A View From The Back Of The Room: Mayors Fest 2025 Saturday (Debby Myatt & Tony Gaskin)

The Main Event – KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton, 05.04.25

So, number 9 of Mayor’s Fest, and as mentioned previously, we’d never been to one before now! Criminal I know, but better late than never! And what better place to hold it than the best rock venue in the country. KK’s Steel Mill has become a mecca for rock fans and the gig list for future events is sublime!

But today it’s all about raising money for local charities and showcasing some of the best UK rock acts, which at the moment, is as strong and as vibrant as it’s been in a long time. Also under the broad banner of classic rock or NWOCR there is a great variety of bands to please even the most discerning of fans.

Opening up were The Soul Revival (8) a four piece that have only been around a couple of years but they clearly know their stuff and driven by the already packed room here at KK’s they grab that energy and run with it, blasting out some hard rock tunes that get that early crowd right into the mood. Front man Ste Stetson literally doesn't stop moving around the stage, revelling in the space, whilst the guitarist Andy, and bass player Matt, are obviously having the time of their lives.

Not to be out done local favourites White Tyger (9) take it up a notch, producing one of the sets of the weekend. These guys are fast becoming a much sought after act on the rock circuit with their high octane heavy rock show. And not to be outdone, Takeaway Thieves produce a completely different set, but equally as explosive. Taking their cue from the old school rock ‘n’ roll of the likes of Dogs D’Amour and the Quireboys, Takeaway Thieves (9) keep the pace fast and hard. I’ve never seen anyone get as much air as The Rev on bass, he even manages to snap his strap at one point but simply kneels down and plays the bass upright!

After two impressively exciting live sets you’d think that any band would be reluctant to try and follow that, but The Karma Effect (10) are consummate pros and prove why they are hot at the moment. Riding on a crest of a wave with their highly acclaimed latest album Promised Land and in the middle of a mostly sold out tour. They are tight, slick and play sexy rock ‘n’ roll. They bring the 70’s to a modern audience, and do it well.

Which is a problem for Hollowstar (8) who have been away for a while, but are back and ready to pick up where they left off. Although they were on the rise pre covid with great reviews for their releases and some excellent support slots with the likes of Grahame Bonnet and Dan Reed Network, the pandemic saw them take time out to focus on family, but they are back, entertaining crowds with their hard, but soulful rock and many of the crowd tonight have not forgotten them and show them how much they’ve been missed. Spine tingling moment of the weekend went to their brilliant rendition of ‘Simple Man’. Welcome back guys

Continuing with the incredibly high standard of performances were the duo of Danny and Ally otherwise know as The Virginmarys (8). A band that defies any attempt to pigeon hole them, they play a bludgeoning set of hard hitting rock that is unique to them. They have an army of admirers from all walks of the rock and alternative community which has seen them perform their ear melting sets at all sorts of events, and tonight, despite a few technical issues, they have probably added more fans to their ever growing community. 

It’s rare these days for a band that dares to be different to get a foot hold in the dirty business that is the music biz, but these guys have stuck to their guns and so far its going well for them, and I’ve never seen a drum kit so abused before!

Taking of bands doing it their own way and sticking a middle finger up to The Man, there are non better than Lancashire’s own Massive Wagons (10).

Rock with a punk attitude. Roll with tongue in cheek. Massive Wagons have been ploughing their own way for over a decade now and with true Northern grit and determination they’ve fought against the haters and doubters and can now truly claim to be up there as one of the best home grown rock bands on the live scene right now. Baz Mills is the epitome of a what a front man should be, he has the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand. The sold out venue is heaving and the band play the best set of the weekend, justifying their headline slot. 

A superb end to a fantastic day and a great showcase for UK rock. Huge congratulations to Doddy, Brett and their crew of volunteers, to Rich and Phil at KK’s for once again providing the best venue an event like this could ask for. Their team of bar staff and security are among the best in the country. Sound and light was superb all day.

So, Number 10 next year and we’re promised something special. To be honest they’ve really got to pull something very special out of the hat to beat this year, we can’t wait to see what they’ve got planned