Maid Of Stone - Saturday, Mote Park, Maidstone. Saturday 19th July, 2025

Saturday morning started wet. Puddles had formed across the soaked pavements. Heavy, grey clouds threatened more rain but didn't oblige until we reached the park, turning heavy as we entered the arena. I hadn't slept well, so I watched the opening act, Jack J Hutchinson, for a while, then made my way to the VIP area, hoping to escape the rain. 

The field was churning up and muddy, some areas riddled with puddles. My poncho did a great job - airy and dry - but the amount of rain was incredible. I wondered, if I left the tent in the VIP area, how wet my trousers would get.

I popped over to see Big River, then Fury, but neither grabbed me.  

Big River

Santa, in his off-season

Fury

I sat in the rain in the VIP section again and debated whether it was worth moving to see Bobbie Dazzle. I decided I should. I didn't know her or her work, but there was a certain buzz surrounding her appearance (nothing to do with the freeloading wasps that skulked around the bars, getting tipsy on cider). 

Boy, was I surprised! Having already heard so much generic Southern and Hard Rock, her set was a total breath of fresh air. Her voice had such a controlled depth, as if highly trained, able to belt out vocals across a considerable range. Her songs embodied the glam era, with a hint of Rocky Horror and Jim Steinman, as catchy as COVID-19 in taking my breath away. The music felt vital and alive, with the band clearly enjoying themselves during their performance. I googled to see if she had any other tour dates lined up. I needed to see her again. The only date in Scotland was supporting Alice Cooper at the Edinburgh Playhouse, and it was sold out. She was also supporting Lita Ford in London, but I couldn't justify another trip down south. Never mind. She was bound to tour sometime. Afterwards, my pals commented on my big smile, teasing me. "You liked her."

Then something strange happened. I felt a compulsion to meet her at the merch stall. And acted on it. I'd not done that for any other band at the festival this year or last. I bought her vinyl album and a photo, and we chatted while she signed them both. For once, I wasn't tongue-tied. I could speak my name clearly. She asked if I followed her on social media. I remarked, no. I hadn't heard of her before today, but she'd blown me away with her set. That's why I had to come over to buy her merch. She laughed. I then asked cheekily if she had any spare tickets for Edinburgh. She said she did. "Actually, I've got like twenty or something. I can put you on my guest list. I'm not just saying that. I really mean it. I can absolutely do that for you. Send me a message with your details."

So I did. 

I left buzzing. My mates tried to talk me down from the high I was experiencing, reminding me that people say things but don't always follow through. I should anticipate disappointment. I heard them, but I knew they were wrong. The rest of the day was a blur. Nothing was going to top that. I spent a considerable amount of time checking my emails for a reply, but none came.

Bobbie Dazzle

She also plays the flute, but don't let that put you off.

There's a reason I like her,
but I can't put my finger on it.

I

The day did continue, though. Kim Jennet impressed. Laurie from The Hot Damn was on guitar for her. The energy of Kim's set could power the entire campsite.

Florence Black disappointed, leaning heavily on the harder side of their music, so much so that the softer Sun and Moon, which they finished on, felt incongruous.  

Florence Black

 

Marisa (of Marisa And The Moths) sang with Sophie Lloyd.

I watched Sophie Lloyd from the VIP area, but skipped Flint Moore, Revenant and The Raven Age, especially the latter. I filled my bingo card of rock cliches listening to their lead singer's proclamations. If it weren't so laughable, I might like their music more. 

Bob going full glam with the pixie-cum facial.

Ugly Kid Joe "Get those hands in the air" 

Must we? Again?

Beaux Gris Gris and the Apocalypse

What a voice she has.

Beaux Gris Gris were good, but I left early to get a spot near the front for the headline act, Black Stone Cherry. I'm not a massive fan of theirs, but I appreciate their hits. This view didn't change after seeing their set. They have stature, humility and play well. They lacked the wow factor. Still, it was quite a coup for the organisers to get them over for an exclusive UK show. 

Drum solo

See

I was still thinking of Bobbie Dazzle as we walked back to the hotel. Still no reply. Oh well, maybe it wasn't to be.

Ticket Price: Weekend VIP

Maid Of Stone - Friday - Mote Park, Maidstone. Friday 18th July, 2025

 

We didn't sleep well at the Travelodge due to the heat in the room, the fan doing little to bring the temperature down. We enjoyed the breakfast buffet, though. A right good feed to set us up for the day. 

The weather was already scorching as we walked to the park. Arriving after ten for an eleven o'clock opening, we rested against the metal sheeting that surrounded the event space and ate our Greggs sandwiches, chatting with the other fans beside us. By the time the gate opened (late, around 11:15 am), the queue stretched the whole length of the park. The security supervisor urged his staff to keep us moving, keen to avoid angry confrontations. The staff member who scanned our tickets didn't have wristbands for weekend VIPS, so he had to find some. Not a good start if the aim was for a swift entry.

The space around the main Inferno stage was already filling up with the campers who'd been allowed in on time. We collected our VIP packs, and I picked up my pre-ordered event T-shirt. Then, we met up with Bob's pals. After that, we mostly did our own thing, catching up with each other from time to time in the VIP section. This area had been changed this year to separate the VIP band stage from the bar, the only areas now covered with tents. The space had more benches and tables than last year, but no posh recliners. The VIP urinals were too close together, so in practical terms, only two could be used simultaneously. First world problems.

Hillbilly Vegas on the Inferno Stage

The sun was so hot you could smell the varnish melting off the wooden VIP benches. I ended up using my event T-shirt as a scarf to protect my neck. I headed over to see Lead Feather, approaching the barrier to avoid standing in the direct sunlight. Lead Feather were good, but I preferred their intimate set from the night before. It felt more personal. 

Lead Feather opening the Firestarter Stage.

If looks could kill...
I thought she might snap!

Secret Set: Kris Barras's Hollow Souls

Myke Gray

The first act I'd been eager to catch was The Quireboys. I'd never seen them before, but remembered their hits fondly. Spike is like a hybrid of Rod Stewart and Vince Neil, with a hint of Freddie Starr, as he prowls the stage. His voice is no longer what it once was, but he makes up for it with his stage presence. The crowd really gets going when he plays the well-known songs, singing along loudly. Luke Morley of Thunder was helping out on guitar. His drummer usually plays with Squeeze, and Nigel Mogg is a rock legend. In fact, watching their set reminded me of the Legend slot at Glastonbury. They brought the party to Maidstone.  

The Quireboys

Spike

The food and drink prices were initially a shock. A fiver for a pint of syrupy cola felt like a rip-off, but there were free water stations, so I managed to stay hydrated.  I loved the freshly made duck wraps and had one each day. Only a tenner each!

H.E.A.T. were the first band to blow me away with their performance. Even from the food stall area, well away from the stage, they sounded dynamic, powerful, riff-heavy and musical. The front man has an incredible vocal range and comes across as more articulate and intelligent than most rock singers. He had a layer of self-awareness that pricked any pomposity about their performance. I thought they were brilliant, and it was a shame I'd chosen their set time to eat. I'd have enjoyed being in their crowd.  

H.E.A.T.

An unfortunate camera angle

The rest of the day was less exciting. Joanne Shaw Taylor was okay.  Gorilla Riot did well with an appreciative crowd on the Firestarter stage (I loved how they finished on a cover version of AC/DC's Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be). The final act of the day, Dirty Honey, didn't move me, except to leave at the end of their set. 

Gorilla Riot

Dirty Honey

The first day had remained dry, and I'd avoided sunburn. The warm, dry spell was not going to last, however. This warning appeared on the screen (and online). 

I can imagine the scenarios. Tap at the window. "Hey, Stranger, can I sit with you in your car, please?" Actually, the festival is so friendly, the response would have been, "Come on in, bud. Squeeze up, hun. Want a beer?"

I made sure to remember to bring my poncho the next day.

Ticket Price: Weekend VIP ticket ???