Wayward Sons and Graham Harding Stage line-up revealed for Planet Rockstock 2024
A guide to all 21 bands playing the festival’s second stage
Last updated 22nd Apr 2024
As Planet Rock’s Planet Rockstock approaches its 11th edition, a number that would of course have Spinal Tap’s Nigel Tufnell nodding in approval, we're delighted to announce that Wayward Sons (featuring our very own Toby Jepson) will be our Sunday night special guests.
They'll be taking to the stage just before Sunday night headliners Uriah Heep, and join a lineup that already includes Michael Monroe, Robert Jon and the Wreck, Von Hertzen Brothers and many more.
Planet Rockstock 2024 tickets:
Accommodation and weekend non-accommodation tickets are on sale now! As always, a Payment Plan is available to help spread costs.
There are a limited number of units still available. Find out more information about tickets below.
Buy Planet Rockstock tickets
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Graham Harding Stage band guide
We’ve assembled a suitably headbanging collection of bands for our always-popular second stage.
Named after a greatly missed member of the Planet Rock team, the Graham Harding Stage is in a marquee, and just like last year it will be hosting a wealth of talent over all four days of 2024’s stellar Planet Rockstock event.
You can expect a resolutely rocking coming together of styles and genre, from new bands to veteran outfits, something to please everyone. Here’s our handy guide to everything that’s happening on Planet Rockstock’ s second stage…
Graham Harding Stage – Thursday line-up
Sevi
While they might be a new name to us in the UK, Sevi require no introduction in their homeland of Bulgaria. Fronted by the enigmatic, pure-voiced Svetlana Bliznakova, the band play richly melodic and emotive, beautifully sculptured rock, occasionally attracting some recognisable guest stars, such as Hardline vocalist Johnny Gioeli. So professional is this outfit that they’ve been selected to open for such legends as Nightwish, Evanescence and Black Stone Cherry back home in Sofia. This is one introduction not to miss.
'World That Doesn't Fit':
Atack
This UK outfit might not be well known to us, but there’s a wealth of experience within its accomplished ranks. Keith Atack has been one of this country’s most in-demand session guitar players for decades, and he’s justifiably decided it’s time to do his own thing as well. Enter vocalist extraordinaire Lee Small, who has sung with Sweet, plus Thunder bassist Chris Childs, and wrap it all up in a colourful covering of solid, bluesy rock, and you have a consummate new entry to classic rock’s ever enlarging cache of talent. Debut album ‘Nine Lives’ is out now.
‘My New Addiction’:
Stormchild
A story quite unlike any other, Stormchild were initially considered part of the late 70s/early 80s NWOBHM movement, although their more ‘commercial’, keyboard-orientated approach might have aligned them more closely to the MTV-friendly music that followed. Arguably then, they were ahead of their time. The original line-up reformed in 2015 to record the album ‘Lightning Never Strikes Twice’. Since then, two of the members have assembled a touring version of the band, and it’s this outfit, with its unique history and style, that we’ll be welcoming to Trecco Bay this year.
‘No Chances’:
Leader Of Down
Another band with a fascinating history, Leader Of Down was initially a vehicle for the talents of Motörhead legend Würzel – the name based on the guitarist mishearing the lyrics to Quo classic ‘Down Down’. Although the lifetime metaller sadly died in 2011, the band he inspired has pushed on, making music that both salutes Motörhead and Würzel’s fine legacy, but also tips the hat to influences ranging from Judas Priest to early Crüe. With everyone from Ugly Kid Joe’s Whitfield Crane to former Maiden guitarist Dennis Stratton backing them at various times, who’s gonna bet against them?
‘Cat’s Eye Night’:
Graham Harding Stage – Friday line-up
Beth Blade And The Beautiful Disasters
There’s a joyous ‘death or glory’ element to Beth Blade’s music and attitude. It comes from somewhere within the eminently approachable frontwoman, a righteous and survival-led kickback to all the negativity that has dogged both her world and ours. The result, in the hands of someone this talented, does of course demand to be heard, or witnessed. Proven irrevocably over three albums, from one stonking rock anthem to another, from metal tirades to surprisingly tender elements, there’s both fire and flowers in this band’s cache. Whatever happens, it’ll be dramatic and you’ll feel it – so don’t miss out when they bring all that attitude and firepower to this year’s Harding stage.
‘Tonight I’m With You’:
The Jokers
This no-nonsense, hard-touring heavy rock n’roll band hails from the north of England, but you wouldn’t question it if they claimed to be from Melbourne. There’s something universal about this quartet’s energetic, hi-octane rock – we’ve seen it in everyone from AC/DC to Black Crowes, and there’s elements of both those classic bands, and much more, within The Jokers’ sprightly, dangerous and occasionally heartfelt output. Their last album was called ‘Rock And Roll Bones’ and that just about sums them up – back to basics, hangover-busting head-rattlers that you won’t wanna miss.
‘Slapback’:
Pyrogaric
It’s the kind of thing you have to look at twice before you entirely believe it. Remarkably, that flyaway, psychedelia-kissed sound really is coming from just two people. One of the Welsh duo, Jamey-Leigh Butcher, is fulfilling just about the toughest multi-tasking imaginable – singing lead vocals while playing drums! At their roots there’s a Sabbath influence here, but Pyrogaric are very much a law unto themselves, emoting 70s-flavoured sounds that are tinted to just enough novelty and strangeness to make their set an unmissable prospect.
‘Fly On The Wall’:
Rizen
Somerset quintet Rizen come to us with a healthy side note of humour – Josh Taylor plays bass “because someone has to” while drummer Mikey Cakebread not only has the crème de la crème of surnames, but is “indisputably the second youngest in the band”. Don’t be fooled, though, because Rizen’s music is no laughing matter. Their gritty melodic rock has been forged from some heavyweight influences and is about as honest as the genre gets. ‘Freeway’ is as full of propulsive hard rock energy as its title suggests, while ‘Hollow’, in contrast, bravely explores the challenges of depression.
‘Hollow’:
The Kut
Riff-and-hook powered outfit The Kut bring a compelling honesty to the stage along with a healthy rejection of convention. They play lively, attractively rugged tunes that seem both personal and inclusive – it’s all about using their DIY punk roots to the strongest possible effect. There’s already been a sizable connection – the more considered emotions of ‘Satellite’ has taken that song’s video to over 54,000 views on YouTube, while ‘Animo’ (meaning ‘courage’) is an empowering anthem designed to rally the clans. Expect a hefty dose of energy, unity and punk rock spirit.
‘Animo’:
Graham Harding Stage – Saturday line-up
Saffron Gorman And The Black Eagle Band
The very observant will remember Saffron from her appearance at Planet Rock’s Winters End in 2023. Then fronting The Forged Hearts, she’s now moved on to a new project that seems more focused in intent, offering back to basics, high voltage rock n’roll mixed with a pop sensibility. The Northern Irish crew, which also features members of Baleful Creed, followed up their tantalising debut single ‘Boohoo’ with the addictive, glittery stomp of ‘Come On Over’. It’s early days for the outfit, so we can’t wait to see what they bring to this year’s Rockstock.
‘Come On Over’:
Syteria
Formed by Girlschool guitarist Jackie ‘Jax’ Chambers, Syteria is no less punchy and hard-hitting than her more famous day job, but it does mix up its genres in a less predictable manner. Featuring the vocal talents of Brazilian-born Julia Calvo, Syteria play instantly memorable songs that hit hard and don’t outstay their welcome. Think of punk and hard rock combined into a rather tasty dish, and you’re most of the way there. This outfit are no strangers to the stage either so expect rippling hooks, precise musicianship and above all, positively charged and relatable punk metal anthems.
‘It Hit Me’:
The Black Vultures
A new name they might be, but bands like South Wales rockers The Black Vultures are exactly the reason it’s worth lending your ear to the unknown now and again. On the strength of just two songs, the quartet has been likened to Queens Of The Stone Age, buzzsaw guitars and cool, quick-as-darts hooks instantly lodging in the brain. ‘Treat Me Like An Animal’ will get your attention, but ‘Never Say’ is possibly even better, Aled Owen Jones’ ripping guitar solo vying for space in the memory with frontman Huw Williams’ cool hook. Check them out now and you can say you’ve been there from the start.
‘Never Say’:
Gypsy’s Kiss
When frontman David Smith put the first incarnation of Gypsy’s Kiss together way back in 1974, he had no less a personage that Steve Harris at his side. The latter of course went on to fame and much more at the helm of Iron Maiden, and when Gypsy’s Kiss reformed in 2018 it was a timely reminder of the band that will always remain right at the top of the extensive Maiden family free. The current line-up certainly hasn’t been living on past glories, releasing two albums since then, polishing their three-guitar pronged, ambitious and resolutely tuneful hard rock. Signs of Maiden’s DNA? Only one way to find out…
‘Better Than Me’:
Ransom
Pub rock done stadium style? Why not – you don’t get noticed by staying quiet. Ransom’s rugged hard rock is a safe house, a reliable hard rocking port in a storm. It presses the right buttons, and rocks with heart and a touch of good humour. ‘Strap Yourself In’ is perhaps their signature tune – rowdy, well produced and pretty much typifying the UK rockers’ hand-on-heart attitude. Elsewhere, songs like the cheeky ‘Even Nuns Watch Porn’ and ‘Lil Green Eyed Monster’ bring raw riffs and raucous hooks. If there’s comfort to be found in familiarity, this is one ransom you won’t mind paying.
‘Strap Yourself In’:
The Heat Inc
Some bands stand out by themselves, and it’s not necessarily a lonely place to be if you’re as good as London’s The Heat Inc. Drawing comparisons with The Doors, The Cult and Billy Idol, this four-piece doesn’t just sound like the real deal, but simply looks as if it belongs together, too. Musically, The Heat Inc ply a passion-infused trade in darkly flavoursome alternative rock, influenced perhaps by the above but not in any sense derived directly from anything that’s gone before. Maybe if Kasabian had grown up listening to The Ramones they might’ve ended up sounding a touch like this, but the best thing about The Heat Inc is that they stand pretty much alone. As such, this is one Rockstock debut you don’t wanna miss.
‘Draw Blood For Proof’:
Graham Harding Stage – Sunday line-up
BXRRELL
Pronounced ‘buh-rell’, this unique band is a musical vehicle spurred into life by online guitar sensation Sophie Burrell. Still in her early 20s, Sophie has already amassed a huge following through her YouTube guitar clips – a ‘real world’ band project is the natural next step for her obvious talent. First video ‘Dare To’ quickly amassed over 400,000 views, while ‘White Noise’ has shown a different side to Sophie’s talent and that of her band. These aren’t the guitar fests you might expect; instead they marshal pop and electronic elements into agile arrangements replete, of course, with Sophie’s accomplished singing and playing. A band for our times, BXRRELL’s Rockstock debut is bound to stand out.
‘White Noise’:
Jayler
As tragic as the passing of legends like Jeff Beck and Bernie Marsden is, it’s important to remember that the spirit and fire that propelled those figures still survives. Right now, there are few clearer signs of its life than those coming out of the West Midlands in the youthful form of Jayler. Already dropping jaws and singeing eyebrows through their electrifying live shows, the quartet is ready to take its sounds to the largest audience possible. There’s no doubting the fire-starting brilliance of breakout song ‘No Woman’ or the chilled, effortless hook-making of ‘Take Me Home’. The best thing about Jayler? Their story has only just begun.
‘No Woman’:
JOANovARC
No strangers to the burgeoning UK rock scene, 2024 has nevertheless represented something of a rebirth for powerfully rocking quartet JOANovARC, a band that’s wrapped everything from punk to metal into a lustrous, headbanging whole. Their current line-up features bassist Keira Kenworthy, recently seen as part of slide guitar maestro Troy Redfern’s live band, plus drummer Chloe Whitworth, and singer/guitarists Emma Hodgson and Shelley Walker. With 2022’s ‘Invisible Enemy’ catching the attention, 2024 has been an exciting new dawn for an ambitious outfit that combines the best qualities of melodic rock with something rather more venomous.
‘Silver Sun’:
SKAM
Few bands epitomise that all-important ‘never say die’ attitude better than Leicester’s SKAM. The power trio are due to release their fifth album in 2024, and any thoughts that their years on the road might have dented their infectious enthusiasm will likely be quashed within minutes of their taking the stage at Planet Rockstock. There’s seemingly nothing that effervescent frontman Steve Hill and his men can’t turn their good humoured might to – there’s ‘Take It Or Leave It’, all muscular riffs and energy, and the slower burn of songs like ‘Massacre’, all giving insight into what the trio are actually capable of, not to mention encouraging bassist Matt Gilmore’s fabulous facial contortions!
‘Take It Or Leave It’:
Dead Writers
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” These, the words of writer and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, are something Dead Writers’ mainman Paul Shine probably relates to. The Londoners, for whom Shine is both singer and songwriter, bring with them volumes of depth. Certainly there are echoes of Queen at their most thoughtful, and somewhere in this music’s design for life is the eloquence of the Manic Street Preachers too. Overall, it is its own thing, darkly romantic, poetic but with undercurrents of nu-goth. It’s too soon to say where it’s all going for Dead Writers – they’ve got a lot to put our way yet, but catching them at Planet Rockstock could be like reading the opening chapter of a future bestseller.
‘Lisa’:
Painted As Monsters
Something heavy and mysterious this way comes. Intriguing local band Painted As Monsters seem to combine elements of shadowy, alternative rock into an admirably listenable whole, traces perhaps of such great acts as Muse and Tool within their considerable armoury. The well marshalled riffs of ‘Seven Sisters’ contrast enticingly with ‘Start Calling Me The Enemy’s stormy slow build. They’ve kept their cards close to their collective chest, indicating that they might be one of those bands refreshingly unfettered by genre. All of which makes their Planet Rockstock debut all the more enticing.
‘Start Calling Me The Enemy’:
Planet Rockstock 2024 FAQs:
When and where does Planet Rockstock take place?
Planet Rockstock takes place at Trecco Bay Holiday Park, South Wales from Thursday 28th November to Sunday 1st December 2024.
An extra 5th night can be purchased and there is also a limited number of spaces who can attend the curry night with special guests Danny Bowes and Luke Morley from Thunder on Wednesday 27th November. More details below.
Can I sit down at Planet Rockstock?
Planet Rockstock is a standing event. If you have a medical condition and you a require a seat, please contact rockstock@planetrock.com.
PLEASE NOTE: There are only a small number of these seats available. Once the space is full, then no extra seats will added.
If you need a break from standing, each band will have a minimum of a 30-minute changeover. The Trooper Lounge has plenty of seats to rest and a bar to get refreshments.
What types of tickets can I buy to Planet Rockstock 2024?
Accommodation tickets:
All accommodation comes with tickets to the event, and they’re available in Gold, Silver and Bronze levels.
Gold accommodation – these are newer units or refurbished units, and come with a free event t-shirt for each member of the party booked in that unit. It includes four-night of onsite accommodation from Thursday 28th November to Sunday 1st December.
Event t-shirt will be black, and you will be asked to submit sizes after you have made the booking. If you don’t submit the size(s), we cannot guarantee that you will get the size of t-shirt you require. T-shirts are given at the time of check. Please make sure you give the correct size when stating on the form as the t-shirts are not exchangeable. Size range from Small – 5XL unisex fit.
Silver accommodation – these are newer units or refurbished. Three-day tickets (Friday 29th to Sunday 1st December) but they can be upgraded to a fourth night (Thursday 28th November).
Bronze accommodation – these are older units. Three day tickets (Friday 29th to Sunday 1st December) but they can be upgraded to a fourth night (Thursday 28th November).
Example 1: A 2 person/2-bedroom gold accommodation unit will have 2 tickets for Thursday – Sunday and accommodation from Thursday 30th Nov 10am – Monday morning 2nd Dec 10am.
Example 2: A 6 person/3-bedroom unit for Silver 3 days will have 6 tickets for Friday – Sunday and accommodation from Friday 29th Nov 10am – Monday 2nd Dec 10am.
All accommodation comes with bedding, have 1 bathroom, kitchen (inc plates/cups, kettle, oven, fridge utensils etc), one double bedroom and other rooms twins. No towels are provided.
Wheelchair Users:
There are a number of accommodation units which are adapted for Wheelchair users. These are in all three levels (Gold, Silver & Bronze). Bookings will automatically give you access to the raised platform in the Showdome. If you purchase a non-accommodation ticket and you in a wheelchair or have other accessibility issue, please email rockstock@planetrock.com
Please note motorised scooters are not permitted into the Showdome and the user must transfer to a wheelchair.
Pets in accommodation:
If you need to bring your dog you must send an email to rockstock@planetrock.com to request. This will requested with the park and is not guaranteed. Dogs are not allowed into the venues.
Additional Night:
Fancy making your stay a little longer? You can add a 5th day to Gold or 4-day Silver/Bronze accommodation bookings at £80 fee plus booking fee irrespective of the number of people in your booking. Check in time for the additional night is 3pm.
Non accommodation bookings:
These will be available as a 3-day standard ticket or 4-day Gold ticket (which includes a free event t-shirt).
Day tickets:
A very limited number will be available later in the year.
Payment plan:
Payment plan on accommodation and weekend tickets is available to help spread the cost over a number of months. Payments must be kept up to date or you could forfeit the whole booking if a payment is missed and a refund won’t be given. There is an small fee for this service
Check in times/ticket pickup:
Gold/4-day Silver/Bronze - 10am, Thursday 28th November
Silver/Bronze - 10am, Friday 29th November
Check out - Monday 2nd December at 10am
Day tickets can be picked up on the day from 10am
Buy Planet Rockstock Payment Plan tickets
What is included in the Planet Rockstock curry night on the Wednesday?
The curry night will feature a two-course set menu with a basket of poppadums and dips on arrival. Special guests this year will be Danny and Luke from Thunder.
Included in the meal:
Basket of Poppodums and Dips on arrival. (Trio of Mini Poppodums with Dips)
Starter :
Lamb Samosa with Mint chutney (or)
Vegetable samosa with Tamarind chutney (or)
Chicken Tikka (or)
Onion Bhajis
Mains:
Pre-plated Plate with a Choice of main Meat or Veg course . All comes with Plain Pulao, Naan Bread, and Saag Aloo.
Option 1 Meat – Chicken Tikka Masala or Chicken Madras
Option 2 Meat- Lamb Korma or Lamb Bhuna
Option 3 Veg- Veg Tikka Masala or Veg Madras
Option 4 Vegan and NG: Vegetable jalfrezi, Plain Pulao, Onion bhaji, and crunchy side salad or masala fries option.
There are a limited number of curry night tickets available and will be available to 5-day accommodation ticket holders and non-accommodation holders. Tickets are priced at £50 plus booking fee each.