Having been lucky enough to capture a few gigs this summer at Cardiff Castle for their summer stretch of events, now that those are over I’ve switched over to another castle in South Wales — the fantastic and naturally atmospheric Chepstow Castle.
Tonight’s gig consists of Juliet’s Not Dead, Marisa And The Moths, The Virginmarys, Kris Barras’ Hollow Souls and our headliners, Scarlet Rebels. So, let’s pass through the huge entrance gates and go watch this night of rock.
First up this evening, we get North East rockers Juliet’s Not Dead (7), striding onto the stage with all the swagger of a band that deservedly broke into the UK Album Sales Chart Top 20 with last year’s This World Is Ours. This is a band that knows how to entertain — and has the songs to back it up.
First up this evening, we get North East rockers Juliet’s Not Dead (7), striding onto the stage with all the swagger of a band that deservedly broke into the UK Album Sales Chart Top 20 with last year’s This World Is Ours. This is a band that knows how to entertain — and has the songs to back it up.
From song one, the band deliver huge riffs and addictive melodies that have this crowd singing along right from the get-go. I can hear so many influences running through the band, but one I felt strongly in the big choruses they deliver was Coheed And Cambria, especially in the standout song of the set for me, Open Fire, from the band’s last album.
The crowd got tonight’s party off to a great start, singing out loud, “Take your aim and open fire,” along with plenty of dancing. The band look good live and have a real ease and stage presence about them.
A blinder of a start, and a new fan was made in myself after watching Juliet’s Not Dead tonight.
Having finally had some rain earlier in the day, it did stay dry for the evening, but it had that gloomy, half-and-half sky towering over the castle by the time Marisa And The Moths (7) came to the stage. This in no way impacted the performance we were about to get, but it just added to the aura bursting from the stage from the band.
Throughout the set, we are spoilt with some damn fine catchy songs. Marisa Rodriguez has a voice that is so sweet and tonally perfect, and then, in a bar, can switch to the pitch sensations of the rock end of the late, great Bonnie Tyler.
All together, the band have really good chemistry on stage, and there are plenty of solos to show themselves off amongst the pretty impressive range of songs on offer. We get fast alternative rock mixed with soulful, softer songs like Borderline from the band’s 2024 album What Doesn’t Kill You. Even this has a strong, heavy chorus that leaves you banging your head while feeling the emotions pouring from the lyrics.
Having finally had some rain earlier in the day, it did stay dry for the evening, but it had that gloomy, half-and-half sky towering over the castle by the time Marisa And The Moths (7) came to the stage. This in no way impacted the performance we were about to get, but it just added to the aura bursting from the stage from the band.
Throughout the set, we are spoilt with some damn fine catchy songs. Marisa Rodriguez has a voice that is so sweet and tonally perfect, and then, in a bar, can switch to the pitch sensations of the rock end of the late, great Bonnie Tyler.
All together, the band have really good chemistry on stage, and there are plenty of solos to show themselves off amongst the pretty impressive range of songs on offer. We get fast alternative rock mixed with soulful, softer songs like Borderline from the band’s 2024 album What Doesn’t Kill You. Even this has a strong, heavy chorus that leaves you banging your head while feeling the emotions pouring from the lyrics.
Very impressed with the Reading outfit tonight on my first time seeing them. Huge roars from this crowd during the band’s after-set photo confirmed that for me.
After a nice little refreshment break and an awe-inspiring look at the castle grounds as it starts to get dark, our next band steps onto the stage to a huge roar from the crowd.
The Virginmarys (8) are a band that I have been looking forward to this evening, as I’m always intrigued by artists that balance having lots of members — or, in this case, have only two.
Having recently experienced the musical delights that are Soft Play, I was excited to see what vocalist and guitarist Ally Dickaty and drummer Danny Dolan can bring to tonight’s music.
Straight off the bat, we get song after song of pure grit and downright dirty soul oozing from the stage from both men. Raw grunge with a punk edge that compliments the nerve-striking lyrics, especially from songs like White Knuckle Riding, which talks about the struggle of having a long-term mental health problem and the ways it can keep you on a constant edge.
The visceral energy coming from Ally Dickaty during this song makes you stop and stare in the moment. A raw ride of in-your-face songs that doesn’t let up throughout the set, the pair feed off each other well, and it brings your eyes to the section of the stage they are on. It’s a very well-thought-out set but feels very natural and real.
Very much recommend catching The Virginmarys if you get the chance, near you or not.
Another short break for changeover and we almost come to complete darkness in this historical setting this evening. Next up onto the stage is the mighty Kris Barras with his blues-rock band, Hollow Souls (7).
As you can expect, the crowd went completely bonkers when Kris and the band got to the stage. Cheers and screams carried on throughout the first song and into the superb cover of Led Zeppelin’s Rock And Roll for song two. The stacked line-up of talent in this band is very impressive. Vocalist Phoebe Jane is perfect throughout, with the powerful melodies, but also has such a soulful edge during the more laid-back songs.
I Need Fire, from the band’s 2025 debut EP, hits you in the feet and legs, forcing you to bop along to the driving grooves, then explodes with a real gritty solo from Kris as he makes his way close to the edge of the stage. The band don’t skip a beat with solos, keeping everyone here dancing and getting their groove on. The best thing I could say about the band live is that it feels like they have been together for over ten years.
Riffing off each other with ease and looking so happy to be playing music together, I very much enjoyed the bluesy rock change of pace. We all know how talented Kris Barras is, and with Hollow Souls this is a collective band that all look so happy to be cranking out soulful riffage together.
Twenty minutes pass and we now welcome to the stage tonight’s headliners to a huge applause and cheers from this Chepstow crowd: West Wales’ own Scarlet Rebels (8).
The band are greeted by lots of banners draped over the front barrier, with fans here going crazy from song one. Vocalist Chris Jones gives us strong and powerful notes galore from a band that has been on a long run of success in the past few years, with classic songs like This Is Happening Now and one that stood out for me, Take You Home from the band’s 2022 album See Through Blue — a song that screams huge rock riffs and carries a message about how music can really bring people together.
Being my first time seeing the band, I was very impressed by the smooth professionalism and just pure rock classic after classic throughout the set. We get the obvious Welsh connection with the crowd tonight, with this being a special gig in a fricking castle, but this is a band that can easily play literally anywhere in the world and just be pure entertainment for everyone watching and listening.
The stage show the band put on was flawless, and the backdrop was great, with the huge red heart framing drummer Gary Doyle, who bursts with energy and smiles non-stop throughout the band’s songs.
What a way to end a really enjoyable night in a Welsh castle.
Scarlet Rebels just confirmed to everyone here tonight why they should be playing big arenas around the globe often. The more chance people get to witness the best pure rock band Wales has to offer, the better.
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