Mote Park, Maidstone – 19-21 July 2024
After last year’s well-received festival, Maid of Stone has returned, leaner and dare I say it, heavier than before. With three stages and nearly forty bands to choose from, Maid of Stone is a rock festival. There are still a few nods towards some of the country blues acts that used to grace the stages of this and previous festivals on this site (Rambling Man), but this year seems to have a much more rock-focused line-up and I for one am very happy that this is the case.
Events kicked off on Friday night with only a single stage (The Phoenix Stage) open for business. White Raven Down opened proceedings, a band that has been constantly on my playlist for quite a while now, and they didn’t disappoint, putting on a great performance with a set of solid tunes. Although it was still pretty early on a Friday evening, the crowd in front of the stage soon started to warm to the idea that they were at a music festival and by the time Blaze Bayley took to the stage, things were in full swing. Blaze and co played a set of Iron Maiden tunes taken from his time with the band (X Factor and Virtual XI) during which he proved what a fantastic frontman he really is. Gun were Friday’s headline act and they put on a great show, playing through all of their hits and also some tunes off of their most recent album, which is most certainly worth a listen. The evening continued until the 10:30 curfew arrived and the PA was cut in the middle of their classic cover of (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party), how rock n roll!
Saturday was kicked off in style by Daxx & Roxane on the Phoenix Stage, catchy tunes and some great vocals by Cedric Pfister (not to mention wonderful hair). Crossing over to the Inferno Stage, Scarlet Rebels put on a great show, I’ve seen them a couple of times now and they never disappoint. I stayed at the Inferno stage for another chance to see South of Salem, a band that in my opinion are certainly going places. They delivered a really polished show with catchy songs and superb delivery, if these boys don’t find their way to much larger stages pretty soon, I’ll be very surprised.
Tyketto were a band that rose to fame during the hair-metal glory days of the 90’s, Danny Vaughn still has a great presence on stage and a fantastic voice and when he says that the band is ‘on the rise’ once more, I believe him. Their classic older tracks like ‘Lay Your Body Down’ still sound fresh and fit in perfectly with newer songs like ‘Remember My Name’. Wayward sons never fail to put on an entertaining show and Toby Jepson is always a joy to listen to and it’s great when he busts out some of his older solo tunes like ‘Crush’. Over on the Inferno stage, The Warning had possibly the biggest sound of any band across the weekend, which isn’t bad for three young sisters from Mexico. New tracks like ‘Sick’ and ‘Apologize’ really cutting through and demonstrating why this trio are in such high demand on the festival circuit right now.
Sunday was another fine day at Mote Park, kicking off with a great display of modern metal by Nottingham’s Phoenix Lake followed by a thoroughly enjoyable set of Southern rock splendidness from Preacher Stone, all the way from North Carolina. For some contrast, I then moved over to the Phoenix stage where Portsmouth’s ‘Electronic Nu-core’ six-piece, Seething Akira decided that Sunday afternoons should not be considered a time to chill, and tore up the stage even kicking off the weekend’s best mosh pit. Quite how they kept their energy levels that high for the entire 45 minute set is a mystery to me!! Twister put on a great performance over at the Firestarter Stage and then it was back to the Phoenix stage once again to watch As December Falls, This was my first time watching Bethany and the boys and I was not disappointed, loads of energy and fine tunes a-plenty.
Jarred James Nichols rather awesome power trio played some amazing groovy blues-rock over on the Inferno Stage. Playing guitar using his fingers rather than a pick gives him a great individual sound and he certainly can play… and sing.
Another first for me (yes I know, how can I have not seen them before?) were Massive Wagons, who put on a fantastic set – almost every song a massive sing-along anthem. So much energy and really great performances right across the stage.
The evening brought Mr Big onto the main stage and we had heard that there was a chance that Eric Martin might not make the show but were very happy to see all four members of the band on stage. Paul’s playing was as jaw-dropping as always, fusing spectacular technique with beautifully emotive playing as does his partner in strings, Billy Sheehan. They played through lots of favourites from their 36 year career, starting off with a blistering rendition of ‘Addicted to That Rush’ and finishing up with their version of The Who’s ‘Baba O’Riley’. Green-Tinted Sixties Mind was one of the real highlights of the night in my opinion but from start to finish it was simply awesome.
Maid of Stone 2024 was blessed with great weather over the weekend which made it easy to enjoy. There was a great selection of rock bands for everyone to choose from and a really nice atmosphere. I can’t wait for next year – but can we have some spotlights on the evening main stage bands please, my old eyes aren’t that great in the dark!!
For dates and more about next year’s event, visit:
maidofstonefestival.com