{"id":13699,"date":"2021-05-25T12:21:57","date_gmt":"2021-05-25T11:21:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/steelhousefestivalforums.co.uk\/blog\/?p=13699"},"modified":"2025-05-31T17:34:53","modified_gmt":"2025-05-31T16:34:53","slug":"%f0%9f%8e%a4-welcome-to-the-resurrection-steelhouse-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/steelhousefestivalforums.co.uk\/blog\/25\/05\/2021%f0%9f%8e%a4-welcome-to-the-resurrection-steelhouse-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"\ud83c\udfa4 Welcome to the Resurrection \u2013 Steelhouse 2021!"},"content":{"rendered":"

After a year of eerie silence, shuttered stages, and postponed dreams, Steelhouse 2021<\/strong> wasn\u2019t just a festival \u2013 it was a revival<\/em>. The mountain came back to life with a roar, and we answered it in unison, arms raised, hearts pounding. \ud83c\udfd4\ufe0f\ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n

In a year when international acts couldn\u2019t make it, UK talent stepped up in style<\/strong>, delivering sets so powerful they left scorch marks on the hillside. The community vibe was stronger than ever \u2014 it was muddy, emotional, loud, and absolutely glorious.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s dive into the madness \u2013 one unforgettable band at a time. \ud83c\udfb6\ud83d\udc47<\/p>\n

\n

\ud83c\udfb8 FRIDAY \u2013 Opening the Gates of Rock<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Florence Black<\/strong> \ud83d\udd25<\/h3>\n

Let\u2019s be honest \u2013 who else<\/strong> could\u2019ve opened the first Steelhouse since 2019? Hailing from Merthyr Tydfil, Florence Black didn\u2019t just play \u2013 they announced<\/strong> their arrival like conquering heroes. From the opening riffs of The Deep End<\/em>, the trio commanded the stage like seasoned pros, blending gritty heaviness with melodic finesse.<\/p>\n

Frontman Tristan Thomas poured his soul into every lyric, his voice raw with emotion and fire. The band\u2019s now-iconic cover of Breadfan<\/em> (Budgie, naturally \u2013 because Wales) was chef\u2019s kiss<\/em> perfect, uniting generations of rockers in a single, muddy mosh of nostalgia and noise. A proud Welsh roar echoed across the mountain. C\u2019mon Cymru!<\/em> \ud83d\udc09<\/p>\n

\n

Revival Black<\/strong> \u26ab<\/h3>\n

If Florence Black was the fire, Revival Black<\/strong> brought the slow-burning intensity. There\u2019s a classic rock heart beating at the centre of their sound \u2013 think Bad Company meets Alter Bridge \u2013 but with a grit and urgency that\u2019s all their own. Tracks like Wide Awake<\/em> and Believe<\/em> showcased powerhouse vocals from Dan Byrne, whose voice soared with soul and strength.<\/p>\n

The band\u2019s chemistry was tight, their tone thunderous, and their energy magnetic. They may not have had the flash of the headliners, but they had the groove<\/em>, and they left the crowd wanting more. No gimmicks. No nonsense. Just rock.<\/p>\n

\n

\ud83e\udd18 SATURDAY \u2013 Baptised in Rain and Riffs<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Collateral<\/strong> \ud83c\udfaf<\/h3>\n

Strutting onto the stage like they\u2019d just walked out of a Motley Cr\u00fce video, Collateral<\/strong> brought pure, unfiltered glam energy to the Steelhouse crowd. Frontman Angelo Tristan has all the swagger of a born showman, and his voice \u2013 somewhere between Bon Jovi and a thunderclap \u2013 cut through the air like a blade.<\/p>\n

Highlights included Lullaby<\/em>, Midnight Queen<\/em>, and a storming cover of In These Arms<\/em> that had couples swaying and fists in the air. Their performance was drenched in charisma, hairspray, and harmonies \u2013 the kind of feel-good escapism we all<\/em> needed. It wasn\u2019t just a gig \u2013 it was a glitter-drenched glam therapy session. Tidy!<\/p>\n

\n

The Hot Damn!<\/strong> \ud83d\udc8b<\/h3>\n

Injecting colour, chaos, and unapologetic fun into the day, The Hot Damn!<\/strong> lived up to their name. A fiery foursome formed from members of Tequila Mockingbyrd and The Amorettes, they brought punchy punk rock with glam sparkle, tight harmonies, and infectious humour.<\/p>\n

Their set was high-energy from the jump \u2013 think Joan Jett crossed with a unicorn on a sugar rush. Tracks like Dance Around<\/em>, I Didn\u2019t Like You Anyway<\/em>, and the crowd-belting Going Down<\/em> had everyone from die-hard metallers to toddlers in ear defenders bouncing in sync. Pure joy, pure rebellion, pure class.<\/p>\n

\n

The Quireboys<\/strong> \ud83c\udfa9<\/h3>\n

Spike and the gang returned like old friends pulling up a bar stool. The Quireboys<\/strong> aren\u2019t just Steelhouse regulars \u2014 they\u2019re part of the mountain\u2019s DNA. Their whiskey-soaked brand of pub rock has aged like a fine cask ale, and from the moment Hey You<\/em> rang out, the singalongs started and didn\u2019t stop.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a certain magic to hearing 7 O\u2019Clock<\/em> ring out across the hills, especially after a pint or three. Spike\u2019s gravelly vocals, the warm tone of Guy Griffin\u2019s guitar, and the soul of the keys created a set that felt like a group hug in musical form. Iechyd da! \ud83c\udf7b<\/p>\n

\n

Massive Wagons<\/strong> \ud83c\udfa9\ud83d\udd25<\/h3>\n

Baz Mills = Chaos Goblin Supreme.<\/strong> Clad in his trademark bowler hat and kinetic energy, Baz launched into In It Together<\/em> and China Plates<\/em> like he\u2019d been trapped in a box since 2020 and just exploded onto the stage.<\/p>\n

This wasn\u2019t just a set \u2014 it was a riot<\/strong>. Fans jumped, sang, screamed, and Baz never stopped moving. The band is tight as hell \u2013 slick solos, perfect timing, wild energy \u2013 and Back to the Stack<\/em> hit emotional highs as a tribute to Rick Parfitt. Bangin’ in Your Stereo<\/em> was an actual instruction manual. A Steelhouse staple now, and deservedly so. C\u2019mon you Wagons!<\/p>\n

\n

The Wildhearts (Headliner)<\/strong> \ud83e\udde0\u2764\ufe0f<\/h3>\n

The wild hearts were back<\/strong>, and they came armed with fury, hooks, and a lot<\/em> of volume. Ginger and co blasted through a setlist that hit like a punk-powered freight train, including Everlone<\/em>, Sick of Drugs<\/em>, and the crowd-erupting I Wanna Go Where the People Go<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The chemistry was chaotic good<\/em> \u2013 like watching lightning in a pint glass. There’s rawness in their performances, but that\u2019s part of the charm. The band felt like they were baring their souls, punching through the pandemic fog and pulling us all into the light. Cathartic, manic, and unforgettable.<\/p>\n

\n

\ud83c\udfb6 SUNDAY \u2013 Last Day, Lasting Memories<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Empyre<\/strong> \ud83c\udf29\ufe0f<\/h3>\n

Brooding. Atmospheric. Empyre<\/strong> brought the mood<\/em>. Their slower, more introspective sound was a striking contrast to the rest of the weekend\u2019s bombast \u2013 and that\u2019s exactly why it worked. It was like a sonic sunrise through storm clouds.<\/p>\n

Frontman Henrik Steenholdt\u2019s vocals soared with haunting clarity on tracks like Only Way Out<\/em> and Stone<\/em>, building drama and tension that drew the crowd in. It wasn\u2019t a mosh pit \u2013 it was a mesmerised gathering, heads nodding in reverence. A band to watch<\/em>. Quietly colossal.<\/p>\n

\n

The Dust Coda<\/strong> \ud83d\udca8<\/h3>\n

Returning after making serious waves in 2019, The Dust Coda<\/strong> hit harder than ever. Their blues-soaked hard rock felt bigger, sharper, and tighter \u2013 like they\u2019d levelled up during lockdown. Jimmy 2 Times<\/em>, Limbo Man<\/em>, and Dream Alight<\/em> were standouts, with a sound that screamed maturity and confidence.<\/p>\n

Vocalist John Drake delivered with smoky swagger, and the whole set had the polish of a band that\u2019s ready for arena stages. Crowd reaction? Utterly electric. Definitely not dust in the wind \u2013 this lot are kicking up a storm.<\/p>\n

\n

Kris Barras Band<\/strong> \ud83e\udd4a<\/h3>\n

Kris Barras and his band delivered a performance that was equal parts muscle and heart<\/em>. His blend of southern blues rock and modern metal grooves had fists pumping, but it was the emotional grit in tracks like My Parade<\/em> and Ignite (Light It Up)<\/em> that made it special.<\/p>\n

A former MMA fighter turned rock heavyweight, Kris prowled the stage like a lion, but his humility and gratitude were plain to see. His solos? Face-melting<\/em>. The crowd? Hooked. His set was a reminder that resilience and rhythm go hand in hand.<\/p>\n

\n

Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons (Headliner)<\/strong> \u2694\ufe0f<\/h3>\n

Legend. Icon. Local hero.<\/strong> Phil Campbell brought it home in style with his crew of bastard sons and frontman Neil Starr. Their set was a triumph \u2013 heavy, raw, and deeply Welsh<\/em>. Blasting through original crushers like We’re the Bastards<\/em> and Freak Show<\/em>, they had the audience in a frenzy.<\/p>\n

But when the Mot\u00f6rhead tributes began\u2026 the mountain shook<\/em>. Ace of Spades<\/em> turned into a full-blown anthem, with the entire crowd roaring like Lemmy himself was watching from Valhalla. An emotional, powerful end to a cathartic weekend. Diolch Phil \u2013 that meant the world.<\/p>\n

\n

\ud83c\udfc1 Final Verdict \u2013 Reborn in Riffs<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Steelhouse 2021<\/strong> was a release, a reckoning, and a rallying cry<\/em>. It reminded us what we\u2019d missed. It reminded us who we are<\/em>. From first riff to last encore, it felt like a battle won \u2013 a rock \u2018n\u2019 roll resurrection powered by heart, grit, and community.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfb8 No international bands? No problem.
\ud83c\udf27\ufe0f Rain and mud? Part of the charm.
\ud83d\udc09 Steelhouse? Home.<\/em><\/p>\n

Cymru am byth! See you on the mountain \u2013 louder, prouder, and muddier than ever.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

After a year of eerie silence, shuttered stages, and postponed dreams, Steelhouse 2021 wasn\u2019t just a festival \u2013 it was a revival. The mountain came back to life with a roar, and we answered it in unison, arms raised, hearts pounding. \ud83c\udfd4\ufe0f\ud83d\udd25 In a year when international acts couldn\u2019t make it, UK talent stepped up…<\/p>\n

Continue reading<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13724,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[71],"tags":[232,172,184,237,235,233,230,231,236,234],"class_list":["post-13699","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category--steelhouse-festival-reviews","tag-backonthemountain","tag-bendigedigbeats","tag-cmonwales","tag-cymrurocksagain","tag-moshpitreborn","tag-rockrevival2021","tag-steelhousefestival2021","tag-steelhouseresurrection","tag-tidycomeback","tag-valleysreturn","entry","clearfix","entry-grid","entry-columns-default","entry-post-module-layout-sidebar-right","thumbnail-color-tone-dark","entry-post","entry-post-grid"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t