Winter's End 2022 – meet the bands
Listen to the artists performing at Winter's End 2022
Last updated 31st Jan 2022
Celebrating its fifth triumphant year in 2022, Planet Rock presents Winter’s End returns at a new location of The Assembly in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire on the weekend of Friday 4th to Sunday 6th March 2022.
Just like the first four instalments, Winter’s End 2022 celebrates some of the finest established and new British rock acts around – from music legends to fast-ascending up-and-coming bands.
With headliners Wayward Sons (Friday), Smith/Kotzen (Saturday), and Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons (Sunday) all confirmed, plus many more bands playing across the weekend, you can find out more about all the acts on the Winter’s End 2022 line-up so far and listen to their music below!
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Winter’s End 2022 – meet the bands:
Smith/Kotzen:
Formed by rock gods Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden and Richie Kotzen of The Winery Dogs, Smith/Kotzen are our Winter’s End 2022 Saturday headliners. Hot on the heels of their critically acclaimed and chart-denting debut album ‘Smith/Kotzen’ in March 2021, Smith/Kotzen released their ‘Better Days EP’ on Friday 26th November. The legendary duo are now gearing up to bring their dynamic tracks to the UK on a February and March headline tour. As part of the tour, Smith/Kotzen will headline Winter’s End at The Assembly in Leamington Spa on Saturday 5th March 2022.
Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons:
Our Planet Rock Winter’s End 2022 Sunday night headliners are none other than Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons. Formed by long-time Motörhead guitarist of 32 years, Phil Campbell, and his three sons on guitar, drums, and bass, the band have taken their raw and hard-hitting energy on the road with Guns N' Roses, Saxon, and across the UK and Europe, even gracing the stage at Planet Rock’s Steelhouse Festival this summer. Expect to hear Motörhead classics and song from PCATBS’s own esteemed musical back catalogue.
Wayward Sons:
We are happy to announce that our Friday headline is none other than Wayward Sons. Fronted by Planet Rock's very own Toby Jepson, previous lead singer for Little Angels, Wayward Sons haven’t slowed down since their formation, stocking up on UK and Europe tours, support slots with Saxon, Steel Panther, and Black Star Riders, and festival appearances at the likes of Steelhouse, Planet Rockstock, and Download under their belts. Now they return to Winter’s End for the first time since 2018, armed with new material from latest album ‘Even Up The Score’, ready to bring the house down on Friday night.
GUN:
Scottish hard-rockers GUN are the Sunday night main support, stepping up to the stage shortly before headliners Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons close out the weekend. The band have had 3 UK top 20 albums and 8 UK top 40 singles, including their cover of ‘Word Up’ which reached the UK top 10 and charted all over Europe. After a killer set at Planet Rockstock 2021, we already know that GUN will bring the heat to Winter’s End. GUN’s appearance at Winter’s End 2022 coincides with the release of their eighth studio album 'The Calton Songs' in the spring. The record features revamped versions of classic GUN songs – including their towering anthem 'Better Days' – with several new tracks on the way.
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 on the rise and are not to be missed at Winter’s End 2022.
The Dust Coda:
London-based rockers The Dust Coda bring their classic rock ‘n’ roll riffs, powerful vocals, and impressive swagger to Winter’s End 2022. With festival appearances including Planet Rockstock, Steelhouse, and even Winter’s End 2018, The Dust Coda are Planet Rock favourites who we can’t resist coming back to. With their latest album, ‘Mojo Skyline’, The Dust Coda have heightened their sleek and attention-grabbing rock anthems, ready to take on a UK headline tour in December before bringing heading to Leamington Spa in March.
Mason Hill:
Glaswegian quintet Mason Hill have been on Planet Rock’s radar for a while now, having played 2017’s Planet Rockstock and being hotly tipped as ones to watch in a New Rock feature back in 2018, we haven’t taken our eyes off them since. Armed with brooding vocals, mighty rock hooks, and a loyal fanbase, Mason Hill released their debut album, ‘Against the Wall’, this year and have been delivering the new songs to their hungry fans across the UK.
Scarlet Rebels:
Fuelled by the energy of classic hard-rock, Welsh five-piece Scarlet Rebels bring their full-throttle guitar shredding to Winter’s End 2022. As bold as their name suggests, Scarlet Rebels aren’t afraid to speak their minds, with songs like Storm, from their forthcoming album, which is a politically charged showcase of rock ‘n’ roll. The band’s second album See Through Blue arrives on January 28th 2022. Following a UK tour with Buckcherry, Scarlet Rebels will bring their attention-grabbing rock anthems to us at The Assembly in March.
Laurence Jones:
Renowned for his blues-rock talents, guitarist and singer Laurence Jones has won four British Blues Awards, including Young Artist of the Year, and has toured with the likes of Sir Van Morrison, Sir Ringo Starr, and Status Quo. His perfect fusion of blues-driven guitar licks, catchy melodies, and smooth vocals prove that he belongs on the Winter’s End 2022 line-up alongside some of the UK’s best rising rock artists. With the festival held in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, this will be a special hometown show for Laurence Jones and his band.
Jack J. Hutchinson:
With his combination of smoky vocals and blues-rock hooks, London-based singer-songwriter Jack J. Hutchinson offers his own take on southern-rock. Having played headline tours and top festivals internationally, Hutchinson is ready to return to live music as he is about to take his band on the road next month across the UK in support of his upcoming album, The Hammer Falls, which is due to arrive in early 2022. ‘The Hammer Falls’ features recent hard-hitting, guitar-driven singles ‘Call Of The Wild’ and ‘World On Fire.’
The Hot Damn!:
Rising from the ashes of bands The Amorettes and Tequila Mockingbyrd, The Hot Damn! are bringing sizzling hooks to Winter’s End. Their debut single ‘Dance Around’ brings The Hot Damn! onto the scene with fresh energy and attention-grabbing vibrancy. Combining feel-good choruses and head-bopping drumbeats, The Hot Damn! know how to put on a rock show. Sharing stages with Massive Wagons and fellow Winter’s End performers The Dust Coda, The Hot Damn! have already aligned themselves with some of the most exciting acts in rock. Check out their colourful music video for ‘Dance Around’ below:
Valhalla Awaits:
Welsh hard-rockers Valhalla Awaits will bring their heavy breakdowns and melodic choruses to Winter’s Ends. Since releasing their debut EP ‘Condemned’ in 2020, the valley boys have been busy, with another EP already in the works, hinting towards a darker edge on the single ‘Where Do We Go From Here?’. Lead vocalist Andrew Hunt has even lent his impressive vocal abilities to our Sunday headliners, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, as he toured with them over the summer.
These Wicked Rivers:
Derby-based hard-rockers These Wicked Rivers fuse classic rock ‘n’ roll with a spark of modern rock, influenced by bands such as Black Stone Cherry and Clutch. Their debut album ‘Eden’ arrived in 2020 and saw the quartet deliver sleek vocals, thumping drums, and huge guitar riffs. Having toured with Blackwater Conspiracy, Those Damn Crows, and Myke Gray, These Wicked Rivers are ready to bring their massive rock anthems to the Winter’s End stage.
Sons of Liberty:
Rocking stages since 2014, Sons of Liberty are a Bristol-based southern rock band who are known for delivering raw and energetic live shows across the UK and Europe, including slots at Planet Rockstock and Giants of Rock festivals, and tours with The Quireboys, Grand Slam, and Diamond Head. With mighty vocals and blazing guitar riffs, Sons of Liberty’s second album, ‘Aces & Eights’, proves that the band bring a hard edge to southern rock. Their single 'Fire & Gasoline' was featured as Track of The Week on Planet Rock’s New Rock Show.
Cardinal Black:
Cardinal Black are a Welsh alternative-rock band who, despite only releasing their debut single in May of this year, are taking the UK rock scene by storm. Their self-titled debut EP arrived in July, with a four-track display of powerful soulful vocals, thumping drums, and emotive guitar work, curtesy of Chris Buck, also of Buck & Evans. After a UK tour with Myles Kennedy, Cardinal Black’s debut album is expected to arrive in time for Winter’s End 2022.
SKAM:
Leicester hard-rock power trio SKAM have built a reputation for their loud and raucous live performances since their formation in 2011, with over a whopping 1000 shows across the UK under their belts, they surely have what it takes to bring the house down at Winter’s End 2022. With four studio albums and one live album released, SKAM are an unstoppable force of heavy rock. Latest EP, ‘Venous’, features gritty and political single ‘Fade Out’, which aims and fires at governmental figures. ‘Venous’ is the follow-up to their February 2021 EP, ‘INTRA’, which reached number 6 in the Rock and Metal Album Chart.
Bastette:
Hailing from Blackburn, Bastette are fronted by the ferocious Caroline Kenyon, who delivers strong vocals and a charismatic stage presence to complete the band’s fiery rock. Taking inspiration from the likes of Halestorm and The Pretty Reckless, Bastette’s bold and gritty rock songs put Caroline’s sultry vocals at the forefront. Their latest EP ‘Exposed’ showcases Bastette’s captivating alternative rock, offering a taste of what to expect from them at Winter’s End.
Anchor Lane
Glaswegian four-piece Anchor Lane released their eagerly anticipated debut album ‘Casino’ in January 2020, which headed straight to number 9 in the Official UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart. The album featured the acclaimed single ‘Dead Run’ which was co-written by and features rock legend Ricky Warwick (Black Star Riders, Thin Lizzy, The Almighty). With their punchy hooks and commanding swagger, there’s no doubt that Anchor Lane will bring a show-stopping performance to Winter’s End.
King Herd:
Birmingham-based rock band King Herd (formerly Herd) may be new on the scene, but they’re already stirring up a storm. Their debut single ‘Remedy’ premiered on Planet Rock Radio, introducing the world to their high-voltage rock. King Herd’s infectious choruses, powerful vocals, and vigorous basslines will have you hooked and wanting more. Luckily, you can immerse yourself in King Herd’s fierce rock at Winter’s End. Check out the dark and brooding music video for ‘Remedy’ below:
Vambo:
Vambo are a British rock band who merge their 70’s rock ‘n’ roll influences with their own alluring modern spin. In 2020, the band released the deluxe edition of their debut album ‘Vambo’ in 2020, proving themselves to be a relentless powerhouse of rock with their thunderous energy and scorching guitar solos. Showing no signs of slowing down, new single ‘This Is Your Life’ showcases Vambo’s trademark vigorous riffs. No strangers to the live circuit, Vambo have supported Praying Mantis and Cats In Space, touring their ferocious rock across the UK and Europe. Check out the video for ‘World of Misery’ from their debut album here:
Ethyrfield:
Independent progressive rock trio Ethyrfield are joining us in Leamington Spa next March. The band released two EPs before their long-awaited debut album, ‘In Delirium’, landed in June of this year. Since 2014, the three-piece have played shows with the likes of Hawkwind, Diamond Head, Kris Barras Band, and The Fallen State. Their impressive vocals and intense guitar shredding are certainly something to look forward to seeing live at Winter’s End.
Firekind:
Combining soaring vocals, rich bass rhythms, and commanding drums, Devon’s Firekind display a range of genre-crossing alternative rock within their 2020 debut album ‘What I Have Found Is Already Lost’. From sharper guitar hooks and heavier edges, to softer, more emotive songs, Firekind refuses to fit into a one-size-fits-all box of musical style. After accompanying fellow Winter’s End performer Jack J. Hutchinson on his tour, Firekind are heading to The Assembly in March.
Iconic Eye:
Melodic rock quintet Iconic Eye welcomed singer Janey Smith as their new frontwoman in early 2020 and immediately got to work on making new music. The band released their latest EP ‘Back from Behind the Sun’ in late 2020, showcasing their gripping rock ‘n’ roll riffs, thumping drumbeats, and Janey’s powerful lungs to complete the set-up. Having snagged support slots with Magnum and Grand Slam in the past, Iconic Eye’s rock anthems are sure to fit right in at Winter’s End.
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. Tribeless have played shows with Skindred and Those Damn Crows and captivated us with their irresistible energy at Planet Rockstock 2021, so we’re glad to welcome them back for Winter’s End.
The Howling Tides:
Hailing from the Midlands, hard rock four-piece The Howling Tides have gained a reputation for their ferocious live energy since their formation since 2018, having played slots at Steelhouse and Bloodstock festivals in 2021 before claiming their spot on the Winter’s End bill. Recent singles ‘White Crow’ and ‘Thalia’ demonstrate The Howling Tides’ gritty vocals, gut-punching drums, and muscular rock ragers.