REVIEW: Black Star Riders, The Answer and Dan Byrne at Planet Rock's 25th Birthday Bash

Friday 15th November 2025 - Planet Rock's 25th Birthday Bash at Wolverhampton KK's Steel Mill

“This could be our finest hour,” choruses Ricky Warwick at the climax to Black Star Riders' headline set, here at Wolverhampton's superb KK's Steel Mill. The conclusion of Planet Rock's 25th anniversary celebration, it's fitting to ponder just what Planet Rock's finest hour has been – but, without question, tonight will sit mighty high on that list.

It’s no less affecting – and humbling – to ponder the station’s influence; its connection with real fans, the people without whom there would be no Planet Rock, or a rock scene of any note. More than anything it’s that connection that shines brightly tonight, and it’s noted in different ways by the many Planet Rock presenters that step up during this memorable evening to introduce the artists. Each pays tribute to the earnest following that has given the station more than a million listeners. If ever a stat were needed to prove that the music we love is alive and screaming, then that surely is it.

The significance of this is not lost on Dan Byrne, who opens proceedings with a convincing, tour-honed set of reborn classic rock. Dan tells us that it was on a Planet Rock stage that he first picked up a microphone, kickstarting a relationship with the station that has now seen his single ‘Death Of Me’ playlisted. Before we hear that, there’s a dose of ‘Control’ which rocks with soul, plus forceful new song ‘Hate Me’ which rides back and forth on a spiral of guitars, Dan’s expansive voice even emulating the great Glenn Hughes at times. ‘Easier’ is a welcome contrast, the frontman strumming an acoustic, and demonstrating once again that his larynx is made for such emotive episodes.

Seasoned Northern Irish outfit The Answer also know a thing or two about ‘emotive’, though with them it’s less introspective and more of a shout aloud celebration. Their richly brewed blues and trouble is ridden out on frantic blasts of harmonica from frontman Cormac Neeson and Paul Mahon’s steely blues guitar alchemy. Opener ‘Blood Brother’ and ‘Under The Sky’ are big-hearted calls to arms, the band’s now instinctive vibe just pulling you in and holding you in thrall.

Neeson remains a remarkable, age-defying presence. He endlessly bounces, arms flailing, in the manner of a man attempting an ill-advised walk across a ship’s deck during the mother of typhoons. You can’t help but be drawn in. “Ready to shake off the bad vibes and negativity?” he asks, before the ‘Sundowners’ slide guitar intro. Hell, yeah. The significance of the occasion hangs in the air like incense in a temple – before a beautiful cover of Beatles classic ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’, Cormac reminds us that “bands need champions and Planet Rock are champions.” Amen to that, sir.

For a variety of reasons, not least being the revival currently enjoyed by The Almighty, Black Star Riders haven’t performed together in some time. The last we saw of this mighty, Celtic-fuelled vehicle, engineered of course from the DNA of the fabled Thin Lizzy, was at 2023’s Stonedead festival. That Ricky has brought this revered outfit back together for this Planet Rock celebration is no small thing – and boy, do they mean business!

It starts with Warwick, bassist Marco Mendoza and guitarist Sam Wood standing together, backs to the crowd, turning as one as drummer Jimmy DeGrasso leads us into the aptly named ‘All Hell Breaks Loose’. It’s a set from a band returning from hiatus and letting off steam in virtuoso fashion – ‘The Killer Instinct’, ‘Another State Of Grace’ and ‘Better Than Saturday Night’ as joyful as they are heavy, as perfectly performed as they are rowdily received. There’s no time for extended jams – it’s one song after another, with the gritty realism and respectful Irish influence of ‘Soldierstown’ standing out as a highlight among many.

Watch highlights of Planet Rock's 25th Birthday Bash:

There’s connection, too. A lovely moment occurs during ‘Blindsided’, the band’s most emotional pace-changer. After Sam completes its gorgeous solo on a gleaming high, emulating that on the studio version, an impromptu wave of applause erupts. Wood notes it, nods and mouths a ‘thank you’. It’s just a moment, but it’s a beautiful one that cements the relationship between artist and fan.

A cover of ‘Jailbreak’ is dedicated to Scott Gorham, and events wind to a climax with Cormac Neeson stepping up for an unexpected take on ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’. ‘Finest Hour’, which closes the set, is exactly that – an apt celebration; sung, felt, enjoyed. A quarter of a century is a big chunk of life, but with music as a unifying, comforting force for good, the next 25 years is something we should only look forward to.

Planet Rock's 25th Birthday Bash in photos:

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• black star riders
• thin lizzy
• the answer
• dan byrne