Troon Town Hall – planB
Review by Darren McIntyre
Photos by Scott Anderson
line-ups lineupsWinterstorm has long since cemented its reputation as one of the UK’s premier rock festivals, and as it reaches its ninth year, the Troon Town Hall once again becomes a sanctuary for rock fans from across the globe. Since 2016, this seaside celebration of all things loud, melodic, and heartfelt has consistently delivered world-class line-ups in an atmosphere that feels as welcoming as it is electrifying.
stormtroopers stormtroopersWhat truly defines Winterstorm is its sense of community. From the Stormtroopers and booking team to the sound and lighting engineers, stage crew, and vendors, the festival runs like a finely tuned machine, powered by people who genuinely care. Having attended since its inception—first as a fan and now as a reviewer and interviewer for Jace Media Music—it’s remarkable to see how the festival continues to grow while staying true to its roots.
Saturday – 12pm
Die, Opening Saturday’s proceedings were Victory Or Die, a four-piece Scottish rock ’n’ roll outfit formed in 2023 after a pilgrimage to the legendary Rainbow Bar & Grill. Having earned this coveted slot off the back of an impressive Sessions Stage performance last year, the band arrived hungry. Launching straight into New Rock Revolution, they wasted no time shaking off any lingering hangovers. Frontman Jason’s declaration of “We are Victory Or Die, and we play rock ’n’ roll” set the tone for a blistering set that included Rescue Mission, Lose Control, Hang the DJ, I Wanna Live in a Crypt, Bonetrap, and the punishing House of Love. A band clearly destined for bigger things in 2026.
nostalgia-fueled Veteran metallers Demon followed, bringing classic British heavy metal pedigree to the afternoon. Originally formed in Leek, Staffordshire, in 1979, the band’s reunion-era fire burnt brightly as they tore into Night of the Demon, igniting a wave of nostalgia-fuelled energy. Dave Hill’s vocals soared through Hurricane, Sign of the Madman, The Plague, and Nowhere to Run, before closing with Don’t Break the Circle. It was a masterclass in melodic metal and a perfect bridge between eras.
Next up, the Pat McManus Band delivered one of the day’s most soulful performances. The former Mama’s Boys and Celtus guitarist exudes charisma, and his connection with the audience is immediate and genuine. Opening with Over the Hills and Far Away in tribute to Gary Moore, the set flowed effortlessly through What’s Going On, No Easy Way, and a stunning rendition of Parisienne Walkways. Covers of Rory Gallagher’s Moonchild and Gillan’s New Orleans added further depth before the set closed in explosive fashion with Needle in the Groove. Another triumphant showing from a musician who never fails to impress.
High Before Gipsy’s Kiss, an important branch of the Iron Maiden family tree, brought a sense of history and celebration to the stage as they marked their 50th anniversary. Opening with Take Me Down, the band immediately whipped the crowd into a frenzy. Tracks such as Endless Pit, Yes Yes Yes, and Gone for Good kept the momentum high before the colossal My Own Holy Grail brought the set to a thunderous close.
London heavy metallers The Raven Age continued the Maiden lineage, delivering a dark, symphonic-tinged set bolstered by a striking light show. Guitarist Tommy Gentry—familiar to Scottish audiences from his time with GUN—added extra firepower as the band stormed through The Hangman, Fleur de Lis, Guillotine, Betrayal of the Mind, and Tears of Stone, before finishing with the powerful Angel in Disgrace. A commanding performance that captivated the packed hall.
Closing out Winterstorm 2025 was British Lion, the side project of Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris. Formed in 2012, the band thrives in intimate venues, and Troon Town Hall proved the perfect setting. From the opening notes of Eyes of the Young, the energy was undeniable as Harris prowled the stage with trademark intensity. Tracks like Lightning, This Is My God, The Burning, Spitfire, Legend, and Warriors of the Wasteland hit with unrelenting force. The new track Paradise showcased the band’s evolution, while drummer Simon Dawson delivered a standout performance, anchoring the set with power and precision.
As the final notes faded, it marked not just the end of the night but the close of another unforgettable Winterstorm.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Ian McCaig for yet another outstanding year of music, laughter, and memories. Winterstorm continues to be a festival that puts smiles on faces—and keeps us coming back for more.
Saturday Lineup
Victory Or Die
Demon
Pat McManus Band
Gypsy’s Kiss
The Raven Age
British Lion
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