Sunday
Swan & Heron stages
These stages will operate alternately so you will be able to see all of every band if you wish.
Both stages, and the bar, are housed within one marquee to protect you from the weather.
Caravan
When the term "The Canterbury Scene" is mentioned, the name of Caravan invariably springs to mind. Founded in 1969 by Pye Hastings, the band have gone on to play all over the world, including crowds of 250,000 in Rotterdam in 1971. Numerous albums have followed but their sound remains unique. The current line-up continue to entertain audiences from far and wide. However, these days they don't play so many gigs, so NVRF are exceptionally delighted to have Caravan headlining our Swan stage for a full 90 minute set. Don't miss them!
Martin Turner ex Wishbone Ash
Wishbone Ash was formed by West Country musicians Martin Turner and Steve Upton. Intent on creating a musical sound that was rich in texture and melody, Martin Turner envisaged the band’s innovative harmony-guitar hallmark and guitarists Ted Turner and Andy Powell were recruited and the partnership of the original line-up of Wishbone Ash forged a unique musical identity that would produce some of rock music's best loved works and influencing numerous successful bands, resulting in millions of album sales and concert attendances. Wishbone Ash would become one of the most enduring British rock acts - its name synonymous with high quality, guitar-driven melodic rock music.
Solstice
A story that began at the legendary Marquee Club in London's Wardour Street finally arrives at the chapter PROG journalist Martin Kielty describes as "Solstice becoming the band they were always meant to be". With the beguiling presence of vocalist Jess Holland, Solstice are THE band to catch live this year. A string of high profile festival appearances from Glastonbury to Milan, and a career topping show in front of 20,000 people at Cropredy Festival, confirms the band’s journey moves ever onwards.
Troy Redfern
Troy Redfern combines the rawness of Hound Dog Taylor, the free-form approach of Sonny Sharrock, the firebrand playing of Johnny Winter and the technique of Dave Hole, mixed with the ghost of Elmore James'.
There's something about the Welsh marches. As guitarist Troy Redfern tells it, he grew up in the shadow of Hergest Ridge, made famous by Mike Oldfield. Troy is a passionate, intense, free spirited indie blues artist whose ferocious slide guitar style twists and turns timeless themes and ideas to his own ends. His music is physical, engaging and emotive and worthy of hip references like indie blues, except it's backed up by real substance and stretched to the limit by virtuoso solos.
Doris Brendel
Steam Punk extravaganza, laser gloves and kick-arse musicians... ​Doris Brendel, one of the most unique female rock-singers of the last decade, now has 11 albums to her credit with the 12th on the way and is always one of the most accomplished and exciting live singers on the scene. She's toured with many notable acts - chances are you'll have seen her with or without her band at some point! Apart from first-class musicianship, expect outlandish steam-punk costumes and an unforgettable show that leaves you wanting more!
Predatür
They're old school. They were old school when it was new school, and just haven't moved on. In fact it's probably about time they went back to school to see what it's all about. Founding member, lead singer, and guitarist in the band, Baz formed Predatur as a teenager with a group of friends back in '76. The current line up returns the band to its roots, with frantic rock, boogie bursting at the seams, and enough blue notes for any tortured soul. With a front man that will always tell it like it is, you'll find yourself on board and wondering why you didn't know more about them - unless you saw them at NVRF last year in which case you'll be at the front!
Gypsy's Kiss
Gypsy’s Kiss were formed in the East End of London in early 1974 by Iron Maiden founder and bassist, Steve Harris and David Smith who lived close to each other and went to the same school. Therefore, the band sit proudly at the ‘top of the Iron Maiden Family Tree’! They were determined to be a hard rocking band and quickly made a significant impact on the growing East London music scene playing at The Cart & Horses, Bridgehouse and other well-known local venues. They remain loyal to their Maiden heritage, and continue to bring their classic rock sound to a wider audience beyond their Iron Maiden roots. 2024 will mark 50 years since their formation in 1974.
Chris Bevington Organisation
Chris Bevington realised an ambition to record a Blues based album and the first album "Chris Bevington & Friends" was released to critical acclaim globally. Album 2 "Better Start Cookin'" was released & the title track "61 & 49" was voted as third best International Blues track by Blues & Roots in the USA in 2020. 2018 saw the release of “Cut and Run”. The band were nominated for 2 IBBA Blues Awards: Best Live UK Band & Best Blues Album with the release of the 4th Album Sand & Stone. They've been through a few line-up changes and the latest revitalised incarnation certainly gives a sensational vibe!
Beguiled
Beguiled prides themselves on playing challenging songs with lots of dynamics. The Band had a hit song with singer/guitarist and songwriter Phil White's "Man in the Mirror" which reach number 15 in the Australian charts of all places in 2019. They have recorded 7 studio Albums and one live double Album. Together with original guitarist ‘PJ’ Jennings, Chris Ross (bass/keys) and Nick Meyers (drums) their influences range from Pink Floyd and Dream Theatre to Sabbath and Zeppelin.
Sunday
Kingfisher stage
This stage will usually offer a clear contrast to the bands in our other marquee.
Sacrilege
Sacrilege are an original UK based vintage heavy rock band spannng 7 album releases. Their latest album titled “The Court of the Insane” was released in August 2019 for global distribution for Pure Steel Records label. Founder member Bill Beadle (lead vocalist/guitarist/songwriter) originally formed the band in 1982. After recording a 4 track demo in 1983 they appeared on the Kid Jenson Rock Show along with U2 and The Stranglers. From the tv appearance followed a tour ending at the Marquee club.
Bill reformed the band in 2012.
Genius The Fool
Genius The Fool started out featuring Barry Cassells (drums), Paul Teasdale (bass) and Mark Rowen (guitars) - all former members of either York based band 'Stolen Earth' or ex-Mostly Autumn offshoot band 'Breathing Space'.... or both!! 2022 saw seismic changes, with the current line-up including keyboard player Phil Rushfirth, bass player Chris Hiscocks, lead guitar from Jonathan Axon and backing vocalist Rosie Axon. But the biggest change is the recruitment of a new lead singer to replace Lisa Box. These were mighty shoes to fill, but they believe they've done it with the addition of Emma Caplan.
Born Healer
Soulful, heavy, groovy blues rockers! "...like Janis Joplin fronting Free!" Regular performers on UK rock and blues festival main stages. Helen Turner is a 2023 UK Blues Federation best vocalist nominee and "the real deal" according to Classic Rock magazine. "A winner all the way", Blues In Britain. "Blistering blues-laced soul... stunning", Blues in Britain. "Material that really shouts", Classic Rock. "One of the class acts around at the moment", Music-News.com.
Haze
Despite their reputation as a progressive rock band, Haze have always included a wide variety of influences, from pop, rock, folk & metal. They established their reputation as one of the hardest working underground bands of the ‘80s and continue to perform regularly, including weekly live-streams during Lockdown. Their previous studio album, "Back to the Bones", was their fastest-selling album at the time but their latest, "The Water's Edge" was heavily previewed at last year's NVRF and is likely to do just as well, featuring most of the McMahon family tree! Haze’s legendary reputation is richly deserved!
Neil Sadler Band
Neil Sadler, critically acclaimed blues/rock recording artist is known for his collaborations with Larry Miller; The UK Blues Project and legendary Reading band The Moonwalkers (both with Scott Hunter & Henry Hopkins); Blue Touch; The Eric Street Band and Malaya Blue, with whom he co-wrote “Bring Me Your Sin”, which is listed for a Grammy Nomination. Neil has performed around the UK and abroad for many years at festivals, special events and theatres creating a good following wherever he goes and has achieved success with recent album releases getting much radio play.
Trilogy
Following their show at NVRF 2023, we're really pleased to have Trilogy back again this year! Trilogy are a three-piece band from Essex, who combine heavy rock influences with the quirky time signatures and virtuoso musicianship of classic Prog. 40 years on from their BBC Friday Rock Show session in 1983, the enthusiastic response to Trilogy’s social media pages has led to a reunion, with fans old and new eager to see the band onstage again after so many years.
Dancing Wu Li Masters
At NVRF we like to support local musicians and the Dancing Wu Li Masters are very local to Grimsthorpe, based in the surrounding villages. They fuse prog, rock and funk with a heady acid 90s vibe inspired by the likes of Ozrics, Talk Talk, Talking Heads and Porcupine Tree and maybe Climax Blues Band and the Chili Peppers! Playing music written over 30 years, the band have played at many festivals including Strawberry Fayre, Equinox Festival and Willow Festival. Their music is a danceable mix of diverse lyrical concepts (such as the environmental destruction of the Roman city of Leptis Magna), combined with instrumental prowess across guitar, keys, percussion, drums and bass.