The sun is out, Blackpool is shimmering and the punks are in town. Rebellion Festival 2025 is a go! This year saw the return of the Loud Women stage, a reinforcement of the festival’s promotion of being a safe space with their ‘No is a sentence’ campaign and a hatful of artists you’d rarely get a chance to see elsewhere. Even the much loved Pooch Pistols were back in town. Gary Trueman and Aggy Gillon were the lucky ones in attendance.
Gary’s Five Of The Best
Dog Rotten – Bringing The Party
With a twin vocal attack and plenty of bounce in their rhythms Dog Rotten dare you not to start jumping around like loons. In many ways they are allied to dance metal favourites Seething Akira. A fan of either band will no doubt like the other. There are some big melodies in there too, with the song structures innovative and playing to the duo up front. The performance is relentless, upbeat and way too short for most. Next year beckons strongly.
The Baboon Show – The Full Force Music Machine
Punk rock can take many forms, and it is increasingly encompassing new territory. The Baboon Show aren’t a new band (they formed in 2003) but they epitomise how to progress a genre. You simply can’t take your eyes off of them. The music is frenetic and played with boundless enthusiasm, perfect for eccentric singer Cecilia Boström’s lively stage antics. She gives everything on the Empress stage and the crowd love her for it.
Molly Vulpyne Band – Irish Class Shines Through
The Irish have a habit of producing quality singers. They gave us Dolores O’Riordan and Sinéad O’Conner after all. And now at Rebellion we have another in the form of Molly Vulpyne and her band. Her voice has everything from formidable belts to beautiful clean notes. We get two wonderful sets over the weekend with a solo performance in The Vic in addition to the band show in the Opera House. Both are stunning, both show what an absolute treasure Molly is.
The Meffs – Punk In Safe Hands
If someone asked you for an example stage craft at its finest you’d be hard pressed to do better than point them towards The Meffs. This is an absolute masterclass in how it’s done. Lewis projects himself to all corners sat at his drums while Lily covers every square inch of stage, seemly all at once. The songs are at the heart of punk, a commentary on the failings of society, and it’s the performance that makes sure you listen to every word. This is a duo carrying punk to the next generation.
Svetlanas – Bonkers But Brilliant
The Svetlanas are pretty much legends on the punk scene. They play it thrashy and direct. The musicianship is fantastic. And then there is Olga Svetlanas, a front woman any band would kill for. She has a face that is ridiculously expressive, a stage presence that could fill a stadium, and also a heart of pure gold. Tonight they nail it and then some. The well oiled machine that is the Svetlanas don’t conquer all before them, they make friends with them.
Aggy’s Five Of The Best
The Red Stains – Fabulous and Fiery
The Red Stains return to Rebellion after their dazzling debut last year on ‘The Loud Women’ takeover stage. This time playing the Arena, which offered a lot more room for lead singer Natalie Emslie to get into the crowd and thrash around, getting into the thick of it with an army of fans. Not only is each member incredibly striking with their unique styles, their stage presence is exceptionally eccentric while having mystique. They don’t hold back in any sense of the word, their music is fiery, unapologetic and loud! They embrace being over the top and love to make their voices heard and we love to hear it even more. They have a new song ‘Diana’s Seatbelt’ and like with many of their tracks it has that satirical commentary and speaks of the ‘metaphorical crash of society, culture, politics and human connection’.
Bite Me – Glam Punk Power House
Bite Me returned to Rebellion with their new vocalist Kit Swing and my god what a voice! We were blown away by this power house of talent and magnetism. It is as if Kit has been a long term fixture of the band how they all effortlessly commanded that stage together and delivered an absolutely blinding set. Even if you don’t know them you will soon be singing and dancing along to their songs such as ‘Deviant’ and ‘B.I.T.E Me’. We absolutely love their rendition of Bikini Kill’s hit ‘Rebel Girl’ and how they managed to make it their own.
Bar Stool Preachers – Masters of Melody
The Bar Stool Preachers have this incredible aura they bring to whatever stage they happen upon which is absolutely electric. This year they performed a mostly acoustic set on the Opera House stage and again in The Empress Ballroom. They included a string section in their first performance which adds that extra sprinkle of pizzazz. Always taking a moment to speak to the crowd and check in on his band mates, TJ, displays such attention to detail and care in every aspect of his performance. Sometimes whimsical, always cheeky, with buckets of charisma that also comes with talent in droves. The audience are truly in the palm of their hands, hanging on every lyric, note and anecdote delivered.
Spunk – Authentic and Raw
Spunk was one of our main highlights of the weekend, no question about it. From the “Sewers of Hacienda Heights” this four piece has that raw unfiltered Punk Rock energy of times gone by. Front man Bruno Bones transforms into the ultimate showman, snarling, glaring and spitting into the air while stressing out the security guards around him, as they try to contain the chaos as he climbs onto and over the barrier into the crowd. He has this delightfully obnoxious way he addresses the audience, taunting them throughout but it’s all a part of their charm. Spunk have crafted an image and sound so authentically their own and are an extremely exciting band to watch and witness life.
8’6 Crew -Punk Rock Reggae From Paris
One of the best parts about Rebellion Festival is stumbling across a band you hadn’t planned on seeing and you may have never heard of. That was how we felt when we found ourselves gazing up at the 8’6 Crew. Hailing from France, singing their vocals in French, the stage is full of musicians, seven members. They boast a rhythm and brass section and a keyboardist. Vocalist Charly had you hanging onto every word even if you can’t understand a lick of French. We had never listened to Reggae or Ska from France but our eyes and ears have been opened to it. It was impossible to resist the urge to dance and bop along to their infectious beats.
The One We Both Agree On: Millie Manders And The Shutup
Gary: Playing their now familiar two sets over the weekend Millie Manders And The Shutup have evolved into a genuine Rebellion headline act in waiting. The musicianship is flawless, the message right on point, and Millie, well, Millie is fast becoming a punk national treasure. The reason I say this is that this is a band that have the credentials to cross over, to reach out would be a better way of putting it, to become an act that still stays true to their roots while gaining fans well out of punk or even alternative realms. It isn’t just that Millie has such superb vocals either. George, Joe and Pete are all exceptional musicians, so much so it feels like a generational collision of talent. This is a dream team and we’re so fortunate to have them.
Aggy: Millie Manders And The Shutup offered up an exceptional set and sent the Casbah stage ablaze with their energetic performance. If you have seen Millie Manders perform you’ll know her voice is melodic and soars throughout whichever venue she plays as if reaching for the heavens. The entire band work together like a well oiled machine, never missing a beat. As well as playing fan favourites such as ‘Your Story’ they also performed an epic cover of Limp Bizkits ‘Break Stuff’ which had the audience in a tizzy in the best of ways. Speaking up for injustices in the world is something close to their heart and they don the stage with Palestine and the transgender pride flags.
Daily Round Up
Thursday
Viki Vortex And The Cumshots open the Opera House for this year with a set full of their trademark verve. Back from a long break from Rebellion Face Up prove they have grown hugely in that time. Roxanne Croft in particular has developed into a highly impressive performer. Anti Virus blow away early festival cobwebs in the sound improved Arena followed by a smart set from Round Eye. Pop punkers Slackrr had a marathon 30 hour drive to get here and boy was it worth it. They are as ever right on the money. Delightfully eccentric and a little bit bonkers Guru Honey Badger donning a Cruella de Ville type wig, corset and tale knows how to entertain and had the audience enthralled. The exceptionally cool Glam Punk Rockers Continental Lovers are as smooth as they come and are becoming firm favourites on the Rebellion scene with their names on the lips of many in attendance. Clara Byrne adds so much punch to Dakka Skanks ska/reggae sound. There’s more than a hint of Poly Styrene in her vibe. Dirt Box Disco have become regulars at Rebellion and for good reason. They have a litany of hits with one of our favourites being ‘My Life Is Shit’. You can’t help but smile to yourself while singing along while ironically having the time of your life. If you like Green Day you’ll love Parallel States. They are a fun watch. Mannequin Death Squad are a duo that sound like they have another band member hidden somewhere. Super stuff from them. Sally Pepper now has a band but retains all the reasons why she is such a well loved artist. This new set up adds depth to the songs. UK Subs have a massive back catalogue of hits. Front man Charlie Harper is a force to be reckoned with and his ability to keep going after all these years, putting some youngsters to shame should be studied. Circle Jerks much anticipated set doesn’t disappoint. The legendary Ruts DC capped the evening off perfectly drawing a close to the first night in style in the iconic Opera House. Maid Of Ace play well after midnight and still get a huge crowd. They are one of punk’s hottest younger bands right now showing why the genre will be safe in the coming decades.
Friday
Death Trails look every inch stars of the future scene opening up Casbah day two. Much respect to Alice Hour playing the first of two sets with In Evil Hour while seven months pregnant. She negotiates the acoustic set sitting which is understandable. The Bois garner an impressive audience with their Street Punk, Oi! and have everyone in the room bouncing along. Yur Mum put on a typically fine show with Ani and Fabio seemingly connected telepathically. We are blown away with Canadian Street Punk rockers Out Of Order’s stage presence and performance and have become a new firm favourite. Post Punk quartet Sumwot make their Rebellion debut and go down well on the RIS stage. It’s a relatively early set from Riskee And The Ridicule this year. They nail it once again and must be considered potential headliners for the future. We are delighted they play their cover of ‘Young And Beautiful’ by Lana Del Rey. Battery Acid take the RIS stage by storm. Ones to watch for sure. Alice Hour is stood up this time for the second In Evil Hour set and makes it through carrying baby evil with her. Devolution sends its best wishes ahead of her due date. There are ten band members in Last Tree Squad squeezed onto the Arena stage. They cope very well with the space limitations. Anti Nowhere League are sounding great this year. They just age like a fine wine. Aoife Destruction And The Nilz are a bit of a revelation. It’s a stunning turn with cracking vocals. You can’t help but sing along to ‘Teenage Kicks’ when The Undertones pull out their most loved tune. They roll back the years to the point if you squint it could almost be 1978 again – almost! It’s time for The Selecter to bring their 2tone ska to the party. Pauline Black oozes class with every note. The Damned are a bucket list band for many and gave an unforgettable performance playing hits such as ‘New Rose’, ‘Ignite’ and ‘Smash It Up’. TV Smith similarly shows why he still pulls good crowds, even with a near midnight start time. He is a consummate professional and is joined by Attila The Stockbroker on violin for a memorable finale.
Saturday
Schools out for ever for The Dollheads who belie their youthfulness by tearing up the Empress Ballroom at a time when getting rid of hangovers is still a work in progress. Vicious Circle display impressive credentials in Arena which is already getting a bit humid. The unstoppable force that is Fire Exit bring the party and take it up a notch. They have an ability to get everyone smiling and moving and they always have so much fun together up on the stage which bleeds into the audience. Ramonas Tea Party are a quirky four piece from Norway full of smiles, colour and charm. The international flavour continues with Mika Bomb who may be London based but have their origins in Japan. They sound a little like the B52s in places and you also can’t help but think anime when watching them too for some reason. The Menstrual Tramps by comparison are from the US and channel riot grrrl perfectly. We aren’t sure how Bite Me’s music would translate into an acoustic set but it works superbly well. The energy and vibe is different to their previous set but it is nice to see a stripped back version of their show. Back when Motorhead were Lemmy, Phil and Eddie they toured with one of the few all girl bands around at the time to get any decent recognition. Sadly that trio are all gone but we do have Girlschool still pounding out the riffs. Kim McAuliffe can still belt out those songs and Jackie Chambers is a master on the six stringer. Lady Rage are one of the hottest acts around right now. Tonight they put in their best performance to date with each song sounding huge. Their pull audience wise in an evening slot is quite incredible. They look set to fly. Anyone expecting controversial utterings by John Lydon are sorely disappointed. Here with Public Image Limited it is the music that does the talking.
Sunday
Lol Shango has broken a rib during sound check. How unlucky can you get? Papashangos still delight the audience though. Could we see a return of the band that told Rebellion not to book them? Don’t bet against it. Watching the Guitar Gangsters you would be forgiven in forgetting this is an early afternoon slot on the last day of the festival. Their set is killer and many attend the spectacle. Perhaps a slot later in the day next time to these seasoned showmen would be in order. Folk Punk rockers Headsticks perform in the Opera House stage but we can’t help but wish they are playing a stage with a dance space to truly get into the swing! We have a blinding time nonetheless during their faultless set. Bolokos epitomise the diversity of this event. From Guadeloupe, they mix punk with creole and Latin music which gives them a unique sound. 8 Kalacas are just a joy to watch. The trombone player is worth the entry fee alone. Spunk Volcano And The Eruptions play their last set in what could be a very long time. They will be badly missed. We visit the ‘Loud Women’ takeover stage to see Hull based Wench for the first time and they leave a lasting impression. HR From Bad Brains is as engaging as many leaping around just sat singing. It’s a beautiful understated set. Hunting Lions is a supergroup formed of past and present members of bands including The Beltones, The Swingin Utters, and Roadside Bombs. Their mission is to bring ‘boot stomping rock n’ roll’ to their fans and we can safely say that is mission accomplished. Dad and daughter combo Voodoo Radio buck traditional set ups with Tony playing guitar while Paige plays drums standing while she sings. They have an infectious quality about them helped by Paige’s banter and the upbeat nature of their writing. BEX is the sound the future makes. She lights up the Pavillion stage with her fresh approach to the punk sound, music it should be said that crosses over so well into so many other places it renders genre description obsolete. T.S.O.L are a mixed bag of genres and we think that is one of their appeals. They had their fans bopping throughout their set. Bite Me Bambi are an exciting find late in the day. The Exploited can’t have many more years left in the tank so it’s great to hear then in such great form tonight. They remain as uncompromising as they were all those decades ago. The Headlines are, erm, headlining the Arena. Their alternative punk infused sound is fresh and their playing tight. Bad Manners close the festival with a knees up in the Casbah. A fitting end to four days of immense fun.
It is said every year but this is as much a family gathering as a festival. We see people here as much more than just friends. The artists mix freely with the fans, the fans with the people of Blackpool. This is more than a celebration of music, it’s a reinforcement of belonging. That’s what makes it so special, seeing the next generation not just on stage but also on the barrier. Next year Rebellion turns 30 which is a wonderful milestone. So watch out for announcements on special events happening at Rebellion Festival 2026. It’s going to be fantastic.
Finally we’d like to remember Raz McVeighty, a true supporter of the underground music scene who was such a familiar face in the Winter Gardens. Rest well Raz.
Review by Gary Trueman and Aggy Gillon
Photos by Gary Trueman