Review & photos by Ali Burman
From explosive glam-rock chaos to emotionally charged modern metal, Roxoff Festival 2026 proved once again why the UK grassroots rock scene is thriving. Epic Studios shook under towering performances from HEKZ, This House we Built, The Midnight Devils, Juliet’s not Dead, and a truly unforgettable Marisa and The Moths set that left the crowd spellbound. Though the evening ended unexpectedly following a medical emergency that forced Wolfsbane to cancel their headline appearance, the overwhelming response from fans showed the heart of the rock community at its very best — united, passionate, and standing together when it mattered most.
Roxoff Festival returned to Epic Studios on May 3rd for a packed celebration of hard rock, melodic metal, and modern alternative music, bringing together an eclectic lineup of bands that demonstrated the strength and diversity of the UK rock scene. From progressive metal to glam-infused sleaze rock and emotionally charged alternative anthems, the festival delivered a memorable day of music, atmosphere, and community spirit. Although events took an unfortunate turn before the headline act could take the stage, the sense of unity inside the venue never wavered.
Opening the festival were HEKZ, whose intricate musicianship and progressive arrangements immediately captured the attention of the early crowd. Their set was a reminder that technical ability and melody can coexist perfectly, with soaring vocals and complex instrumental passages filling Epic Studios from the outset. The band brought a polished professionalism to the stage, setting an impressively high standard for the rest of the day.
Following them were This House We Built, who shifted the mood toward a more classic hard rock sound. Their energetic performance, packed with catchy hooks and driving riffs, connected effortlessly with the audience. There was an undeniable warmth to their stage presence, and by the end of their set the crowd was fully engaged and ready for the long night ahead.
If there was an award for pure entertainment value, however, it may well have gone to The Midnight Devils. Bringing outrageous glam rock swagger and larger-than-life charisma, they transformed Epic Studios into a full-blown rock ‘n’ roll party.
Their set was loud, colourful, unapologetically over-the-top, and exactly what a festival crowd craves. Every song seemed designed to raise the energy level even higher, with the audience responding enthusiastically to their infectious blend of sleaze rock attitude and arena-ready hooks.
Next up were Juliet’s Not Dead, who delivered one of the tightest and most commanding sets of the day. Combining heavy modern riffs with huge singalong choruses, the band demonstrated why they continue to gain momentum on the UK touring circuit.
Their confidence on stage was matched by the crowd’s reaction, with fans singing back lyrics and embracing every moment of their performance. The band struck an ideal balance between heaviness and accessibility, creating a set that appealed equally to long-time rock fans and newer listeners alike.
As strong as the earlier performances had been, one of the defining moments of the festival arrived with the appearance of Marisa and The Moths. From the opening notes of ‘Needy’, there was a noticeable shift in atmosphere. Frontwoman Marisa Rodriguez delivered a performance filled with emotion, intensity, and vocal power that held the audience in the palm of her hand throughout the set. Her ability to move effortlessly between vulnerable, heartfelt passages and soaring rock vocals gave the performance genuine depth and authenticity.
The band behind her were equally exceptional. Bassist Liam Jackson Barnes provided a thunderous low-end presence that shook the venue at times, locking perfectly into the rhythm section and adding enormous weight to the band’s sound. His commanding stage presence and relentless energy made him impossible to ignore, while his playing gave the songs a powerful backbone that elevated the entire set.
Meanwhile, guitarist Alez D’Elia delivered one of the standout instrumental performances of the day. His guitar work was both technically exceptional and emotionally expressive, effortlessly moving between crushing riffs, atmospheric textures, and soaring lead lines. Whether unleashing blistering solos or adding subtle melodic layers beneath the vocals, D’Elia demonstrated exactly why he has become such an important part of the band’s sound. Together, Marisa and The Moths produced a performance that felt bigger than the venue itself, leaving many in attendance convinced they deserve far larger stages in the future.
Anticipation was understandably high for the evening’s headliners, Wolfsbane, whose return to the stage had been eagerly awaited by many in the crowd. Fans packed toward the front of the venue in expectation of a high-octane finale to an already impressive day of music. Unfortunately, events behind the scenes took a serious and unexpected turn shortly before the band were due to appear.
Frontman Blaze Bayley came to the stage personally to explain that guitarist Jase Edwards had suddenly become unwell and needed urgent medical attention, resulting in him being taken to hospital. Blaze addressed the audience with honesty and visible emotion, apologising sincerely that the band would be unable to perform.
Naturally, the announcement brought disappointment, particularly for those who had been eagerly anticipating Wolfsbane’s set. Yet what followed was a powerful reminder of the close-knit nature of the rock community. Rather than frustration, the audience responded with understanding, applause, and messages of support for Jase. In that moment, the focus shifted away from the missed performance and toward concern for the wellbeing of a musician respected by so many.
Despite the abrupt ending, Roxoff Festival 2026 will still be remembered as a triumph for live rock music. Every band on the bill brought passion, professionalism, and individuality to the stage, creating a day packed with memorable performances and genuine connection between artists and fans alike. From the technical brilliance of HEKZ to the emotional power of Marisa and The Moths, the festival showcased exactly why grassroots and independent rock events remain so important.
Above all else, the overwhelming feeling at the end of the night was one of solidarity. The thoughts of everyone at Epic Studios were firmly with Jase Edwards, and all will undoubtedly be hoping for his full and speedy recovery.
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