Rock the Mote 2025 – A Three-Day Tribute Extravaganza That Pulled No Punches This is only a few of the fantastic artist that played on this Saturday
May 23–25, Mote Park, Maidstone – Review by [Your Name]
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. it was a buffet of beloved anthems brought to life by talented performers who’ve clearly put their hearts into honouring the originals.
SATURDAY: FROM BRITPOP TO BOMBSHELLS
As the sun crept above the trees on Saturday, after a night of rain it was clear that many had returned with reinforcements. Families rolled in with camping chairs, and groups of friends clutched drinks and dress ready for fun in the sun and festival ready . By lunchtime, the party was in full swing—and the line-up didn’t let up for a second.
SATURDAY MAY 24: A MASTERCLASS IN TRIBUTE TALENT
Starting Loud with Tenacious G (Heavy Rock Stage)
Saturday morning, Tenacious G. Blazing onto the Heavy Rock Stage with the outrageous humour and thunderous riffs of Tenacious D, this tribute band kicked off the day with exactly the right dose of musical mayhem and comedy. they delivered a riotous set full of energy, vocals that matched Jack Black’s operatic range, and more than a few belly laughs. If you were still waking up, Tenacious G made sure you were wide awake by the second chorus.
A Stroll Through Genres – From Pendulum to Cher
As the sun climbed, so did the musical variety. One of Rock the Mote’s greatest strengths is how easily you can move between stages and genres. A short walk away, the Pop Stage offered a full-on dance thumping breakbeats, aggressive synths, and live drums to the mix. It was electronic chaos in the best way—a techno-rock fusion that had arms in the air and heads banging.
later, on the, pop stage the vibe shifted completely as Stacey Green stepped out as Cher, clad in iconic sequins and with vocals so close to the original, jaws were visibly dropping. From “Believe” to “If I Could Turn Back Time,” she was effortless, commanding the crowd with sass, grace, and a remarkable stage presence that honored Cher’s legacy with both respect and flair.
The Kinks Experience – Keeping It Cool and Classic
One of the more unexpected delights of the afternoon came from The Kinks Experience, a faithful tribute to the British Invasion legends. Dressed in mod-era attire and armed with a catalogue of timeless hits, the band nailed every nuance of Ray Davies’ storytelling. “Sunny Afternoon” floated across the festival lawn like a summer breeze, while “You Really Got Me” reminded everyone why The Kinks were pioneers of heavy guitar rock. Nostalgic, fun, and sharply delivered, this set was a hit with all generations in the crowd.
MID-AFTERNOON MAGIC – A WHIRLWIND OF ICONIC TRIBUTES
As the day wore on, the performances only got more electric. Across all three stages, acts brought their A-game, offering not just musical accuracy but full character immersion.
The Absolute Stone Roses – Madchester Energy Returns
Taking over the Rock Stage, The Absolute Stone Roses were a time machine straight to Spike Island. The jangly guitars of “Waterfall,” the groove of “Fools Gold,” and of course, the euphoric finale of “I Am the Resurrection,” all proved that the magic of the Madchester movement lives on. With swagger, psychedelic visuals, and a hypnotic rhythm section, this tribute act created one of the most vibey sets of the day. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a feeling.
Girls Are Loud – Big Voices, Bigger Energy
Meanwhile, on the Pop Stage, Girls Are Loud brought a full-throttle, pop-powered tribute to Girls Aloud. They nailed the harmonies, choreography, and glittering costumes, running through chart-toppers like “Sound of the Underground,” “The Promise,” and “Love Machine.” It was slick, fierce, and celebratory—an empowering set that had the crowd singing into their plastic prosecco cups.
Dani Graham as Dolly Parton – Pure Country Sunshine
One of the most heartfelt and crowd-pleasing performances came from Dani Graham, who channelled the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton. Her renditions of “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You” were sung with grace and warmth, and her connection with the audience was undeniable. She wasn’t just playing Dolly—she was Dolly, at least for that precious hour. Families danced, couples slow-danced, and even the rockers in the Slipknot shirts couldn’t help but hum along.
One band that truly transported me back in time at Rock the Mote was Definitely Could Be Oasis. From the moment they walked on stage, clad in parkas and shades, they oozed that classic Gallagher swagger. Their opening number, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star,” was a statement of intent—raw, loud, and dripping in attitude. The vocals were uncannily close to Liam’s signature sneer, and the band nailed that wall-of-sound guitar tone that defined the Britpop era. Every chord, every sneer, every shrug felt authentic, and for a moment, it was as if we’d stepped back into a ’90s festival tent with a thousand fans chanting Oasis lyrics at the top of their lungs.
As the set went on, the hits kept coming—“Some Might Say,” “Supersonic,” “Cigarettes & Alcohol,” each one landing with power and nostalgia. But it was during “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger” that the crowd truly united. Arms around shoulders, voices raised in one huge singalong—it was magic. Definitely Could Be Oasis didn’t just play the songs, they captured the mood, the memories, and the movement that made Oasis a defining band of their generation. A standout moment in a weekend full of them.
EVENING EXPLOSION – THREE HEADLINERS, THREE STAGES, TOTAL ECSTASY
As the sun began to set, anticipation buzzed across Mote Park. The triple headline slots were about to begin, and the entire site seemed to hold its breath in excitement. Three stages, three massive tributes, three very different vibes—all equally unforgettable.
SLIP-NOT (Heavy Rock Stage)
On the Heavy Rock Stage, SLIP-NOT detonated like a sonic bomb. This tribute to Slipknot didn’t pull punches—complete with masks, boiler suits, percussion chaos, and brutal vocals, they tore into tracks like “Duality,” “Wait and Bleed,” and “Before I Forget” with frightening precision. The crowd responded with energy to match—mosh pits broke out, heads banged, and the front rows screamed every lyric with ferocity. It was loud, raw, and cathartic—a proper metal experience for those craving intensity.
Dan Budd as Robbie Williams (Pop Stage)
Over on the Pop Stage, Dan Budd was ready to hit the stage as Robbie Williams’ “Let Me Entertain You” set the opening and we knew we was in for some Robbie fun and be entertain he absolutely did. With uncanny resemblance and boundless charisma, Budd strutted across the stage like the man himself. Whether belting out Robbie’s”songs with heartfelt drama and cheekily swinging through. This was a masterclass in tribute performance. Budd didn’t just look like Robbie—he captured the mischief, charm, and emotional layers of the former Take That star.
The Rolling Clones (Main Rock Stage)
Then came my crown jewel of the evening—the Rolling Clones on the Main Stage, channeling The Rolling Stones in their heyday. Kicking off with “Start Me Up” and rolling through “Paint It Black,” “Gimme Shelter,” and a firework-worthy “Satisfaction,” the Clones embodied everything iconic about the Stones: the groove, the grit, the rebellious glamour. Their Mick Jagger swagger was uncanny, and the energy they generated was simply infectious.
For fans of the original band—or those seeing their legend come to life for the first time—this was as close to a Stones stadium show as most will ever get. And judging by the crowd’s reaction, that was more than enough.
THE FINAL ARTIST OF THE NIGHT – STACEY GREEN AS P!NK
Just when you thought the day couldn’t climb any higher, Stacey Green returned, this time swapping Cher’s sequins for P!nk’s attitude—and what a transformation it was. Her tribute set to P!nk was nothing short of explosive, with powerhouse vocals, stage acrobatics, and all the swagger you’d expect. “Just Like a Pill,” “So What,” “Try,” and “Raise Your Glass” turned the Main Stage into one giant party. Fans danced in the dark as festival lights flared and final drinks were poured.
It was the perfect ending—a fiery, fun, and emotional finale that sent everyone home on a high.
ROCK THE MOTE: WHERE LEGENDS LIVE FOREVER
What makes Rock the Mote so special isn’t just the music—it’s the spirit. This is a festival built on love for the icons who shaped our lives. The tribute artists don’t mimic—they embody, pouring heart, talent, and authenticity into every performance. It’s not karaoke; it’s a celebration. A living, breathing jukebox of generational anthems.
Across the day, fans rocked out to Royal Monster and loads of other top artists and music It was eclectic, inclusive, and electric.
Add to that a welcoming crowd, well-managed facilities, food stalls aplenty, and a beautiful parkland setting—and you have one of the UK’s finest tribute festivals on your hands.
Rating: (5/5)
Rock the Mote is more than a tribute festival. It’s a weekend of celebration, connection, and sheer joy—and in a world that often feels too fast and too serious, it’s the perfect reminder of music’s power to bring us together.
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