Artists: Various
Venue: Stockport: Whitebottom Farm, Etherow Park
Date: 8-11th August 2024
'I have been to many outdoor festivals, but I can say without doubt that Firevolt is now my favourite, despite my limited attendance. The layout is perfect, and it is family (and dog) friendly. Everything is spotless and the atmosphere is nicely chilled.'
Though the line-ups for the first two Firevolt (initially called Firestorm) festivals appealed greatly, scheduling clashes meant I was unable to attend. The line-up for the 2024 event was announced as early as November 2023, and I made the decision to attend, regardless of schedules. When August finally came around, personal circumstances dictated having to commute for the three main days. Not quite ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’, but almost.
The reports that fed back following the first two years were very positive, so I was fully expecting great things, without having any real knowledge of the set-up or organisation. I arrived on the Friday just after lunchtime and fortunately the weather was favourable. Train timetables meant I would have time to take in six of the nine bands on the bill. As with each of the three days, I was familiar with some and unfamiliar with others, but that is all part of the fun. First impressions of the location were surprising. The site is located in Etherow Park, in Stockport, with wooded areas all around and a river running close to the entrance. The compact layout meant that everything was within just a couple of minutes’ walk, and that included the camping and camper van areas. There was also an overflow camper van park just a short shuttle bus ride from the main site, and the shuttles ran back and forth regularly.
There was time to acquire a drink before settling into the busy photo-pit for my first band of the day on The Trooper Stage, The Karma Effect. They had a Classic Rock/Retro vibe and a recently released album to promote, called ‘The Promised Land’. They had a nice swagger about them and a good stage presence and went down really well with the crowd, which was already healthy. Following the last Karma Effect song there was just enough time to make the short walk over to the Big Top Stage for the start of the Trucker Diablo set. Despite being an outdoor festival, the viewing areas for both stages are covered. This is a blessing when you factor in the unpredictable British summer climate. TD are a Armagh four-piece, who peddle a no-nonsense brand of in-your-face Rock. The opening one/two of ‘The Rebel’ and ‘Let’s Just Ride’ are typical of the band’s style and with a new album due in October, I might just have to investigate further. There was some very amusing between-song banter between the guys on stage, and this made for an even more entertaining forty minutes.
It seemed like the whole of the festival had turned up at The Trooper Stage for South Of Salem’s 4pm time-slot. I have seen the band many times during the last two years and have never been let down. There were lots of SOS shirts to be seen and the five-piece were greeted like returning heroes when they took to the stage. ‘Let Us Prey’, ‘Made To Be Mine’ and ‘Death Of The Party’ featured hundreds of extra backing-singers and ‘Left For Dead’ rocked big time. ‘Jet Back Eyes’ saw lots of inflatable eyeballs being batted around the crowd, making a photographer’s job even more tricky in the photo pit. After the closing ‘Cold Day In Hell’ it was hard to imagine how any of the other bands playing on Friday could top what has just gone.
The Treatment proved to be the perfect addition to an already strong Friday line-up. Their AC/DC-isms have brought them to the attention of many and with the recent ‘Wake Up The Neighbourhood’ getting lots of airplay, it meant that even the new songs were familiar to many in the crowd. The band had great energy from start to finish and the old-school shenanigans were very well received. For me, the guitars were maybe a little too loud, meaning lead-singer Tom Rampton was fighting to be heard at times. A great set, nonetheless.
I had seen Darren Wharton’s Renegade just two months earlier and had been blown away by their Thin Lizzy inspired show. Even before they took to the stage it was hard to imagine how they could fail, with so many classic and well-known songs to draw on. To say they went down a storm would be an understatement. From ‘Jailbreak’ through to ‘Rosalie’ it was impossible not to be drawn in or sing along. Vinnie Burns and Andy Moore nailed the guitar parts and Nigel Clutterbuck and Greg Morgan underpinned the sound perfectly. Darren Wharton held it all together and there were lots of happy faces in the crowd when their set came to an end.
The last band of the day for me were Stone Broken, who I have seen countless times. Their last ‘Revelation’ album was indeed that, seeing them take a step up in both songwriting and performing. If I am honest, I think their set was a little by-the-numbers. I don’t know whether it was the aftereffects of such high energy sets by South Of Salem and Renegade or not really having anything of a break during my trips between stages, but it all came across as slightly pedestrian. The sound was also somewhat hollow in the Big Top, though the crowd seemed to be enjoying every minute. I wasn’t looking forward to the commute home (and I am not even going to comment on the train issues), but my first Firevolt day exceeded all expectations, and I was already looking forward to Day 2 (Saturday).
Saturday dawned with a little rain in the air, but if anything, the attendance seemed to have swelled. This may have been due to people’s work commitments on Friday or the fact the line-up may have had more appeal. The Hot One Two popped up on the radar around two years ago and I have monitored their progress intently ever since. The number of THOT shirts in the crowd gave an indication of the band’s popularity and, once more, they knocked it out of the park, in the process blowing away any cobwebs that may have been carried over from Friday. Two short rain showers failed to quell the audience enthusiasm and when it came time to play ‘Feeling Good’, I think everyone was. ‘Dead Man’s Whiskey’s ‘In The Storm’ album was one of the 2023 highlights, so it was no surprise when they began their set with album opener ‘Masquerade’. There is a slight Bluesy edge to their low-slung style and live the songs came across heavier and had more intensity than their studio counterparts, with ‘Digging For Pain’ and ‘War Machine’ being two of the best examples.
The sun finally appeared, to welcome Xander And The Peace Pirates to The Trooper Stage at 4pm. The vibe initially, was a lot mellower than anything that had gone before, which probably suited the warm weather and the alcohol enthused atmosphere. It was not really my kind of thing, but it was clear they had many fans in the crowd. The performances were really good however, and it was impossible not to appreciate how good a guitarist Keith Xander was. They did rock out towards the end during an extended jam, and this was a great way to end the set. When Welsh trio Florence Black took to the stage at 6.30pm the viewing area, and even the bar area to the rear, was packed. Up to this point they were probably the heaviest band of the weekend. The ‘Bed Of Nails’ album is their most commercial set of songs to date, yet still carries their trademark sound. Every song packed a big punch, even the reflective ‘Back To The End’ and very melodic ‘Warning Sign’. As expected, they included a cover of Budgie’s ‘Breadfan’. The crowd was bouncing, and it was hard to believe there were just three people on stage, as the sound they generated was huge. Yet another band who have paid their dues on the road, who are now seeing their star in it’s ascendency.
Initially I was sceptical about Crash Diet being the Saturday headline act on the Big Top Stage. I had no idea just how popular they were in the UK, and their Swedish take on Glam/Sleaze, just didn’t seem to fit in with all the other bands playing over the weekend. Fortunately, after just two or three songs, it was clear my scepticism was unfounded. The four-piece were really tight, and even though the tent was not as busy as it had been at other times and I didn’t know any of the songs, they made a big impact with some instant hooks and Melodic Rock arrangements. Once more it was time to make the journey home again after another fantastic day and the feet were still feeling OK and I was still in good shape (more rail issues aside).
Sunday, on paper at least for me, was the weakest of the line-ups, but that is not to say that it was more exciting for many others. I took the opportunity to make this the day when I would chill a little, do some socialising and also do some exploring. It was a baking hot day and there was nowhere to escape the heat, so liquid refreshment was very welcome amidst some catching up with friends, whilst still taking in the music. First band of the day to concentrate on was Loz Campbell. The musical style was something of a Rock/Punk/Pop hybrid and there was a bit of Runaways about some of the songs. Loz may be small in stature, but she has a big personality and has an engaging manner. The Yorkshire four-piece went down really well, and the crowd grew as the set progressed, with people retreating from the sunshine into the shade of the Big Top. I have listened to some Doomsday Outlaw CDs and have seen the band play live (supporting The Dust Coda). The band (for me) have a greater identity in a live setting. The songs just have more about them and it also helps to see the band perform. Though lots of the material was quite downbeat (thematically) there was still a zip about the five-piece and having two guitarists added some extra punch. My favourite song was ‘If This Is The End’ (about loss) and this was complimented by the more up-tempo ‘I’m On My Way’ and ‘Turn Me Loose’.
Back over to the Big Top Stage and it was time for some more Blues. Laurence Jones has been making a name for himself and has received plaudits from some of the best in the business. Again, this wasn’t really my thing, so after my stint in the photo pit I took in another few songs outside the tent, on the little hill in the sunshine. There is no doubting Laurence Jones’ ability, but I thought the stage too big for a three-piece band. I may have been in a minority, as many seemed to be enjoying his set while I was tucking into some food. Kira Mac were the big Sunday draw for me and it was good to see them play at a time when many were about to watch. It was great to see/hear some songs that will form part of the sophomore album, alongside some established favourites. We were also treated to a brand new song called ‘Monster’, which was played live for the very first time (aside from Rhiannon Hill’s mum’s kitchen), which had a big down-tuned riff at it’s heart. I think the band were surprised to be called back for an encore, so they drew on ZZ Top’s ‘Tush’, which segued briefly into Skynyrd’s ‘Freebird’ to bring things to a close. I then took the opportunity to do a little more socialising before setting off for home for the last time.
I have been to many outdoor festivals, but I can say without doubt that Firevolt is now my favourite, despite my limited attendance. The layout is perfect, and it is family (and dog) friendly. Everything is spotless and the atmosphere is nicely chilled. Musically there is something for everyone, and if you want a break from the music then there are plenty of places to walk. A massive salute to everyone involved in the organisation and running of the event and it is already on my calendar for 2025, minus the commuting and with the review head left at home.
Review & Photos: Dave Bott
Gallery. All photos © Dave Bott (used with kind permission)
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