Stonedead isn’t just a festival – It’s a movement. It was born in 2018 from the ashes of nostalgia when a group of die-hard fans missed the simplicity of old-school festivals – One stage, one day, no frills. So they built it. What started as a tribute to the past with less than 800 tickets sold to watch Skid Row headline quickly became a cult favourite, growing year on year without losing its soul, passion or bite. Now in its eighth edition and selling out of tickets within hours – And without any bands being announced, Stonedead is a grassroots triumph. No corporate branding and no nonsense. Just a field full of rockers and a lineup that hits like thunder (nature’s phenomenon – Not the English rock band lol). It’s built by fans, run by volunteers, and fuelled by pure rock spirit that runs on passion. Every steward, crew member, merch seller, and shuttle driver is a volunteer. They give their time, sweat, and smiles to make Stonedead happen. From setting up fencing to guiding fans to the arena, they’re the unsung heroes of the weekend, and a true testament to the community, the reputation, and the sheer love that powers this beast.
Here’s your full rundown of the bands bringing the noise this year:
EUROPE 🇸🇪
Headliners with a billion YouTube views and a legacy that spans four decades. Their live shows are polished, powerful, and emotionally charged.
ACCEPT 🇩🇪
German metal legends with razor-sharp riffs and a legacy dating back to the ’70s. Their recent albums (Too Mean to Die, The Rise of Chaos) prove they’re still ferocious. Expect a wall of sound and fists in the air.
MAGNUM 🇬🇧
Melodic rock royalty. With Bob Catley’s soaring vocals and Tony Clarkin’s songwriting wizardry, Magnum deliver epic, cinematic rock. Their set will be rich with classics and deep cuts alike.
BATTLE BEAST 🇫🇮
Finnish power metal with a theatrical twist. Noora Louhimo’s vocals are a force of nature, and their stage presence is pure adrenaline. Think synths, solos, and singalongs.
ARMORED SAINT 🇺🇸
Cult heroes of American heavy metal. John Bush (ex-Anthrax) leads a band that’s tight, aggressive, and criminally underrated. Their live energy is unmatched.
THE DAMN TRUTH 🇨🇦
Retro rock revivalists with soul, swagger, and psychedelic flair. Expect Janis Joplin vibes, fuzzy guitars, and heartfelt grooves.
CROBOT 🇺🇸
Funk-infused hard rock with a modern edge. Their live shows are sweaty, riff-heavy, and full of charisma. Think Sabbath meets Rage Against the Machine and you’re getting close.
ASOMVEL 🇬🇧
Yorkshire’s own Motörhead disciples. Raw, loud, and unapologetically old-school. They’ll kick off the day with grit and growl.
REHORIA 🇬🇧
Winners of the opening poll, this rising UK act blends melodic metal with progressive flair. A chance to catch tomorrow’s headliners today.
The legendary Krusher Joule returns as master of ceremonies. Expect banter, booming intros, and a few cheeky surprises.
I volunteer at stonedead as part of the arena team, so I’ll see you at the bar 😎
Gregg Howarth
