, whilst the classic noodling of’ Roll The Dice’ called to mind their Zeppelin and Purple influences – a well-chosen display, given the clientele.
Kris Barras’ Hollow Souls
This was billed as a secret set, but even as a Planet Rock staple, Kris Barras’ new band, Hollow Souls, drew an impressive crowd given it was their first live show. While their uproarious single’ Bad Things’ impressed, alongside their cover of Led Zeppelin’s’ Rock ‘N’ Roll’, tech trouble put a dampener on things with a delayed start and mix outages. Still, expect great things in time.
We Three Kings
Back at Firestarter, rocking duo We Three Kings raised the energy levels a notch with an almost-punk influenced set.’ Give It To Me, GO! provided an anarchic buzz to the crowd, with a party atmosphere complemented by a Queen-at-Live-Aid-style singalong, and a massive beach ball being punted around. Even inanimate third-member Bonesy the Skeleton could be seen having a boogie (you may have had to squint, mind).
Myke Gray
There must be an element of trepidation returning to a live setting after a hiatus, but if that was the case for Myke Gray, then it did not show. The Inferno Stage welcomed him and his band warmly, with the likes of’ Look But Don’t Touch’ going over well with the afternoon masses, whilst the man himself looked to be enjoying the return to the stage. The comeback is on.
Muddibrooke
As power trios go, Muddibrooke certainly put the’ power’ into that phrase, based on their Firestarter showing. Thunderous and commanding, whether ripping through a fantastic cover of’ You Don’t Own Me’, or their latest single’ Money’, the Derby-natives will most definitely have turned several heads from the crowd during their set. A case study in why festivals are great for discovering music.
Quireboys
Judging by the number of Quireboys shirts on the day, it is safe to say the band were hotly anticipated, so their set had to be of the highest order. With leading man Spike on fine form carrying out charismatic frontman duty (plentiful cries of “Yeehaw!”), The band themselves delivered a joyous set of their hits, including the up-tempo bounce of’ Hey You’ and the heartwarming’ King Of New York’. ‘A Bit Of What You Fancy’ may be thirty-five years old, but it still resonated in July 2025.
H.E.A.T.
Some bands just come across as ready-made headliners-in-waiting, and Sweden’s H.E.A.T. stated their claim with aplomb. With energy through the roof, the Inferno Stage didn’t know what hit it, as the Swedes tore through their set with verve, to the delight of those in the front row. After the sad passing of our beloved Ozzy Osbourne, H.E.A.T.’s well-loved albeit brief cover of’ War Pigs’ by Black Sabbath – unbeknownst at the time – now stands as an impeccably observed tribute to the late, great legend.
A’Priori
The band may lack a bass player, but A’Priori’s sound does not lack punch. The Firestarter Stage was very generously attended, and the band thrived off of this with some excellent triple vocals and glorious keys. Featuring cuts as’ Wasted Years,’ Shotgun Blues’ and the rousing’ Making Love To The Devil’, their billing as main support for the second stage was well-merited.
Joanne Shaw Taylor
Billed as co-headliner alongside USA’s Dirty Honey, the UK’s blues guitar queen, Joanne Shaw Taylor, made a return to the UK stage with a blues rock bonanza of a set that showcased both her incredible guitar chops, as well as her wonderfully smoky vocals. If you love your rock rich in blues and Hammond organ, then Taylor’s set would have seen you right. While Taylor’s music is not quite the sort to get an entire crowd bustling with energy, she and her band had the collective spellbound with blues jams that harked back to yesteryear, whilst there was even a little humour (with Taylor dedicating a song to her’ future ex-husband, Kevin Costner’). Rounded off with an exhilarating rendition of’ I’ve Been Loving You Too Long’, this was a set that could ably have closed the night.
Gorilla Riot
Over at the Firestarter Stage, Manchester’s Gorilla Riot treated the braying masses to some rock ‘n’ roll that was lapped up like the last beer at the bar. With the likes of ‘Southern fried’ Last Hymn’ creating a good atmosphere as the evening drew in, the band’s vocal attack was something to behold, with frontman Arjun Bhishma joined by guitarist Charley T. and backing vocalist Luci Vee (along with a second backing vocalist) in creating gorgeous harmonies.’ Wrong Side Of Town’ went down a treat, and more than set the crowd up for their final dose of rock on the Friday.
Dirty Honey
Whilst completely unintentional and attached to a separate event further into town, it was amusing to note the fireworks display that ignited as Dirty Honey took to the Inferno Stage to round out Friday. A true, if unprompted and unconnected, celebration of rock ‘n’ roll! Naturally, this only added to the atmosphere of a true rock ‘n’ roll ride from the California-natives, as their set made for a fitting end to the day’s festivities. Featuring the likes of ‘California Dreamin’ and the hazy’ Get A Little High’, it called to mind the classic rock ‘n’ roll excesses, whilst’ Dirty Mind’ added a little more’ dirt’ to the Dirty Honey sound. There were singalongs during’ Don’t Put Out The Fire’ and more besides that, which comfortably brought the festival’s opening day to a close with a bang (not just the fireworks).
Day 2 – Saturday
Jack J. Hutchinson
Jack J. Hutchinson joked that he always brings rain at a festival appearance, but such an indiscretion can be forgiven when rocking blues cuts like’ Don’t Let The Fuckers Get You Down’ provide such an uplift. The four-piece brought warmth and spirit in spades to the Inferno Stage, and those brave souls amidst the deluge thoroughly enjoyed renditions of’ Days Are Gone’. If only the rain were!
Big River
Kent’s own Big River welcomed the amassing crowd to the Firestarter Stage party, with more blues rock excellence. With’ Don’t Hold Out’ and’ Beautiful Trauma’ soaring courtesy of vocalist Adam Barron’s commanding pipes, the band more than made up for the disappointment of having to drop out last year. Also, what set is complete without an electric ukulele making an appearance, as it did on the stellar’ Wings’?
Fury
Simply writing the word’ fury’ would suffice for discussing Fury’s set, but that would be missing out on noting some finer details. The group were out of the traps with vigour, with’ Interceptor’ at’ 200mph…’ and some aesthetically pleasing dancing between the guitarists through the wicked’ Prince Of Darkness’, a little heavy metal energy to satisfy the lunchtime cravings.
Bobbie Dazzle
Leave it to Bobbie Dazzle to bring a bit of glam to proceedings, to which she and her merry bunch duly obliged. The songs were catchy and got the crowd bouncing, with’ Back To The City’ eliciting some delicious vocal harmonies alongside some choice hip-shaking moves. There was a flute solo, an ABBA cover (‘Watch Out’), and even a touching lyrical collaboration with Bobbie’s late father on’ Lightning Fantasy’. And a keytar! This was a right… great show!
Rosalie Cunningham
In keeping with her Firestarter predecessor, Rosalie Cunningham’s turn on the Inferno Stage also featured a flute solo in what was, apparently, the weekend’s shortest musical theme. Cunningham’s voice was stunning throughout, and the whole band looked effortlessly cool marauding through’ Shoot Another Day’,’ Timothy Martin’s Conditioning School’ and the bluesy’ Rabbit Foot’. No covers here, but sublime regardless.
Kim Jennett
When you open your show with a song called’ Psycho’ and demonstrate outstanding vocal prowess, you know the crowd is going to have a good time. And that is just what Kim Jennett delivered. She was a whirling dervish about which her band (including the drummer’s first ever show) played, with’ Dead To Me’ and’ Devil’ setting pulses racing. The band’s cover of Led Zeppelin’s’ Immigrant Song’ was a take all their own, with grit and fire in equal measure. Top work!
Florence Black
Back on the Inferno Stage, the riffs were brought down from the valleys by Welsh rockers, Florence Black. Vocalist Tristan Thomas’s request to “see this place bouncing” was heeded, with’ Bed Of Nails’ sounding particularly chunky with its low riffage. It was a welcome change-up and well-received by those down at the front, so the band can rest easy in the knowledge that their work was done very well here.
Flint Moore
Flint Moore’s music may be more suited to dusk than a sunny summer afternoon to match the atmosphere, but their cathartic set needed no further assistance. Featuring’ Undermask’ and the awe-inspiring’ Me Alive’, it was difficult not to be drawn into their emotive sound. Despite a few guitar changes and tune-ups, the momentum was maintained with the band’s sparkling personalities and will no doubt have seen them head home with a few more fans in tow.
Sophie Lloyd
Sophie Lloyd’s skills as a guitar player need no introduction, and her set on the Inferno Stage showcased that expertly. Featuring alternating guest vocalists in Marisa Rodriguez and Nathan James, the likes of’ Hanging On’ and’ Fall Of Man’ were killer in the summer sun. The surprises kept coming, with a sterling rendition of AC/DC’s’ Thunderstruck’ and a star turn from Black Stone Cherry frontman Chris Robertson on’ Let It Hurt’ – a highly entertaining affair.
In Search Of Sun
The penultimate act on the Firestarter Stage saw London’s In Search Of Sun bask in a successful sourcing of solar activity and ply their funk-infused metal to the masses. The likes of’ The Fire I Play’ gripped the crowd with welcome catchiness, and it would have taken a great deal of effort not to sing along to the’ We’re the lows, we’re the highs’ refrain afterwards. A mini pit of moshers eventually emerged and proved the band had done their job for the weekend.
Ugly Kid Joe
Another beloved band, Ugly Kid Joe’s turn on the Inferno boards was keenly looked forward to, and their brand of hard rock was enjoyed with gusto. Vocalist Whitefield Crane had audience interaction down pat, whilst the band ran through hits such as their cover of’ Cat’s In The Cradle’ and a speedy thrash through Motörhead’s’ Ace Of Spades’. Yet closer and mega-hit’ Everything About You’ was the pinnacle, bringing the curtain down with punk-like snarl.
Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse
There is infectiousness, and then there is Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse. This is the sort of band that will capture your ear and then never let go, with bops like’ I Told My Baby’ getting the crowd shaking. Yet this month’s earworm in’ What’s My Name?’, with its’ ooh la la, ya, Beaux Gris Gris’ refrain, will absolutely ensure the band is talked about long after Mote Park returns to the ducks.
Black Stone Cherry
Much like Dirty Honey on the Friday Night, Black Stone Cherry’s emergence onto the Inferno Stage as Saturday headliners coincided with yet another firework display in the distance, and it honestly felt so fitting. Here is a band that has made this show their one international stop for the year, and, boy, are they going to bring about a party. The crowd were instantly up for it, singing immediately as’ Me & Mary Jane’ bellowed out, whilst the band’s sound was top-class (the drums were perfect). The band completed the visual aspect with smoke machines, whilst they ploughed through classics such as’ Devil’s Queen’, the poignant’ Things My Father Said’ (dedicated to those everyone has lost) and the bouncing’ Blame It On The Boom Boom’. The chunky’ Lonely Train’ featured frontman Christ Robertson and bassist Steve Jewell Jr. swapping instruments for a change-up. Still, the curtain was brought down delicately with the band’s tender encore in’ Peace Is Free’ – a headliner deserving of the slot.
Day 3 – Sunday
Absolva
In many ways, opening the main stage for the day is a tough gig, especially when the weather sucks. Which is what made Absolva’s turn a triumph as their anthemic brand of heavy metal, including the huge ‘Atlas’ and defiant’ Refuse To Die’, cut through the drizzle. Power, precision and showmanship were the name of the game here, and they cut the mustard just fine.
Karobela
For a last-minute replacement for Queen Horizon due to illness, Kent’s own Karobela acquitted themselves as if they were always meant to be up on the Firestarter Stage. With infectious pop-like melodies and some great riffs, the band were a welcome ray of sunshine whilst the weather remained drab. The joyful guitar line for’ Money & Tricks’ caught the ear instantly, whilst the sassy’ Afterthought’ and’ Tongue Tied’ made for a brilliant set.
Parker Barrow
Concluding your first UK tour with a mainstage festival appearance is an incredible way to do so, but Parker Barrow had that joy and then some. With the tremendous jam’ Don’t Tell Mama (What Mama Don’t Know)’ and recent single’ Novacaine’ providing boogie blues heaven, the Nashville-natives left a lasting impression on Mote Park. Their return in November will be most welcome!
The Heat Inc.
As the self-proclaimed “loudest band in London”, The Heat Inc. gave a good account of that tag with a storming Firestarter show.’ Draw Blood For Proof’ and the raucous’ Raptors’ were highlights of a noisy and excitable set that drew a sizable crowd and impressive response. With new music on the way, the band can count on a new wave of fans from Maidstone and the surrounding areas.
Marisa & The Moths
Gracing the Inferno boards for the second time this weekend, Marisa Rodriguez and her band (presumably’ The Moths’) put on a set full of fun and riffs to whet the appetite. Much like her performance with Sophie Lloyd, Rodriguez’s vocals were impeccable and her sparkling personality between numbers like’ 69′ (“it’s about maths!’) and’ Fake It Till You Make It’ ensured the band received a fine applause at the show’s end.
Sari Schorr
New York blues songstress Sari Schorr can truly sing. Across a weekend of fine voices, hers stood out across a set of moody blues rock that encompassed her take of Bad Company’s’ Ready For Love’, the soulful’ Freedom’ and a scintillating cover of’ Black Betty’ (to which she confessed being terrified of singing). Schorr and her band made Mote Park a home from home instantly and landed the home run with the weekend’s second version of Zeppelin’s’ Rock ‘N’ Roll’. Magnificent.
Less Than Hollow
From Moody Blues to up-tempo rock, Less Than Hollow brought a fervent energy to the Firestarter Stage that got the adrenaline pumping. With some hard-hitting riffs and soaring vocals, the band’s’ The Last Time’ was gratefully applauded by the attending hordes. With solid performances like this, it won’t be the last time they grace the likes of Maid Of Stone, for sure.
These Wicked Rivers
Unable to play 2024’s edition due to unforeseen circumstances, These Wicked Rivers – stage decked out in plush furniture – made up for their absence with an uplifting set. With an Inferno crowd almost rivalling a headliner’s, their ride through beautiful rockers as’ Horse To Water’ and the almost spiritual’ Don’t Pray For Me’ was cheered roundly. It took a year, but this was absolutely worth it.
This House We Built
With a set that included a cover of John Farnham’s’ You’re The One’ and the catchy-as-hell’ Addiction’, This House We Built can safely attest to leaving Maid Of Stone in a better state than they found it. A fine slab of hard rock in the summer sun that got the crowd moving, and another band for everyone to add to the streaming channels once home.
Stone Broken
Stone Broken have been grafting for ten years and you can easily see that the hard work has paid off, with their slot on the mainstage and ragers such as’ Remedy’ and’ The Devil You Know’ exciting the crowd. The band even overcame a tech gremlin that curtailed a song – showcasing Rich Moss and Robyn Haycock as the cool uncle and aunt to their niece and nephew in the crowd – but there was a bittersweetness to the show, given the band’s impending hiatus. Don’t be gone for too long, please!
Sweet
Another band that, by sheer volume of attendees at the front of Inferno, could have headlined. The love for Andy Scott – continuing his recovery from illness in 2024 – and his merry bunch was extraordinary, and the band duly gave it right back with interest. Classics like’ Piece of the Action’, ‘Love Is Like Oxygen’ and the speed-metal-like’ Ballroom Blitz’ were rattled through with abandon, with the band’s vocal harmonies sounding as glorious as ever – a real highlight.
Empyre
While the band themselves profess to’ killing the vibe’, Empyre’s prog-influenced rock offers something of a welcome turn of introspection.’ Hit & Run’ and’ Relentless’ sounded majestic in the evening air, whilst Henrik Steenholdt and Did Cole’s humour between songs endeared them to a receptive crowd. Maybe not so much killing the vibe as providing another, well-rounded facet to it.
Michael Schenker
As was expected, the roar that went up when man, myth, legend Michael Schenker took to the stage with his band to celebrate the legacy of UFO was somewhat deafening. The culmination of a weekend’s hard rocking had come to this, and the legendary axeman’s mob did not disappoint one jot. Frontman Erik Grönwall was a ball of energy, hurling himself about the place and rattling out note-perfect vocals, with hits such as’ Doctor Doctor’ and’ Mother Mary’ creating a stir that was only exceeded when Schenker took to soloing. Though he may be 70, he’s lost none of his ability and flew through lead after lead effortlessly. While a little static, save for noodling away almost in the stage wings on occasions, his performance was captivating, whilst the band themselves brought the good times from UFO’s heyday. There was even time to acknowledge the band’s departed members, with’ Too Hot To Handle’ going out to Paul Chapman and Pete Way, before Schenker et al. took their bows. It may be that many of these songs won’t be heard again live, but if so, then this is a hell of a send-off.
With that, the curtain fell on another Maid Of Stone weekend. The weather may have been up-and-down, but the music was only way up. As the Early Bird tickets were being offered out, attention was turning to 2026, and with that, we will see you there!
Review By Lee Carter
All Photos By Rebecca Bush – https://www.instagram.com/beckybphoto/
