Stonedead Festival.. an in-depth exploration of my day.
With the tagline “One Day, One Stage, One Monster Rock Show”, you know there’s something serious coming your way! Hyperbole? Not remotely, no matter how you choose to pronounce it! ‘Europe’ headlining is already special, ‘Accept’ on their 50th anniversary tour is massive, and then slap on ‘Magnum’ for good measure, and that’s three viable headliners one after another, not to mention a plethora of up-and-coming band along with some more established names which very definitely were not just place fillers.
However, first things first… it was wet. Not lashing down like the ill-fated gig two days ago for ‘Accept’ in Wolverhampton, but a drizzle and mist type moistness that Dave down the pub would call “Mizzle”, which surreptitiously soaks you in an almost clandestine manner. A two-hour commute from Wolverhampton was easy, but the rain that greeted us… less friendly! Krusher, being Krusher was somewhat vocal from the stage throughout the day in telling the wet stuff to “Do one!”, along with a few colourful additional words I’ll not expand on here for fear of damaging you the reader’s delicate disposition!
The staff were spectacular, everything was organised well and everyone seemed knowledgeable and in high spirits, despite the pesky precipitation. Even the loos were functional when my insides decided last night’s nutritional offerings had been duly fleeced of value. The ground, while muddy, was nothing like as treacherous as say Download 2012. The only tech issue I remember was in the middle of “Balls to the Wall”, ‘Accept’s now 43 year old anthem, and the crowd had no issues filling in til it was sorted. I suspect they rather enjoyed it!
And then there was the music.
I’ve been about a bit, and I’ve been reviewing rock and metal shows since before the dawn of time, and I have to say the sound at Stonedead was fantastic. I’m a pig for badgering my photographers 
for setlists as at metal gigs it’s not always viable to catch the lyrics to certain songs, so establishing track titles is not always easy. Not so here, which is lucky for me as Setlist.com failed me when I had a glance for ‘Aethoria’’s set info! To be fair, the band from East Anglia absolutely nailed their opening slot, Mecia-Jade Holden pitching aggression and melody in equal measure, while admitting to being somewhat nervous at the size of the venue they were playing. “Bring Me Home”, “Fools Gold”, (not a ‘Stone Roses’ cover, but actually the title of their new album), and “Stepping Stones”, were highlights, very listenable to, with decent bass, strong guitar and drums, all augmented by the undeniable physicality and stage presence of the aforementioned Holden.
Next up were ‘Asomvel’. Styled, sounding and looking like ‘Motorhead’ 30 years ago, this was
essentially a “Welcome to short sharp shockville”, where the music is hard, heavy and louder than a loud thing. Ralph Robinson appears to be embracing this, having replaced his uncle Jay-jay four years after the car accident that took his life in 2010. It’s anything but subtle, much like the stand out track by these “If It’s Too Loud, You’re Too Old”! “Set Your World on Fire” got a what counts as a solo and curiously this had hints of ‘The Who’ to it, which was more than a little unexpected. It too was a showpiece for the guys from Harrogate who not so long ago were sharing a stage with ‘Airbourne’. How long before they’re in a video with them?
There’s a 20 or so minute break between each act, and here’s where I hit the loos and the food emporiums, in that order! Almost all dishes from any of the vendors appeared to be £13, well… there or there abouts. Smart move to keep queues as low as possible. The mud is building and the spicy beef thing I inhaled looked not dissimilar but tasted ok. A small fight with my new camera broke out, which I thought I’d won, only to be sideswiped later on when Europe hit the stage, rendering almost all of my pics useless, but I wasn’t to know it’d have its revenge and thus I was ready for ‘Crobot’ having fuelled up accordingly.
Now, I’ve no clue as to why I’ve heard of these guys, but I had. They’re… funky. There’s hints of both iterations of “Faith No More” in places too, especially on “Bigger by the Pound”, and ‘Cold 
Blooded’ is groovier than the vinyl album collection of George Thorogood & The Destroyers, and initially coincidentally uses a similar stop-time technique, (a syncopated “Bo Diddley beat”) to “Bad to the Bone”. What’s that? Alistair can do the technical stuff too? Who knew? Brandon Yeagley’s sporting a suspiciously Russell Brand look with a mostly open purple shirt and hair which looks like he’s been playing too much with a van de graaff generator but again the vocal is on point. “Me and Your Mother” gets a lot of love from the now swelling crowd, but it’s “Girl from Another World” which catches my ear. Someone said their music is dirty groove rock, and again the FNM parallel crops up, especially live rather than studio. Curiously “Gasoline switched tones and came closer to early ‘Shinedown’, back when they were angry. They’ve been the best so far, which is impressive as the standard has been high from the get-go.
By now I’d been up and about for far to long for a man of my age and thus, I retreated to the press meeting point for water and a sit down ready for The Damn Truth when they appeared. I was… unprepared for what happened next: Editor: “See that guy over there… he’s the guitarist from Accept. We’re down to interview him in five minutes!” Me: “umm… You might’ve given me a little more notice!” Editor: “Where’s the fun in that! Wing it!” *Cue fervent searching of the internet*
In truth, Wolf Hoffmann was an absolute pleasure to talk to. I told him straight out that I’d just had this dropped on me and basically been bent over without even being bought dinner! However, I had had something of an “experience” at their recent gig in Wolverhampton and so I had at least a few points of references there to chat about too.
First off, purely to help myself I made a subtle enquiry as to if the setlist would be the same as the aforementioned gig, so as to be informed beforehand for what was to come, as I’d grabbed a setlist for that gig from past shows, but he said “No, we like to mix it up” with something of a twinkle in his eye as if to say…”Tough titty Wiseman, you’re not getting that out of me!” Talking about the Wolverhampton gig, and the two hour wait due to flooding, he seemed genuinely filled with the passion to play, saying “We were sitting inside saying ‘Open the doors, open the doors’ but it simply wasn’t possible due to the conditions, but we really didn’t want to cancel”. Moving forward and warming to his communication style I put it to him about him being the only founder member. His reply actually added to the warmth he projected: “That’s right, last man standing! I could’ve never thought this originally. It was never really the idea that I’m the leader, and it’s my band, but it just sort of happened that people dropped out along the way. There’s always reasons for this, life happens, people and mindsets change, people get married, and have different ideas of how their life should go.” Taking a chance I threw a curveball, and mentioned Ritchie Blackmore’s recent appearance on stage with the rest of the current members of Deep Purple, somewhere around 30 years on from their last encounter, and is there a possibility of some of the previous members coming back for one offs etc and Wolf’s reply was open and honest and endearing again:
“There’s always a chance. Never say never. That’s what I’ve learned in life. It’s normal, life changes. It’s a sad reality that things don’t always stay the same. I wish it wasn’t but, here I am, trying to keep this ship afloat.” Moving on, I was aware of a new album coming out, complete with lots of guest stars, so I badgered him about that, and the logistics of getting everyone involved while they’re busy with their own things, and were they given free range to put their own interpretation on Accept’s songs. “Yes, we have a new album out, it’s a very special album with 50 different guests. It’s called ‘Teutonic Titans’ and we were super fortunate to have these guys spend time with us. It’s out September 4th and we had what I’d say is the A list of heavy metal artists. The rock god himself Rob Halford, Phil Anselmo, David Ellefson, K K Downing, Mikkey Dee, Joe Lynn Turner, Sebastian Bach, Kirk Hammett, even Tobias Forge from ‘Ghost’ singing a more obscure song called ‘Save Us’. As for the logistics, it took over a year, a year and a half actually, and we had most people record remotely.. and there was a lot of waiting involved, a lot of emails, whatsapping, texting, some you talk to directly, others you had to go through in order to get things working.”
Sounding startlingly like Morgan Freeman with a twinge of German he continued: “Rob is singing ‘Balls to the Wall” and we told everyone… when you’re doing the old songs, be mindful of the original, but do it in your own way, and it really gave them a facelift. Whether it was drummers or guitarists or obviously vocalists.. nothing was done as a clone or a copy, it was their own interpretation.” I noted that the current Accept vocalist adds almost an air of sleaze, like AcDc’s Bon Scott and he replied “Yeah that’s Mark man, he’s really good at the old stuff too.” I’d been surprised that he wasn’t the original singer when I heard him sing it in Wolves, which was where I discovered that the man in front of me was indeed the last man standing.
Starting to feel the pressure now, I threw out a final question hoping beyond hope that he might be impressed at something I had up my sleeve I asked: “Obviously your English is fantastic, so do you speak other languages too?”, and waited… “I speak a sliver of Spanish, a small amount of French, and I learnt Latin at school which was a complete waste of time, but other than that, no not really”. “Damnit” I thought, for having spent nearly a decade in Leiden myself I was hoping “Nederlands” might have appeared, and so as a last ditch attempt to appear at least a little more put together as a human than I must’ve done as an interviewer, I mentioned this to him, and said I can read and speak a little German because the languages are linked and rooted in the same base etymology, which instantly generated, (in German!) the standard enquiry: “Oh you speak German?”. “Klein beetje!” I replied, in Dutch, “Klein bisschen”, he corrected for the German version and laughed. “When I go to the Netherlands I can read perhaps 40% of what’s written, but when they speak… there’s no chance. “Much the same as me then!” I chuckled. Time was up and I was glad our time ended with a nice parallel for us both to laugh at. He shook my hand and thanked me, which seemed somewhat “umgekehrt” (inverted) as it should’ve been me thanking him, but that appears to be the nature of the man. Confident, calm, well spoken, and at peace with himself, even when presented with a somewhat dishevelled in appearance and preparedness Wiseman. It’s an encounter I’ll remember for quite some time.
A tad dry of throat, I paused for some water before venturing back out. It seems I’ve taken more time than I realised and managed to miss the full ‘The Damn Truth’ set, as well as most of 
‘Armored Saint’s. Mildly unimpressed, not least because I’ve never heard of these guys but also because the literature I’d consumed beforehand waxed lyrical about them to a level which suggested they required attention, I paid attention! Sounding very ‘Saxon’ “Wheels of Steel” era (which is never a bad thing) I was impressed. Founded around the time of the aforementioned album you’d suggest that’s where the influences came from. “Mad House” especially brings that vibe, including a short but effective solo from a lead guitar sporting that very early 80s sound which got me into metal in the first place. John Bush, the vocalist, legend has it was invited to join Metallica, as was Joey Vera (bass), and from the limited amount I caught I couldn’t help but think than I’d’ve probably ended up owning more than “Master of Puppets” had this come to pass. “Reign of Fire” is harsher than “Mad House”, and the enthusiasm is palpable, from both the band and a now sodden crowd who’re on occasion eyeing me with a mix of “Smart move bringing an umbrella” and “That’s not very metal. Get pneumonia and live with it (or not!), poser!”. I can see why these guys have shared stages with some of the biggest names around, and 27 years after their reformation they’re a band I’ll stick on my “to do” list if they ever head over to my neck of the woods again.
A visit to the little boy’s room, (maintained well, it needs mentioning) and I’m ready for ‘Battle
Beast’. Another band I’ve never heard of, and given the company they’re keeping they’re relative newbies, formed in 2011, a mere 15 years ago. I’ve shirts older than that, including a Magnum one! Thinking about it almost all my shirts are older than that, which is possibly why I’m here with two guys and not a stocking clad rock chick… but I’m not here to dwell on such matters. I’m here for the music! And possibly a couple of new band shirts!
I digress! Hailing from Finland (rather than raining in Newark!) and sporting several 30+ million play songs on Spotify, not to mention 7 albums released, there’s a confidence on the stage here that places them soundly as an outfit that belongs here. I’ll admit I’m not a massive fan of female fronted metal bands, as the vocal doesn’t fit the oral aesthetic I look for, but that’s a personal proclivity rather than a reflection on ability and talent, and objectively speaking there’s no denying they’re very good at what they do. The vocal again here is fantastically clean, and in my notes I state “feelgood” and “bouncy”, as descriptives. I warmed Marina La Torraca sings with a smile, and it’s infectious, and it’s obvious she’s enjoying o them quickly… and allowed myself a chuckle at two from the first four songs being storm orientated given the conditions. her role as relatively new vocalist, despite the British weather. Not knowing the sound of the original singer it’s impossible to do a comparison as to how she sounds compared to her predecessor, so the best I can do is say she sounds at home with her bandmates, and they seem more than satisfied with her. That’s a synergy better than most bands could ever wish for, and as noted, it comes across in the performance. Highlights were “Straight to the Heart”, “Last Goodbye” and a serious performance of “King for a Day”. Synth and guitar led there’s a definite market for a sound like this and ‘Battle Beast’ know it.
I’ll be the first to admit, of all the acts on at Stonedead it’s ‘Magnum’ who are my personal favourite. I’ve seen them inordinate amounts of times and so I’d been looking forward to what was to come. It’s been a strange time as a Magnum fan after Tony Clarkin’s passing, and the subsequent announcement that, “This is it. There is no Magnum without Tony.”, only for two gigs at KKs and three previously across the UK to manifest almost a year later, of which I was at one. Brendon Riley stepped up, Clarkin’s guitar tech and friend to play in his place, and this seemed a fitting tribute to what had been, and an acknowledgement for fans and the band themselves as to Tony’s place sill in our minds. However, the success of this seemingly inspired Magnum to continue, and this brings us to the now, Newark Showground and 5000 fans filled with anticipation…
First impression… Bob Catley looks old now. It’s noticeable that the usual exuberance he’s famous for seems forced, and there’s a small issue with the sound that doesn’t help with the impression that he’s perhaps a tad fragile to be out doing this still in this unwelcoming weather. There’s 12 songs to get through and he’s looking a tad unsteady right at the start. ‘Days of no Trust’ is shaky at best, and
I found myself nervous for him, and there’s a shared anxiety in the crowd. It takes until ‘How Far Jerusalem’ for things to settle, and muscle memory to take over, and there’s a noticeable relaxation as this returns to the sound many of us who where there have loved for decades. The show is dominated by the older tracks, and this pleased me. Early releases were what I grew up on and so it’s actually really fantastic to hear “Just Like an Arrow” live again, as well as “Kingdom of Madness and “Sacred Hour. It’s a good show after that dodgy start. Rick Benton’s keyboard is important on these earlier tracks and he fills in Mark Stanway’s part well, like he has done for the last 10 years. Riley on guitar knows his business but it’s noticeable that he’s trying, at least in my eyes, to not be too ostentatious. I’m left with the feeling that, this will probably be the last time I see ‘Magnum’ live, and there’s a part of me that almost hopes that’s the case. You’ve given me and millions of others years of pleasure. End your days celebrating your very many sacred hours, and relax for a while. We’ll still love you, just like we still love Tony.
A tad emotional, I take a time-out in the VIP bar, with smaller queues and better loos. I’d been amused to see Planet Rock DJ Paul Anthony floating around all day, as I fondly remember him gracing the pulpit at the legendary Cheshire Cat rock venue in Nantwich, Cheshire, where I worked for my time at Staffs Uni. I’m pretty certain Accept would’ve been played there more than a few times but if I’m honest it’s something of a haze of a £1 a pint Kilkenny and long walks back in a zigzag fashion to Crewe. But having seen them in Wolves only two days previous, and my impromptu interview still fresh in my mind, I was now ready for this!
Entertainingly, given my earlier conversation my photographer (and editor.. and boss!) manged to drop me a setlist 10 minutes before the start of the set, which saved me massive amounts of anxiety. Surprisingly ‘Accept’s set is one song less than Magnum’s, clocking in at 11 songs but starting with ‘Metal Heart’ they started as they meant to go on! Aggressive, pounding, and quite different to the set preceding it, there’s an energy and freshness here and a competence of a band who’re exactly that. A band, rather than a star with musicians as accompaniments. I’m reminded of 
Wolf’s comment about not expecting or wanting to be a leader but he’s certainly not shying away from driving them on stage. ‘Teutonic Terror’’ brings the literal fire, and ‘Breaker’ is faster than I remembered before. I’m enjoying this, again! ‘Princess of the Dawn’ is nailed with an almost darker, foreboding feel and Mark Tornillo grins and I’m certain his eyes are glittering behind his tad optimistic sunglasses! There were two medley’s at KKs, but there’s only one here, and the crowd enjoy it, four songs stitched loosely together more through the urge to fit the songs than any other connection. ‘Pandemic’ is anthemic and ‘Fast as a Shark’ sung like the crowd’s life depends on it. “They’re gonna need a bigger stage”, I mumble to myself! “Balls to the Wall” is suitably sleazy, as it should be, accompanied again with more pyrotechnics, and then ‘Rebel’ rounds off a really well put together set.
Mildly exhausted and trundling around in a now very dark, I grab another beer and wait. The last time I was due to see them, was 2012 at Download and as far as I’m aware they dropped out due to weather issues. As the skies opened again they may have been pondering something similar, but there’s was a crowd here who’d loitered since 11a.m. and been travelling since substantially earlier! If you don’t know Europe asides from “The Final Countdown” it’s entirely possible that you might be surprised both at their presence as a rock band and a couple of the songs you’ve digested but not realised are theirs. Here, they’ve a 17 song set, far beyond anything anyone else has been allowed, but I’ve no knowledge of the opener ‘On Broken Wings’, but the follow-up “Rock the Night” makes everyone smile and bounce accordingly. There’s a distinct “I didn’t know this was them” on the faces of the people around me, and that amuses me probably more than it should.
To be fair, I too learned something today. Europe took their name from ‘Deep Purple’s “Live in Europe” album, having originally been known as “Force” across in Stockholm, a place I’ve visited more than a few times, each of which I’ve looked for and failed to find a “Clawfinger” shirt! It’s interesting to see quite how Europe sound these days, and “Cult of Ignorance” offers a chance to see, or rather hear, exactly that. Released in June it’s their newest offering, coming from the album “Come this Madness” due out late September, and Joey Tempest’s voice is holding up pretty damn well it seems. The crowd enjoy it, but it’s the next song which a lot here have come to see. The keyboard intro announces it, and there’s an almost reverence to the way the crowd react. “Carrie” was the focal point of many a mixtape along with a smattering of ‘REO Speedwagon’.. and the semi acoustic delivery allows the crowd to enjoy themselves and relive their associated memories.
There’s an impromptu song about “never going to bed cos I’ve been to Stonedead” as I assume there’s some technical difficulties while preparing for an acoustic version of “Open Your Heart” which is played out nicely, but the standout track for me is “Last Look at Eden”, another song I know nothing about, but the organ is prominent and it actually out Magnum’d Magnum a little. John Norum gets a solo, and makes the most of it. But, that’s not why anyone’s here anymore. ‘Cheroke’ is played like a teaser song, almost to wind up the anticipation, and when the intro to ‘The Final Countdown’ kicks in Tempest bellows “Stonedead…are you ready?” and a drenched “yeees” is replied with gusto. In truth, it’s done well, and still feels fresh, instigating the hands in the air call without the need to vocalise it. Backed by a big screen looking to be playing a mix of Elite and Tron graphics from back when this was released, it’s a fitting end to what was a genuinely enjoyable day of music and memories.
Its been a fantastic day of music with credit going to Jude Lucy and her team for their hard work and dedication, Chris Sumby, Neil Meynell and the whole damn crew for yet another great day- and If this is indicative of what Stonedead festival is like every year… at the risk of sounding like Arnie, I’LL BE BACK…
PHOTO GALLERY
AETHORIA
ASOMVEL
CROBOT
THE DAMN TRUTH
ARMOURED SAINT
BATTLE BEAST
MAGNUM
ACCEPT
EUROPE
