As the sun sets over Plymouth Hoe, the first of four Summer Sessions delivered an electrifying night of live music, bringing together a dynamic lineup of artists who each bring their own distinct energy to the stage. From rising talent to legendary acts, this event is set to be a celebration of music’s power to connect and inspire.

Summer Sessions returns to the iconic Sound Shell on The Hoe for the second of four back-to-back summer nights, transforming Plymouth’s waterfront into a high-voltage festival stage. Expect a seamless ascent from underground agitators to drum-and-bass legends as four acts deliver a relentless sequence of riffs, hooks and bass drops under the setting sun.

We chatted to Tom A. Smith earlier this year via a ZOOM call and given the opportunity to meet him in the flesh, I was never going to say no!

Talked about and talked-up Manchester newcomers, Moss Side Sauna Club, is a band born in a bad year, thus Will Brooks, Maddy Storm and Sam Craighan decided to take up arms against the pains of the world through the use of sauna therapy. Out of the steam room, briefly, the band returns to release their latest single, My Weird Appetite.

LEAD SINGLE ‘MANCHILD’ OUT NOW, BST HYDE PARK HEADLINE SHOWS JULY 5th & 6th 

There are tough decisions in life—some more agonising than others. Tonight’s choice? Enduring another episode of Britain’s Got Talent or heading to Paignton to witness R.E.M. Pretend, a tribute band promising to resurrect the magic of one of the most influential alternative rock bands of all time. Spoiler alert: I made the right call.

Glastonbury Festival is a MASSIVE place, some liken it to London in a field, with hundreds of stages and only a few days to get round them all, let’s take a deep dive into some of the lesser-known stages at Glastonbury 2025 and uncover the hidden gems of this year’s lineup. Here are 10 stages that deserve your attention.

Few bands embody the raw energy and emotional depth of Scottish alternative rock quite like Twin Atlantic. Hailing from Glasgow, this four-piece outfit has spent nearly two decades carving out a distinct sound that blends soaring melodies, anthemic choruses, and a signature Glaswegian vocal delivery. Currently on their headline UK tour, fans can expect electrifying performances at 2000 Trees in Cheltenham and a triumphant homecoming show at TRNSMT in Glasgow. Tonight was their chance to wow the crowd that had congregated at Exeter Phoenix on June 5th to see them in action, read on to see how they got on….

Rock fans, brace yourselves—London-based trio The Motherz are bringing their thunderous sound to stages across the UK this autumn as special guests for The Vintage Caravan’s ‘Portals’ UK Tour. With a blend of Stoner Rock, Doom, and Metal, this powerhouse band is primed to electrify audiences with their relentless energy and bone-crushing riffs.

Under a flawless sky at Cheltenham Racecourse, Wychwood Festival 2025 delivered 22 glorious degrees of summer magic. From face painting and belly dancing to a buzzing global food village (though I wisely sidestepped the pricey cod and chips served from that iconic big red London bus), the festival proved once again that it’s a genuine family affair with a little something for everyone.

HOT MILK- HEADLINER
17th November SWG3 Galvanizers- Glasgow 
19th November Roundhouse - London 
20th November  O2 Institute - Birmingham  
22nd November O2 Victoria Warehouse - Manchester 
 
Artist/O2 Presale: Wednesday 28th May, 10am
Live Nation Presale: Thursday 29th May, 10am
General Onsale: Friday 30th May, 10am

Who would have thought that John Lydon—better known as Johnny Rotten—could still command a crowd 50 years after igniting punk rock’s explosive debut? Yet, on the intimate and atmospheric stage of The Foundry in Torquay, PIL (Public Image Ltd) proved that age is merely a number and rebellion remains ageless.

For many rock music fans, Slam Dunk weekend has become the de facto beginning of festival season, commencement of summer and ultimate bellwether event for any self-respecting pop-punk, emo or metal fan. The Hatfield based part of the festival has evolved over the years, adapting to rapid growth, location change and of course a pause during the pandemic. Every summer forever? Almost.

DECAPITATED recently played Exeter Phoenix for the second UK night of their Infernal Bloodshed Over Europe tour, supported by Carnation, Warbringer and Cryptopsy.

What better way for Prima Queen to kick off their tour celebrating the release of their debut album, The Prize, than aboard Bristol’s iconic floating venue, Thekla? For Bristol native Louise Macphail, this was more than just another gig—it was a homecoming, filled with nostalgia and the echoes of past nights spent in the crowd, including a memorable Phoebe Bridgers show she once dragged an ex to.

Ahead of their debut album, the self titled 'Panic Shack' due out on July 18th, the Welsh band hit the good ship Thekla with an all-action live show and an after show DJ set to get Bristol bouncing.

Tuesday nights don’t typically scream '“rock ‘n’ roll”, but that didn’t stop Exeter Phoenix from buzzing with energy as Huey Morgan and his band took the stage. Supported by the fresh-faced indie-rock five-piece Twin City—making their Exeter debut—the night delivered a solid dose of groove, humor, and undeniable musicianship.

A packed out O2 Academy, Bristol witnessed Merseyside's finest set the tone for the summer in preparation for their second album, the follow up to hugely successful debut ‘I Wonder If The World Knows?’, and the crowd went wild for it.

Ten albums in, and somehow, this was my first time seeing Ezra Furman live. Ridiculous, I know. But what better way to make amends than at an intimate, sold-out in-store show at Rough Trade Bristol, celebrating the release of Goodbye Small Head.