Venue – KK Steelmill, Wolverhampton
Saturday – 4th April 2025
Review and Photographs by Linda McDermott
Mayor Fest Saturday takes place at KK Steelmill in Wolverhampton, a great venue that has had some amazing bands grace its 40-foot stage. Today there was a fantastic lineup, with bands to please all tastes, plus acoustic sets by new and established artists inbetween. Not only that, but there was also an auction to raise more funds that saw guitars, leather jackets, signed drum skins and everything inbetween up for grabs to the highest bidder.
With the venue filling up nicely and friends greeting each other with hugs and smiles, the day was about to start on the main stage.
Bands –
Massive Wagons
Virginmarys
Hollowstar
The Karma Effect
Takeaway Thieves
White Tyger
The Soul Revival
The Soul Revival kick off the day with a bang, hitting the stage with power that got the crowd’s attention. Clearly pleased by the turnout, the band fed off the energy and tore through their set of heavy rock bangers with serious intensity. Their sound was tight, their presence huge, even on the massive stage, and the crowd couldn’t help but get into it. Only formed two years ago they are gaining momentum, and I felt them winning new fans with every riff and chorus. Definitely ones to watch out for.
Video
Won’t Bring Me Down
https://www.facebook.com/TheSoulRevivalofficial
White Tyger were up next, and these guys took to the stage like a freight train and never let up. With a raw, high-energy rock sound clearly influenced by the likes of Guns N’ Roses and other classic rock giants, they delivered a fantastic set. Playing original material, they had the crowd hooked and lapping it up.
I really have to mention their new drummer Toby, who came all the way from Germany to play his first gig in the UK, with just one rehearsal he delivered on a par with the rest of the guys. A fantastic performance that left everyone wanting more, including myself.
Video
This is the Life
https://www.facebook.com/whitetygerrock
Takeaway Thieves were already a tight and impressive live band, but they’ve now added a new bassist to the mix. The new setup adds a fresh dynamic to their sound and stage presence adding to what made them stand out in the first place. From the first notes of “Kickin’ My Heart Around” from their ‘Diamond Point’ album, the room lit up.
Their set was tight, loud, and absolutely on fire, blending raw power with catchy hooks that had the crowd locked in. The energy was high, and the band didn’t let up for a second, showcasing their vocals, gritty riffs, and that unmistakable swagger, they absolutely owned the stage.
Video
Kickin’ My Heart Around
https://www.facebook.com/takeawaythieves
The Karma Effect
The beers are flowing, the merch stands are busy, and the bands are creating a buzz around KK’s, and next up are The Karma Effect who have a great following. If you’re after a band that ooze funky classic rock from every pore, look no further.
This band have the kind of sound that instantly grabs a crowd and doesn’t let go. With a set packed full of groove-laden anthems, they bring the spirit of the ’80s and ’90s roaring back to life. Their tight musicianship shines through in every song, with punchy melodies, killer guitar riffs, slick keyboard work, and a strong rhythm that locks in perfectly. Their songs are pin sharp and full of soul, songs like ‘Livin’ it Up’ and ‘Wild Honey,’ along with ‘Testify,’ and ‘Steal Your Heart’ are firm favourites with today’s crowd if the cheers are anything to go by.
Video
Livin’ It Up
https://www.facebook.com/thekarmaeffectuk
Hollowstar
After taking a well-earned break for family life and newborns, it was amazing to see Hollowstar back on stage, and honestly, they didn’t miss a beat. From the moment they kicked off with that punchy, high-energy sound I was hooked.
The crowd was totally with them, and you could feel how much that support lifted the guys, as they fed off the atmosphere and gave everything in return. Hearing some of my favourite tracks live again was a real highlight, tracks like ‘Good Man Gone,’ ‘Let You Down’ and ‘Overrated’ were great reminders of when I last saw them. Their performance felt like a kind of reunion, a proper celebration of everything that made them a firm favourite in the first place.
Video
All I Gotta Say
https://www.facebook.com/HollowstarOfficial
Virginmarys
The Virginmarys are a two-piece punk rock wrecking ball who absolutely tore the roof off the venue. From the moment they walked onto the stage the crowd were cheering with anticipation. Launching into a set that was killer song after killer song they smashed it. Raw, loud, and unapologetically tight, every song hit like a gut punch in the best possible way.
Despite some technical issues on stage, the energy never dipped, especially after someone in the crowd shouted, “You sound great from here!” It was a perfect moment that clearly boosted Danny and Ally’s spirits. For just two people, they created a wall of sound that could’ve fooled anyone into thinking there were twice as many on stage. Heavy, honest, and full of fire, this is punk the way it’s meant to be. Check out their latest album ‘The House Beyond the Fires’ because you won’t be disappointed.
Video
There Ain’t No Future
https://www.facebook.com/TheVirginmarys
Massive Wagons
When I heard Massive Wagons were headlining the festival, along with a stacked lineup of other favourites, I knew it was going to be unmissable. From the moment they hit the stage, Baz was bouncing around on an invisible pogo stick, and that kind of energy is infectious. The crowd were right there with them, shouting every lyric back like it was the only language they knew.
Their set showcased songs from their latest album ‘Earth to Grace’ (which, by the way, is still on repeat for me), as well as a few firm favourites from earlier albums, with every song upping the amazing atmosphere. The riffs were sharp, the drums were thunderous, and the bass locked it all down with a steady pulse that the band made look effortless. And then there’s that voice, so distinctive and raw, it cuts through everything and ties the chaos together perfectly.
A truly unforgettable performance from a band that is just going to get bigger and bigger.
Video
Sleep Forever
https://www.facebook.com/MassiveWagons
As I said at the start, there were acoustic sets between the bands on the main stage that kept everyone entertained as the main stage had its change over.
Acoustic stage
Sig and the Fire Pilots
Not Now Norman
Danny Beardsley
Alabama Crow
The Hot One Two
Blade
Sony
Each and every act entertained the masses. Each brought something a little different, but all shared a laid-back, light-hearted vibe that fitted the atmosphere perfectly.
A standout moment came from father-daughter duo Not Now Norman, known for their raw, in-your-face style. Stripping things back, they delivered a beautifully intimate performance, Taylor-Grace’s voice floating effortlessly over her dad’s gentle guitar work. It was a side of them I hadn’t seen before, and I really enjoyed listening to their stripped back music.
Another great acoustic set came from The Hot One Two who I’m used to seeing bring the house down with heavier rock songs. With a large crowd gathered and the guys armed with only guitars, they transformed their usual bangers into sing-along anthems, getting the whole audience involved. It was a reminder that good songwriting cuts through any format.
None of the acoustic performers missed the mark, in fact, their sets were perfect and a way to relax between the high energy of the main stage.
And that brings day two to a close and I have had the most amazing time with this very generous rock community.
I sincerely hope that Mayor Fest raised bucket loads of money for the charities they have nominated this year.
If you’d like more information or to help support the charities covered by the event, follow the links below for their main website.
Age UK
Samaritans
Beacon for the Blind
Check out what’s on at KK Steelmill – www.kkssteelmill.co.uk
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