Planet Rockstock 2021 - meet the bands
Our Trecco Bay weekender takes place this week
Last updated 9th Nov 2021
Our eighth Planet Rockstock weekender takes place once again at Trecco Bay in South Wales from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th November 2021 with Vandenberg, The Darkness and Those Damn Crows headlining the Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Ahead of the rock extravaganza kicking off, we present a handy guide to all 32 bands taking to the Graham Harding Stage and Main Stage over the weekend.
You can also find out all the Planet Rockstock 2021 stage times RIGHT HERE.
Planet Rockstock 2021 - meet the bands:
Thursday 11th November:
Matt Pearce & The Mutiny:
Matt Pearce & The Mutiny is the eponymous blues-rock ‘solo’ project from the long-time guitarist of U.K. rockers Voodoo Six, Matt Pearce. Matt’s debut solo album ‘Gotta Get Home’ was released in 2019, displaying vibrant range of funk, soul, blues, and rock. Last year they released the EP ‘An Ongoing Thing’, a collection of demos and covers, giving a taste of what we can expect next from Matt Pearce & The Mutiny. Matt Pearce appeared at Planet Rock’s Winter’s End 2020 – and they were so good we invited them back for Planet Rockstock.
Matt Pearce & The Mutiny headline Thursday’s Graham Harding Stage, exclusively for Gold Ticket holders.
Grand Slam:
Originally formed by Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott in 1984, Grand Slam was revived in 2016 by founding member Laurence Archer who set out to honour the band’s short-lived triumphs. The band’s 2019 debut studio album ‘Hit The Ground’ merged Lynott’s classic Grand Slam songs with new material as a celebration of the band’s 80’s hard rock catalogue.
Grand Slam play Thursday on the Graham Harding Stage, exclusively for Gold Ticket holders.
Hangarvain:
Energetic Italian rockers Hangarvain have opened for the likes of Gilby Clarke (Guns N’ Roses), Skillet, and Planet Rockstock Saturday headliners The Darkness, to name a few. Hangarvain’s latest album, 2019’s ‘The Great Machine’, solidified the band’s anthemic sound and thrashing guitar riffs that you won’t want to miss this November. Planet Rockstock eagerly welcomes the band’s first UK return in two years and their exclusive only UK date of 2021.
Check out Hangarvain’s Animal Instinct music video featuring Thomas Silver, former Hardcore Superstar guitarist, to see what the band have in store for us on Thursday:
Everyday Heroes:
Welsh four-piece Everyday Heroes are bringing their ruthless storm of hard rock to Thursday’s line-up. Drawing musical influences from the likes of Planet Rock staples like Black Stone Cherry, Guns N' Roses, and Nickelback, Everyday Heroes have built a reputation for themselves as a relentless band on the rise across the valleys of South Wales. Their 2020 debut album ‘A Tale of Sin & Sorrow’ showcases their monstrous choruses, powerful vocals, and pummelling drums. Having landed supports with the likes of Thunder, The Answer, and Rockstock Saturday headliners The Darkness, Everyday Heroes intense stage presence and thunderous riffs aren’t to be missed.
Aren Drift:
Progressive rock band Aren Drift are led by Czech frontwoman Radka Nemcova, whose unique vocals are sure to blow you away when you hear them live. Based in Brighton, the band have built up a fanbase along the South Coast with their distinctive blend of classic rock with heavy riffs, seductive lyrics and Radka’s international roots. The band released their debut EP, ‘Beneath the Surface’, in 2019, and have since been working on their first album, which we will surely get to hear exclusive sneak peeks of in their Thursday set and on their Friday acoustic performance.
Friday 12th November Main Stage:
Vandenberg (headliners):
Known for their 80’s hits like ‘Burning Heart’ and ‘Once in a Lifetime’, Vandenberg was revived at the start of 2020, with original guitarist Adrian Vandenberg – guitarist for Whitesnake back in the day – returning. Ready to rock the world once again, our Friday night headliners Vandenberg released their first album in 35 years, titled ‘2020’, last May. Songs like ‘Freight Train’ and ‘Shadows of the Night’ see Vandenberg return with more fire than ever with Adrian’s killer guitar hooks at the forefront of their performances. Having just unveiled Swedish powerhouse vocalist Mats Leven, who is known for his work with guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen, as the band’s new lead singer, Vandenberg will play their only show of 2021 at Planet Rockstock – we may even see a Whitesnake song or two from them.
Vandenberg headline Friday night – expect a celebration of their 80’s tracks and a powerful display of their new songs.
Massive Wagons:
Lancaster five-piece Massive Wagons are taking to the main stage on Friday night, fuelled by their immense rock anthems and probably a few beers. Since their formation in 2009, Massive Wagons have been an unstoppable force of loud and gripping energy. Their latest album, aptly titled ‘House of Noise’, was a UK Top 10 selling record last year – a triumph of rock. In May of this year, they released new upbeat song ‘Changes’, which is hopefully the first taste of their sixth album. Following Rockstock, Massive Wagons are set to join Saturday headliners The Darkness as they embark on their UK tour.
Gun:
Scottish hard-rockers Gun have had an impressive career, with 3 UK top 20 albums and 8 UK top 40 singles, including their cover of Cameo’s ‘Word Up’ which reached the UK top 10 and charted all over Europe. Since returning to the stage in 2008, their army of fans has grown, as has their discography. 2017’s album ‘Favourite Pleasures’ was critically acclaimed for its fresh rock ‘n’ roll energy and infectious choruses. As well as headlining Friday’s Acoustic stage with an exclusive set and Q&A session, only available to Gold Ticket holders, Gun will be bringing the fire on Friday’s main stage.
Marco Mendoza:
Having worked with some of the biggest names in rock – Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Journey, and The Dead Daisies are just a few off the list – Marco Mendoza is an undeniably talented rock legend. His latest solo album, ‘Viva La Rock’, displays a blend of blues-rock, belting vocals, and festival-ready guitar hooks. He joins the Main Stage on Friday, accompanied with his full band, as part of his UK tour this November.
When Rivers Meet:
Husband and wife duo Aaron and Grace Bond are the bold minds behind When Rivers Meet. Last year they released their debut album, ‘We Fly Free’, receiving critical praise and gaining them a supportive fanbase who applause the pair’s striking blues-rock sounds. Refusing to slow down, their second album, ‘Saving Grace’, arrives on November 19th – just after they play two sets for us on Planet Rockstock’s Friday. Having recently released ‘Testify’, the addicting lead single from the album, and with a UK Spring tour already lined up for 2022, it’s clear that the duo are ones to watch while at Rockstock.
Collateral:
Fuelled by a love of 80’s rock, metal, and southern rock, British six-piece Collateral have toured the UK relentlessly since their formation in 2018. Last year, they dropped their self-titled debut album, which reached number 5 in the UK Rock Charts upon release, with singles like ‘Mr Big Shot’ and ‘Lullaby’ providing killer choruses and electrifying guitar shredding. Before they join H.E.A.T across their UK tour in 2022, Collateral are bringing their commanding rock anthems to Planet Rockstock’s Friday line-up.
Saturday 13th November Main Stage:
The Darkness:
In no need of an introduction, The Darkness’ signature fiery guitar riffs and soaring falsetto vocals speak for themselves. Known for hits like ‘I Believe in a Thing Called Love’ and ‘Growing on Me’, and soon-to-be seven albums of blazing rock ‘n’ roll hits under their belts, The Darkness are our Main Stage headliners for Saturday night. Having just announced their seventh album, ‘Motorheart’, which will be out on November 19th, and releasing the self-title track plus new anthem ‘Nobody Can See Me Cry’, the Rockstock main stage is set to see some live debuts of the new material before the band head out on their November and December UK tour.
Stone Broken:
Stepping up to plate as last-minute replacements for Blaze Bayley, West Midlands quartet Stone Broken take to the Main Stage on Saturday night to display a killer set of hard rock shortly before headliners The Darkness close off the night. Taking inspiration from modern rock pioneers and touring peers Black Stone Cherry and Black Star Riders, Stone Broken’s grungy riffs, punchy drums, and huge chorus have earned them constant support from Planet Rock and Kerrang! Radio since their debut album. With their third album in the works, we could see Stone Broken debut some of their new material exclusively at Rockstock. Following their upcoming Rockstock Main Stage slot, Stone Broken have UK touring plans for January and February, with Mason Hill and The Fallen State as support.
Buck & Evans:
Formerly a duo comprising of comprising of Chris Buck and Sally Ann Evans, this rock ‘n’ roll quartet were rounded off with the additions of Dominic Hill and Bob Richards (AC/DC’s stand-in drummer). With Evans’ soulful vocals, the band bring a glorious Fleetwood Mac-esque sound to the Saturday Main Stage. Their 2019 debut album ‘Write A Better Day’ sees the band take on catchy blues-rock and groovy funk riffs, all fronted by Sally Ann Evans’s grand harmonies.
Edenthorn:
Formed in 2013, Edenthorn are a hard-rock band from the North East of England, made up of two sets of siblings. Since releasing their debut album, ‘The Maze’, in 2015, the band have toured across the UK extensively, showcasing their massive alternative rock sounds and incredible live energy. Frontman Kyle Tague’s unprecedented vocals are backed by bassist Faiba Gabrielle’s harmonies against a crashing of huge guitar hooks and furious drums. Following their 2018 album ‘Exist’, Edenthorn have released a steady stream of singles, including a powerful remaster of their song ‘The Noise in My Head’.
Florence Black:
Hard-rock trio Florence Black have built up a reputation for their immense vocals and riff-heavy tracks over the last few years through their EPs and live shows. Their highly anticipated debut album, ‘Weight of the World’, was released in September 2021 and reached number 6 on the Rock and Metal Albums Chart. Not bad for a self-released debut album, right? Playing shows with Those Damn Crows and Reef, it’s clear that the Welsh three-piece are not to be missed at Planet Rockstock.
Sunday 14th November Main Stage:
Those Damn Crows:
Fresh from a UK tour with The Wildhearts, Bridgend rockers return to their hometown as our Sunday headliners. Following huge sets at Download Festival, Steelhouse, and Winter’s End, Those Damn Crows have proved themselves as show-stopping performers with a hard grip on the rock scene’s attention. They captivated us in 2019 when they last played Rockstock, heroically stepping in for H.E.A.T last minute. After a fully sold-out UK tour supporting their second album, ‘Point Of No Return’, Those Damn Crows have well and truly earned the headline spot on our Planet Rockstock Main Stage.
Kris Barras Band:
Devon-born Kris Barras and his rock ‘n’ roll ensemble have been on a whirlwind ride since releasing their 2018 album ‘The Divine and Dirty’. Steamrolling across the UK and Europe on tours with Bon Jovi and Black Stone Cherry, Kris Barras band have proved that their arena-filling anthems are guaranteed to blow our minds on the Sunday Main Stage. After Planet Rockstock appearances in 2018 and 2019, we had to have them back for 2021. Expect to hear towering tunes from Kris Barras Band’s new album ‘Death Valley Paradise’, which is unleashed in March 2022.
Diamond Head:
Formed in 1976 as teenagers, Diamond Head found themselves at the forefront of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and influenced countless bands including their superfans Metallica. Throughout their career, Diamond Head have released nine studio albums, including 2019’s ‘The Coffin Train’, which entered the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart at number 5, and ‘Lightning to the Nations’, a re-imagining of their debut record. The metal heavyweights are ready to bring their thrashing, razor sharp sounds to Planet Rockstock.
Myke Gray:
Myke Gray is the former guitarist for Jagged Edge, Skin, and Red White & Blues. His legendary guitar skills have led to many triumphs across his career, including supporting Bon Jovi, Steel Panther, and Whitesnake on tours, and playing festivals like Download Festival, Planet Rock’s Steelhouse and Winter’s End. His latest solo album was released under the name of Shades of Gray and is entitled ‘2021’, paying homage to Myke’s biggest rock ‘n’ roll influences. For the first time in his expansive music career, 2021 sees Myke take the lead on vocals with his newest album.
Jim Kirkpatrick:
Best known as the lead guitarist of the British classic rock band FM, Jim Kirkpatrick is a renowned blues-rock guitarist and musician. Having opened tours for Thin Lizzy, Journey, and Kiss, Jim Kirkpatrick has proved his worth as a skilful rock ‘n’ roll artist. His latest solo album, ‘Ballad Of A Prodigal Son’, with its lively guitar-focussed tracks, is a masterful display of Jim’s talents.
EMPYRE:
Northampton quartet EMPYRE are bringing their dark and atmospheric rock to Planet Rockstock. Following their debut album ‘Self Aware’ in 2019, EMPYRE have played shows with Eagles, Shinedown and Alter Bridge, and have performed at Winter’s End 2020. Thoroughly impressed by their introspective lyrics, crunching basslines, and pummelling drums, we knew we had to bring them to Rockstock 2021.
Saturday 13th November – Graham Harding Stage:
Ashen Reach:
Ashen Reach are bringing their blend of rock ‘n’ roll attitude and thrashing modern metal to Planet Rockstock. The Liverpool five-piece had reaches massive feats in playing Bloodstock Festival and touring with Bullet For My Valentine before the release of their debut album, ‘Homecoming’ in 2020. Ashen Reach will display their intricate guitar licks, aggressive drums, and intense vocals on Saturday.
Häxan:
Hailing from South Wales, three-piece Häxan’s sound is driven by catchy melodies, impactful harmonies, and classic rock style riffs, drawing influences from Black Sabbath, Suzi Quatro, and The Darkness. Having played shows alongside rock legends like Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, Status Quo, and Foreigner, Häxan have gained a reputation for their raw live energy. Their 2020 debut album, ‘White Noise’ packed a punch with vocalist/guitarists Sam Bolderson’s powerful voice shining on the album’s hard-hitting choruses.
Attic Theory:
Winners of Planet Rock’s Best New Band Award at The Rocks 2020, it’s clear that Attic Theory are ones to watch at Planet Rockstock 2021. Stirring up a storm in their local scene, the Liverpool hard-rockers marry the darkness of grunge with the irresistible charm of rock ‘n’ roll. Attic Theory have taken their dark rock on the road with the likes of Terrorvision, Electric Six, and Diamond Head.
The Autumn Killers:
South Wales-based trio The Autumn Killers released their debut album ‘Darkside’ in September 2021, reinventing their sound over lockdown to incorporate more synths and keyboards, while keeping their guitar-driven rock core. Fronted by Rob Reece’s gripping vocals, The Autumn Killers are sure to put on a captivating show at Rockstock 2021 with their unique blend of guitar shredding and synth flair.
Tribeless:
Emerging South Wales quartet Tribeless draw influences from the likes of Paramore and Biffy Clyro to master their alternative rock sound. Sprinkling an electronic edge onto their thrashing rock songs, tracks like ‘Formed By Us’ and ‘Impulses’ pack a punch with singer Lydia McDonald’s magnetic vocals. Having played shows with Skindred and Those Damn Crows, Tribeless are already in good company on stage and will continue this streak as they head to Planet Rockstock.
Voodoo Vegas:
Voodoo Vegas are a south-coast hard-rock quintet who have toured across the UK and Europe with the likes of Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke, Status Quo, Phil Campbell. Since playing Planet Rock’s Winter’s End festival 2017, Voodoo Vegas have released their third album, ‘Feeling So Good’, and ‘Live in Singapore’, a celebration of the band’s incredible live performances. Voodoo Vegas bring their heavy riffs, gritty vocals, and huge choruses to Rockstock as they play the Graham Harding stage on Saturday, as well as the Friday Acoustic stage, exclusive to Gold Ticket holders.
Sunday 14th November – Graham Harding Stage:
Ashley Sherlock:
Ashley Sherlock is a Manchester-based singer-songwriter citing Jeff Buckley and Gary Clark Jr. among his list of inspirations. Backed by a full band, Ashley Sherlock are a blues-rock trio who put a modern spin on southern rock. Blending funk-influenced basslines, gritty blues, and Ashley Sherlock’s powerful vocal range, the trio released their second EP ‘If You’re Listening’ in July, showcasing the band’s array of blues-rock capabilities. Check out the video for ‘Been Here Before’ off the recent EP below:
Gin Annie:
Black Country hard rockers Gin Annie have been newly added to The Graham Harding Stage bill in place of Burnt Out Wreck. Fuelled by energetic showmanship and heavy guitar-driven rock, Gin Annie are heading to Rockstock’s second stage this weekend. Since releasing their debut album ‘100% Proof’ in 2019, Gin Annie have been busy working on new music, with recent singles ‘Devil in Me’ and the fiery ‘Jealousy’ proving that the quartet’s powerhouse hard rock is ready to own The Graham Harding Stage.
Daxx & Roxane:
Daxx & Roxane are a four-piece rock ‘n’ roll band originating from Switzerland, now based in London. Their second album, self-titled ‘Daxx & Roxane’, was released last year, and features hard-hitting single ‘Give It Time’ and frenzied rock anthem ‘Fast Lane’. With songs that have collectively spent over 50 weeks on the Planet Rock playlist, Daxx & Roxane’s full-throttle rock performance is sure to grab attention at Planet Rockstock.
Doomsday Outlaw:
Based in Sheffield, Doomsday Outlaw are a five-piece rock band. Named one of Planet Rock’s Ones to Watch in 2018, Doomsday Outlaw have lived up to the title their juggernaut-level of blues-tinged rock has earned them support slots alongside Toby Jepson's Wayward Sons and Graham Bonnet. Since launching their debut album ‘Suffer More’ in 2016, which was celebrated with critical acclaim, Doomsday Outlaw have released a steady stream of EPs and singles, including most recent cut, ‘In Too Deep’, which marries heavy instrumentals with an addicting chorus.
Marisa and The Moths:
Reading-based alternative rock band Marisa and The Moths takes influences from the likes of Halestorm and Foo Fighters to conjure up their grunge-soaked modern hard-rock. They released their debut single ‘Skin’ in 2019, which was championed by Planet Rock, and haven’t slowed down since. After headlining 2 UK tours and releasing their deluxe debut self-titled album in 2020, Marisa and The Moths have gained a devoted fanbase thanks to their supercharged live presence and alluring alt-rock. Following their performance at Rockstock, Marisa and The Moths will embark on a UK headline tour this winter. Check out their latest single ‘Your Power’ below:
Finding Kate:
Finding Kate is the fiery stage persona of Australian-born, London-based songstress Kate Pavli. With her roots in rock ‘n’ roll, Finding Kate blends rock, pop, and alternative influences to unveil her captivating songs, including electrifying single ‘I Feel Bad’, which received an abundance of airtime and praise from Planet Rock and Kerrang! Radio. Finding Kate’s soaring vocals and gritty rock have earned her guest appearances on Architects’ and Frank Turner’s latest records with Choir Noir. Finding Kate’s atmospheric dark rock and limitless vocals are not to be missed at Planet Rockstock.