A View From NWOCR Fest: NWOCR Fest 2026 (Debby Myatt & Tony Gaskin)

NWOCR 5, KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhmapton, 25-27.09.26

There is a bittersweet tinge to entering KK’s Steel Mill for this milestone 5th anniversary edition of NWOCR LiveFest. Over the last five years, this weekend has grown into a cornerstone gathering for UK grass-roots rock, but with whispers around the venue that this landmark fifth outing marks the end of the festival in its current format, every riff carried a little extra weight. 

​Friday - 25.09.26: The Warm-Up Party

Kickstarting Friday night’s sold-out launch, Kim Jennett (8) hit the stage with raw, untamed vocal power, commanding the early crowd immediately. Her fiery, relentless presence set the bar remarkably high for the rest of the weekend. 

Injecting a heavy dose of soulful southern swagger, Bad Touch (9) brought classic blues-rock hooks that had the Steel Mill singing along. They effortlessly primed the room, proving once again why they remain fan favourites on the UK circuit.

Headlining the Friday party, The Dust Coda (8) delivered a slick, soaring performance brimming with arena-sized attitude. Andrew Knightly’s vocals cut cleanly through a wall of huge guitar riffs, locking in a triumphant finish to night one. 

​Saturday - 26.09.26

Opening the main weekend marathon, Revenant (7) blew away any early-afternoon hangovers with a sharp, aggressive set of modern hard rock. Next the all-female outfit, Joanovarc (7) brought tight musicianship and undeniable energy, keeping the crowd on their feet with melodic, hard-hitting anthems. Clearly the ladies enjoy being up on a big stage and make the most of it.

Delivering pure 70s-infused rock ‘n’ roll chaos, Sweet Electric (9) brought glitter, strut, and infectious hooks that turned the hall into a giant dance floor. There is nothing quite like Sweet Electric around at the moment, the German band are fronted by former Massive member Brad Marr who brings his manic Aussie antic to the party. Following that with stunning dual vocals and pristine blues-rock arrangements, Brave Rival (7) provided a masterclass in tone, passion, and soul.

Injecting a shot of pure 80s glam metal nostalgia, Midnite City (8) delivered soaring solos, huge choruses, and unashamedly fun rock-and-roll theater. Heavy, groove-laden, and thick with thick-toned riffs, Doomsday Outlaw (9) brought a darker, heavier punch to the late afternoon. 

Taking the sub-headline slot, Hollowstar (9) proved why they belong at the top of the bill. Joe Bonson’s gravelly, emotionally charged vocals soared across KK's, while the band locked into a muscular groove that had the room roaring. Despite a minor technical glitch mid-set, they powered through with signature warmth and grit, debuting fresh material alongside fan favourites that hit like a hammer blow. 

Australia’s favorite export, The Lazys (10) delivered an absolute hurricane of a headlining set. Leon Harrison is a front-man possessed, charging across the stage while Matty Morris unleashed pure, blistering lead-guitar fury. Their high-octane punk-infused hard rock left the Steel Mill exhausted, sweaty, and utterly electrified—a masterclass in unadulterated live performance. 

​Sunday - 27.09.26

Kicking off the final day, Alabama Crow (8) set a gritty, southern-tinted tone early on with low-slung riffs and gravel-throat vocals. Blending rootsy blues-rock with sharp pop sensibilities, ​Eddie & The Wolves (8) delivered a tight, engaging early-afternoon slot. The electricity between the husband and wife team of Eddie and Char is palpable echoing that of other current blues outfits like When Rivers Meet and Beaux Gris Gris, must be something in the air!

A local favourite who always deliver, the heavy Black Country roots of Red By Night (7) shone through with a hard-hitting, riff-heavy set, and they kept their cool when there were issues with the bass, just kept going as if nothing was wrong! Delivering bags of charm and soaring choruses, Thieves Of Liberty (7) kept the afternoon momentum surging forward. The band have broken out from their North Eastern stronghold and are a popular festival addition.

Packed with bite and fast-paced energy, Fangslinger (7) brought a sharper, metallic edge to the early evening crowd. Their dark country rock style and stage get up set’s them apart from others this weekend. Melodic, polished, and full of heart, This House We Built (9) delivered rich vocal harmonies and arena-ready rock hooks. Having been endorsed by Tyketto frontman Danny Vaughn they have pushed themselves to the forefront of the NWOCR movement this past couple of years.

Stepping into the sub-headline slot, the Birmingham trio, ​Blue Nation (10) brought an emotional, soul-infused rock sound that completely captivated the venue. Luke Weston’s driving bass rhythms and Neil Murdoch’s expressive vocal delivery created a massive, atmospheric sound wall. Their connection with the local Midlands crowd was palpable, delivering one of the most poignant sets of the entire weekend. How we have managed to miss these guys for ten years I don’t know!

Closing out the 5th anniversary festival fell to Fury (10), and they didn't disappoint, unleashing a grandiose, heavy metal spectacle that shook the rafters. Julian Jenkins led the charge with soaring dual-guitar harmonies and theatrical flair, backed by a rhythm section that pounded through the Steel Mill. Nyah provides a sultry muse to Julian's gruffer delivery and it’s a great partnership. 

Hot off her dynamic sessions with Black Sabbath legend Tony Iommi, bass player Becky Baldwin gives the songs a power boost along with Tom’s pounding drums It was a fitting, defiant, and gloriously loud curtain call for the festival's current chapter—ending five years of NWOCR LiveFest on the ultimate high note. Latest addition Matt Fletcher has slotted in seamlessly and the set is fast, heavy and furious!

It will be sad if this is the last NWOCR weekenders, fingers crossed someone will take up the mantle and bring it back in some form, we can only wait and see.