By David O’Neill
One of the best opening acts I have witnessed at Steelhouse was in 2022 when Mother Vulture opened up with 30 minutes of frenetic activity that was impossible to keep your eyes off. The reason for this reminiscence is that I felt that Saturday’s opening act, Jayler, were going to do the same thing.
A four-member band known for their retro rock style, they have gained increasing attention. The group opened the Steelhouse Saturday by demonstrating capability and musical skill despite their relative youth. Lead singer James Bartholomew mentioned their previous acoustic performances at the live-in vehicles site two years ago, which led to the forming of the band and brought them back up the mountain, this time jamming it up on stage…
With obvious comparisons to Zeppelin, and more particularly Greta Von Fleet, they are very confident on stage and their individual sounds will only improve with age.
Fabulous start to the sunny Saturday afternoon
MuddiBrooke were next on the list. Two girls and a guy but holy crap, they didn’t take any prisoners either. A quick look at ‘You Don’t Own Me‘ will tell you exactly what they delivered. Bassist Anna takes on the role of active member, dodging and weaving about whilst Brooke delivered the alt rock vocals with aplomb. Albeit the Jayler supporters thinned the crowd, the remainder were definitely not disappointed by this band. ‘ADHD’ really raised the energy levels whilst ‘You Don’t Own Me’ was a very confident performance of the classic Lesley Gore track.
There was no opportunity for a break as a local band that has gained recognition in recent years, and previously performed at Steelhouse in 2022, returned to the stage. Wayne and the members of Scarlet Rebels presented their pop-rock style, with audience participation throughout their set featuring songs from all three albums, including ‘Let Me In’. They are also included among this reviewer’s ‘Secret Drugs’ (sic).
If you thought things were going to relax after that then no way Jose, some Oklahoma outlaw country rawk was next up! With appearances at Planet Rockstock last year under their belt Hillbilly Vegas are picking up fans across the ÜK.
The longer set permitting a great deal of crowd interaction which was delivered confidently. In another life he could be a standup comedian. I couldn’t take my eyes off the bassist Rob Edwards who reminded me of Jeff Goldblum to look at, although I’m sure the latter may be a better Jazz pianist than bassist!
Highlights included ‘High Time For A Good Time’.
Renowned guitarist Sophie Lloyd demonstrated her exceptional talent with ease. Having collaborated with prominent international artists such as Machine Gun Kelly, Avril Lavigne, and Jellyroll, her debut album ‘Imposter Syndrome’ reached number three on the rock chart. She also supported South Wales favourites Those Damn Crows at their sold-out headline show in Cardiff at the end of last year. Additionally, she contributed to Chris Robertson’s (of Black Stone Cherry) track ‘Let It Hurt’.
Lloyd began her set with an instrumental rendition of ‘Thunderstruck’, effectively engaging the audience from the outset. Despite enduring recent personal loss, both Lloyd and her husband, who played drums, delivered a highly professional performance. The set was further enhanced by Marisa Rodriguez (Marisa And The Moths), whose vocal contributions were particularly noteworthy.
Well, what I haven’t written about the next artist is probably not worth reading. As an ex MMA fighter I wouldn’t dare to say anything derogatory, but having interviewed him at Download a few years ago, I can safely say he is a very nice man to talk to – but, more importantly for Steelhouse festival, he is also an exceptional guitarist and singer/songwriter and a very hardworking live performer. This is his third appearance on the top of the mountain and appearing as third from the top of the bill is recognition by the Steelhouse team that he is always well received. His latest album, ‘Halo Effect’, is much heavier than his previous more bluesy music.
‘Hail Mary’, ‘Dead Horses’ and ‘My Parade’ are frequent crowd pleasers and the burgeoning crowd join in especially during his jumping the barrier and splitting the crowd in two to join in. Whilst Josiah J Manning is a superb foil for Barras’ lead guitar work he is an exceptional musician for the band. Fraser Kerslake is so animated on his six-string bass he is virtually impossible to photograph!
The ladies appear to be taking over on top of the mountain, after Steelhouse managed to negotiate the appearance of a legend of the rock scene, the one and only Lita Ford. She managed to take those of usof a certain age on a long trip down ‘Memory Lane’ with all her music from the ’80s. She stood out in her red leather suit against the black backline, and was exceptional on guitar.
It was essentially left to her to deliver the emotional tribute to the god of metal, Ozzy Osbourne with ‘Close My Eyes Forever, superbly supported on Ozzys’ part of the vocals by guitarist Patrick Kennison. ‘Cherry Bomb’ had to make an appearance but finishing her set with ‘Kiss Me Deadly’ was an excellent way to end as the sun started to set in the western sky above the festival site
The final headliner of the day was W.A.S.P. Although their set began approximately 15 minutes behind schedule, Blackie Lawless and his band commenced with the first three tracks from their debut album, performed in full and in the original sequence. Lawless addressed the audience, sharing the challenges he had overcome to present the album in this format, much to the delight of dedicated fans.
The opening songs — ‘I Wanna Be Somebody’, ‘L.O.V.E Machine’, and ‘The Flame’ — followed by the rest of the album quickly concluded the first half of the performance.
There were numerous remarks among attendees regarding the choice to display W.A.S.P. music videos throughout the set instead of live camera feeds. While some non-fans chose to exit the arena during the show, devoted followers remained and enjoyed several medleys before the concert concluded with Wild Child and ‘Blind In Texas’.
Once again, Steelhouse delivered a great Saturday.
- Photos © Bandtogs/Paul Hutchings.