May 23–25, Mote Park, Maidstone – Review by Glen Parkes
If there’s one thing that Rock the Mote does better than most festivals, it’s conjuring pure magic through the power of nostalgia. Set against the scenic greenery and grandeur of Mote Park, this year’s edition of the three-day event delivered an adrenaline-pumping, sing-your-heart-out, air-guitaring good time thanks to an incredible roster of tribute acts spanning rock, pop, heavy metal, and everything in between.
With three outdoor stages—each boasting superb sound and space—fans were treated to a relentless celebration of music legends. From Foo Fighters to Taylor Swift, AC/DC to Sabrina Carpenter, Fall Out Boy to Phil Collins, it was a buffet of beloved anthems brought to life by talented performers who’ve clearly put their hearts into honouring the originals.
FRIDAY: HIT THE GROUND DANCING
The festival kicked off at 6 p.m. sharp on Friday, May 23, with Go Span Duran delivering a spectacular joint tribute to Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet. If you thought starting with New Romantic synth-pop might ease us into the weekend gently, think again. With flawless renditions of “Gold,” “True,” “Rio,” and “Hungry Like the Wolf,” the band brought infectious energy and tight musicianship to the stage, lifting the proverbial roof off the first-night crowd.
Their slick style, harmonies, and crowd rapport had everyone—whether they were decked in ’80s gear or not—dancing like it was 1983.
Next up were the Red Hot Tribute Peppers, delivering a funk-rock set that veered between tight grooves and chaotic energy, just as their namesakes would want. From “Can’t Stop” to “Give It Away” and a sun-drenched singalong of “Californication,” this performance lit a fire under the feet of every festival-goer. It was here the first mosh pit of the weekend formed—a reminder that even though this was a family-friendly festival, Rock the Mote knows how to bring the heat.
Capping off Friday night were the Faux Fighters UK, and if you closed your eyes, you’d swear you were at Wembley with Dave Grohl himself.
This band didn’t just mimic—they embodied the Foo Fighters, with charisma, skill, and an almost spiritual channeling of Grohl’s passionate stage energy. Highlights included “Best of You,” “The Pretender,” and a thunderous closer of “Everlong” that had the entire park echoing in chorus. It was a spine-tingling finale to a first day that left no doubt: we were in for a sensational weeke
Rock the Mote 2025 Friday night was a riot of hits, heart, and hedonism. Tribute acts might not be the real thing—but this festival proved they can deliver the real feeling.
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