Live music has returned to the UK with a mad rush of festivals doing their best to salvage what has been a brutal summer for music lovers.
I had my sights set on something a bit different outside of the masses heading to Leeds and Reading. Taking the train from London a few hours north to Sheffield, I was excited to get back to my roots, the music I grew up on, sleaze metal. And there’s no better way to experience this resurgence than my first Hard Rock Hell festival. Focused on returning this under-celebrated metal pastime to the forefront, the fine folks at HRH brought together a stellar lineup for their 2021 return.
While quite a few of the original headliners and bands from outside the UK, unfortunately, had to cancel due to Covid restrictions in one form or another, the lineup ended up surprisingly strong. A mix of new blood nestled in-between some industry staples made for an exciting two days of old favorites and new discoveries. Here are my highlights and picks from the two-day sleaze-fest.
Wayward Sons
Stevie Pearce and the Hooligans
South of Salem
The Quireboys
The Mercury Riots
The City Kids
For more check out the full review on The Vinyl District