By David O’Neill
It was a beautiful sunny evening in Chepstow Castle (unlike the rain that poured when I left North Wales earlier that day). With its ancient stone walls and dramatic Welsh backdrop, the venue proved an atmospheric setting for a night of classic and modern hard rock. This was one of those gigs that you just had to be there for.
I had previously seen The Hot One Two at Thekla supporting Scarlet Rebels. However, due to an extended trip back from North Wales, I missed all but the last four songs of the set. The first one was a new track that I didn’t get the title of but ‘Alive Again’, ‘Is It Hot?’ and ‘Tie Me Down’ had the crowd joining in at appropriate parts. They are a good live band fronted by the enthusiastic Simon West, accompanied by Nick Blackburn (bass), Nick Manners (guitar) and the very energetic Joe Chivers on drums. I will ensure I get their full set at the Patriot later in October.
Second band on the bill are the absolutely class act Empyre. With the booming lower register of Henryk Steenholdt opening up the set with Waking Light, I instantaneously got goosebumps. At the end of the track, the ”regular” chorus of boos arose from the crowd, not an unusual occurrence for the Northampton quartet!
Instantly followed by the reflective homecoming track ‘Hit And Run’ those of us who have seen them several times knew what to expect, There is no real ‘show’ with these guys-they just let the class that oozes from their music provide the entertainment. With ‘Stone’, ‘Only Way Out’ and ‘Relentless’ carrying the same feeling to the effortless Homegrown. With occasional commentary from Did Coles about the audience interaction, announcements of tours late this year supporting Cats In Space and The Raven Age added to the mood before the huge ‘New Republic’ closed the set. Just class!
The original event lineup had to change from Scarlet Rebels (who are currently on tour supporting The Dead Daisies) to the effervescent Toby Jepson and his Wayward Sons. It was good to see the band on the same stage again, the guitar skills of both Toby and Sam Wood really align well, with Phil Martini on drums and the incredibly energetic Nic Wastell leaving me gasping for breath just watching him!
The Sons kicked into gear with ‘Alive’, instantly setting the tone for the night. Toby Jepson’s vocals soared above the punchy rhythm section, delivering a message of resilience that resonated with the audience. The band’s signature blend of classic rock riffs and modern hooks felt especially powerful live, with the crowd quickly drawn in.
‘To Be A Rock N Roller’, a live favourite was performed with swagger. Its infectious chorus and driving guitars had fans chanting along, while the classic rock ‘n’ roll spirit of the track felt perfectly suited to the castle’s historic ambience. Guitarists Sam Wood and Toby Jepson exchanged sharp licks, underscoring the band’s technical prowess. Followed by ‘Ghosts Of Yet To Come’ a highlight of emotionally charged storytelling, this track saw the band slow down, drawing listeners into a moment of reflection. The haunting melody and lyrical themes about confronting the past were beautifully complemented by atmospheric lighting, giving the castle grounds an almost ethereal quality.
Bringing the energy back up, ‘Crush’ arrived with pounding drums and thunderous riffs. Its anthemic feel, combined with Jepson’s commanding stage presence, encouraged
Wayward Sons brought the show to a rousing finale with a powerful one-two punch: ‘Joke’s On You’ was delivered with playful aggression and musicianship, featuring a witty interplay of guitars and vocals that had the whole crowd hooked until the last chorus. Saving the best for last, ‘Until The End’ served as a fitting curtain call. This track’s uplifting message and expansive soundscape provided a sense of unity among the audience, who sang along heartfelt, making for a memorable closing finale inside the castle’s storied walls.
Wayward Sons energized Chepstow with their mix of old-school rock spirit and contemporary energy. Each track felt tailored to the unique setting, and the band’s chemistry was apparent, delighting both loyal fans and first-time listeners alike. As the night ended, the castle reverberated with applause—a testament to a triumphant performance in a legendary venue.
Terrorvision’s headline gig was a high-energy celebration of British rock brimming with nostalgia and joy. The Bradford legends played to an enthusiastic crowd, delivering their signature blend of anthemic singalongs and cheeky rock attitude. With the castle’s dramatic silhouette behind the stage and the summer air alive with excitement, the setting alone made for a memorable evening.
Terrorvision’s setlist spanned their hits and some new tracks from their latest release ‘We Are Not Robots’, including crowd-pleasers like ‘Oblivion’, ‘Bad Actress’ and the karaoke-standard ‘Alice Whats The Matter?’.
Fans were treated to shamelessly catchy rock thrills and infectious choruses and the band’s frontman, Tony Wright, entertained with trademark charisma – encouraging plenty of dancing and interaction, making everyone feel part of the riotous Terrorvision family even out energising Nic Wastell!
Terrorvision once again proved why they are considered one of Britain’s best live rock bands. Their charisma, hit-packed set, and connection with fans delivered a gig that was both a celebration of their legacy and a testament to their continuing relevance.
Whether you were there for the deep cuts or the big hits, this Chepstow Castle show was everything a true Terrorvision fan could have wanted.
Chepstow Castle’s outdoor event space contributed to a festival-like atmosphere, with plenty of options for food and drink, and excellent crowd management for a hassle-free evening.
- All photos © Bandtogs/Über Rock.