Stone Free Festival – Fathers Day With Blues & Prog At O2 Arena

by | Jul 2, 2018

This was my first time at Stone Free Festival, which is a well thought out two-day event.  Day 2 was billed as Prog and Blues, but there was enough variety to keep everyone entertained.

The whole of the O2 venue is used, from the undercover Orange Amp stage (which is outside near the entrance) to Indigo at the O2 (a smaller venue inside with a great stage plus plenty of room to move around). The main arena also comes into play later in the day.

Stone Wire (Edyta K)

When I arrived, I caught a few minutes of StoneWire, with a female singer, Sky Hunter, who really impressed me and made me wish I was there a bit earlier to hear the whole of their set. They had a great groove going on from the two guitarists, Gaz Annable and Duncan Greenway plus solid bass lines from Steve Briggs. The drumming was provided by Rob Glasner. They’re a band I really want to hear more of as they are vibrant with a blues-rock vibe that reminds me slightly of Blues Pills.

Jared James Nichols (Edyta K)

Then it was off to Indigo to see Jared James Nichols who’s a very impressive guitarist, ably supported by Dennis Holm on drums and Gregg Cash on bass. For a three-piece this band really know how to produce a huge amount of sound. Jared was full of blues swagger, looking every bit the front man, with his flowing blonde hair whipping about, while he creates the most sublime riffs. The crowd really grew and I could see loads of people dancing along.

Jared James Nichols (Edyta K)

Gregg provides thundering bass which works really well in adding contrast between the rising licks that Jared produces effortlessly. It’s really fun to watch the interplay between the two musicians, especially when they do their mock guitar battles. The crowd were willing participants when asked, very nicely, by Jared to sing along during Baby Can You Feel It, eventually winding them up to “Scream that shit with me!” A great set that delighted the crowd although it was over too quickly.

Jared James Nichols (Edyta K)

Back outside at the Orange Amp stage I heard a couple of songs by Vambo, a four-piece rock band who seem to me to be influenced by a number of ‘70s bands.  This is not a bad thing as they provided music that felt comfortable, allowing you to nod your head along to the rhythm. The riffs were plentiful with precision drumming and bass grooves that really stood out.

Vambo (Edyta K)

Next up were The Rising Souls. Unfortunately, I didn’t see much of their set, which was a real shame as they sounded fantastic. They’re a combination of Rival Sons and The Temperance Movement, with rich, sonorous  vocals that pack a real punch. They drew a large crowd and it wasn’t hard to see why: they had an infectious groove going on that was putting a smile on many faces. I definitely want to see more of this band as theirs is feel good music played extremely well.

The Rising Souls (Edyta K)

The Rising Souls (Edyta K)

Back to the Indigo for Tyketto who drew a large crowd.  Lead vocalist Danny Vaughn really interacted with the crowd, who loved him for it. There was great camaraderie on stage between all the band members, with nodding smiles, some laughs, and everyone having their moment to shine.

Tyketto (Edyta K)

The precision playing was top notch, combining soaring vocals and elegant guitars.  Danny quipped that he was “not doing his best Michael Jackson” impression and explained that they played a gig the night before in Switzerland, got three hours’ sleep, and that his underwear “was a bit loose as a result”. It’s nearly the 25th anniversary of their second album Strength In Numbers and so they played Rescue Me, a song inspired by a letter the band received from a fan.

Tyketto (Edyta K)

This is a band who know that chugging bass lines, fluid riffs, and great vocals will win over an audience. Getting the crowd involved was also a large part of their set, encouraging them to sing along to Lay Your Body Down.

Tyketto (Edyta K)

It’s back outside to see the band closing the Orange Amp stage, after their endorsement by Orange earlier this year: The Bad Flowers. This was a personal highlight for me as I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this band grow both in stature and ability over the years I’ve been following them. It will come as no surprise to anyone who’s seen them that their deep, funky basslines, precise and vibrant riffs, plus the throbbing drums went down really well with the crowd. The Bad Flowers drew people to them like moths to a flame, seducing them with the infectious sound they create, combined with lyrics you can sing along to, and melodies that make your toes tap and head nod.

Bad Flowers (Edyta K)

From the starting track of Lions Blood to the closing of City Lights, this was a set that delighted and hit the crowd hard. The thunderous riffs made Tom Leighton’s hat fly off, whilst Dale Tonks’ basslines were so deep and funk-filled that he got his own moment in the spotlight. Not hard to see why when he plays his bass like a lead guitar. There was stick twirling aplenty from Karl Selickis, who managed to combine precision with intensity and did more than just keep time. Hurricane kept the howling wind at bay and even brought out the sun for a few moments. Tom thanked everyone for coming to see them, outlining just what a huge year this has already been, acknowledging everyone from Planet Rock to the audience in a voice that could barely contain his emotion. This was a blistering finale to the Orange Amps stage and one that will not be forgotten for a long time.

Bad Flowers (Edyta K)

Bad Flowers (Edyta K)

The next act I got to see was Roger Hodgson of Supertramp in the main O2 Arena. The beautifully crafted Take The Long Way Home, which took me right back to childhood holidays, featured really strong vocals and was the perfect opener to a pretty perfect set. Roger, looking resplendent in his white suit and deep blue shirt, gave a heartfelt introduction, saying how emotional he was and how glad he was to be in the UK.

Roger Hodgson of Supertramp (Edyta K)

He moved effortlessly from keys to piano and guitar, playing all the hits you would want including School and Breakfast in America, which Roger joked that only the UK audiences get. Logical Song, featuring extremely sultry sax playing, was perfect for me, being Father’s Day, as my dad loved this track.

Roger Hodgson of Supertramp (Edyta K)

The band were impeccably tight, each knowing precisely what was required of them.  As Roger raised his tea cup to the audience, he said the UK tugs at his heart strings as the tracks were mainly written here, and he was grateful to have touched so many people. Fool’s Overture was moving and hauntingly beautiful, Give A Little Bit got the crowd singing and clapping along while Roger played acoustic guitar, and set finale It’s Raining Again sounded perfect and far too cheerful for the lyrics.

Roger Hodgson of Supertramp (Edyta K)

The crowd adored him, giving rapturous applause and it was very easy to understand why: his was a perfect performance, very tight and beautifully executed.

YES ft. ARW (Edyta K)

To round off the night we got to see a very small part of the set by Yes featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman. With Rick wearing his red, sequined cape looking like a mighty wizard and Jon in a silver suit, they kicked off with Cinema. This again promised to be another slick set, the music wrapping you up in clouds of cotton wool. The mesmeric beauty of Hold On was next up, with Jon hitting even the highest notes, backed up by first-class playing from the rest of the band.

YES ft. ARW (Edyta K)

YES ft. ARW (Edyta K)

They sounded so good, I’d have loved to stay for the entire performance. But, as an amazing rendition of Perpetual Change began ringing out, I had to start making my way home, unfortunately cutting short a full day of excellent music and performances. I’m sure I’ll be back next year.

Stone Free Festival, 16th June 2018, London O2 Arena

Review by Samantha Lamb and Photography by Edyta K of Stone Free Festival, 16th June 2018, London O2 Arena

The Royston Club (Sam Crowston)

The Royston Club Announce New Album ‘Songs For The Spine’ And Biggest Tour Yet Ciematic

After the Top 20 success of their debut album, The Royston Club are pushing into bold new territory with the announcement of their second full-length record, Songs For The Spine, due out 8th August. Alongside the album reveal comes the emotionally charged new single Glued To The Bed, premiered by Huw Stephens on BBC 6 Music, and news of their biggest UK headline tour to date—culminating in a major London show at the O2 Forum Kentish Town.

Lissie (Madison Speer)

Rockshot Favourite Lissie Returns With Tender New EP Promises, Sharing Heartfelt Cover Of ‘I’ll Stand By You’

A long-time favourite here at Rockshot Magazine, American singer-songwriter Lissie makes a welcome return with her...
Skerryvore (Press)

Skerryvore Unveil Uplifting New Single ‘The Sea That Sings’ Ahead of Biggest Show Yet At Floors Castle

Scottish folk-rock trailblazers Skerryvore are celebrating 20 years of music, memories, and massive live moments with...
Will Linley (Press)

Will Linley Channels Heartache Into Euphoria On New Single ‘Cinematic’

South African-born artist Will Linley is keeping his foot on the gas. The 23-year-old singer-songwriter has returned with his brand-new single Cinematic via Island Records—a sweeping, emotional anthem that perfectly captures the push-pull between heartbreak and hope. Known for his self-coined “sad-pop” style, Linley once again proves his ability to transform personal pain into songs that make you want to dance through the tears.

House of Protection (Anthony Tran)

House Of Protection Drop Electrifying New EP ‘Outrun You All’ & Announce UK Tour Dates

One of the most thrilling new forces in heavy music, House Of Protection have released their sophomore EP Outrun You All via Red Bull Records—a genre-hopping, high-octane project that confirms the duo’s position as one of 2024’s most fearless acts. Known for fusing atmospheric trip-hop, art punk, underground electronic, and hardcore chaos, the band wastes no time diving deep into their expansive musical world on this blistering seven-track release.

Jawbone (Rob Blackham / Blackham Images)

Jawbone Reignite Their Signature Sound With ‘Jawbone II’ — A Soulful, Live-Wire Triumph Of Folk, Rock & Psychedelia

It’s been a long time coming, but some things are worth the wait. Acclaimed British roots-rock band Jawbone have released their long-anticipated second album, Jawbone II, out now via 5dB Records (also home to anaiis, Ashaine White, and MOULD). Arriving seven years after their 2018 debut, Jawbone II reintroduces the quartet with the full force of their signature blend: timeless songwriting, masterful musicianship, and a rare kind of chemistry that can only come from years of playing together.

The Zipheads Kickstart A Rock ‘N’ Roll Renaissance In London

There’s two types of people in this world: those who’ve experienced The Zipheads live, and those who are missing out....
Reneé Rapp (Zora Sicher)

Reneé Rapp Enters Her Villain Era with Explosive New Single ‘Leave Me Alone’ and Announces Sophomore Album ‘Bite Me’

Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Reneé Rapp has officially kicked off a brand-new chapter with the release of her blistering new single, Leave Me Alone—out today via Interscope Records—alongside the announcement of her highly anticipated sophomore album, Bite Me, arriving on 1st August.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing