Review: Maid Of Stone Festival – Day 1

Mote Park, Maidstone (Friday July 18^th, 2025)

Reviewer – Phil Honley

Photographers – Phil Honley & Dan Mann

A great choice to open up proceedings on the first day with southern rockers Hillbilly Vegas at the earlier time this year of 1:30pm. Only two stages this year, The Inferno and Firestarter Stages, as they have dropped the Phoenix stage, so extra time is required to squeeze thirteen bands in. No clashes scheduled this year so my trusted “Clashfinder” grid is practically redundant apart from telling me that a sprint is required after each band as there isn’t a second to waste between.

Oklahomans Hillbilly Vegas are no strangers to our shores and Steve Harris (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Stacy Thornburg (Guitar/Vocals), Johnny Reed (Guitar/Vocals), Todd Ronning who I last saw playing with Bad Company replacing Robb Edwards (Bass/Vocals) and Troy Hollinger (Drums), bring us the finest quality southern rock.

We jump from the heart of the USA to London based Leadfeather. We are still awaiting the release of the band’s debut album but judging from the response to recent EP ‘Roll The Dice‘ and recent live performances it will certainly be worth keeping an eye on the upwards progress of this band. Lead Singer, Apostolos L is a formidable front man with a true ‘rock’ voice, thus the comparisons with the likes of Zeppelin.

Perhaps the worst kept secret, there were many guesses but it soon became obvious it was going to be Kris Barras and Josiah J Manning’s new project, Hollow Souls even before Darren Reddick let it slip on air!

We knew that Kris and Josiah would be joined by band members Phoebe Jane on vocals, Joe Harris on drums, and Leighton Allen but the big secret was who would be guesting if anyone. Jared James Nichols and Jon Harvey (Monster Truck) feature on singles ‘Borderline’ and ‘Shotgun’ respectively but would they be here?, unfortunately not.

Due to a power outage on the mixing desk the band were some thirty minutes late coming on and comic mc Pete K Malley put in a shift keeping the crowd entertained but struggling to make himself heard with Alice In Chains pumping out over the PA.

‘Hail Mary‘, a Led Zeppelin cover for good measure but not particularly memorable. This was, however, the band’s first live performance but not sure it has the legs. I will continue to enjoy Kris in his original form.

Manchester-based rock ‘n’ roll band We Three Kings, being Rich Richards (vocals and guitar) and Pete Peterson (Drums) with an inflatable skeleton perhaps the third king. With its guitar-heavy sound this band has drawn comparisons with The Black Keys and Rival Sons.

A great set and the band’s debut album ‘By Royal Appointment‘ which was released last year, an imminent purchase. I will be looking out for future tour scedules as I would certainly make tracks to see them.

Myke Gray has spent some time enjoying something of a musical hiatus, delving into the world of ‘gig photography’. He has chosen this festival to make a return to what he is good at and carefully selected a band to help kick start his return. Henry Gottelier from The Karma Effect (Vocals), Tony Lang from A’priori (Guitar), Colin Parkinson from Inglorious (Bass) and Chris Allan from Marci Mendoza (Drums). Tony Lang putting in the first of two shifts as he would later be fronting his own band A’priori.

(We didn’t photograph Myke Gray)

I have seen Muddibrooke on a couple of ocasions and have been really impressed. The threesome formed by Brooke (Harriet McDonnell) guitar and lead vocals with Anna Melidone (bass and backing vocals) and Morgan Pettigrew (drums) deservably attract a sizable crowd to the Firestarter Stage.

The Quireboys has taken a few twists in recent years and you never know which version you are going to get. Obviously you need Spike and that is what we get today, together with Luke Morley. Unfortunately, as a consequence of the festival running late due to the Hollow Souls problem, the band had to cut a few of their songs from the set.

Tom Killner‘s new album ‘Borrowed Time‘ could well be the release that raises this star’s profile. Tom has always shone with his mix of blues, southern rock and a little bit of country but until recently has only entertained his following in the north of the country. Now that Tom ventures south a lot more often he has certainly extended his fan base.

Tom had his established band being Wes Brook (keys), Callum Houghton (Bass) and Rich Hunter (Drums) but with the recent bonus of Andrew Mewse on additional lead guitar. Excellent set.

Well here we are, baking in glorious sunshine and we get Glenn Frey’s 1984 hit ‘The Heat Is On‘ aptly introducing us to Swedish rockers H.E.A.T.

This band is almost perfect in a festival setting with Kenny Leckremo in constant motion with the tightest of spray on attire. It was good news when he returned to the band in 2020 after a ten year absence. I hasten to add that Erik Grönwall did a great job during the ten years he was at the them and we look forward to seeing him bring the festival to a close on Sunday night with Michael Schenker.

Tony Lang, having played with Myke Gray on the Inferno Stage earlier in the day brings his band, all the way from Blackpool, A’priori to the Firestarter Stage. A powerful threesome. Lang is joined by Mouse on drums and Mark Wilson on keys. Wilson‘s keyboard is something of a driving force in this band.

When I first saw this band they really whipped up the crowd with a fabulous cover of Rage Against The Machine’s ‘Killing In The Name‘. unfortunately omitted from set list today but the band certainly whooped up the crowd.

Joanne Shaw Taylor has certainly made a name for herself over the years and I guess the springboard was basing herself in the US. As joint headliner this evening she proved that she is an excellent guitarist and always surrounds herself with a class band.

Gorilla Riot, together with the earlier performers Leadfeather, played a very well received acoustic set at Leo’s in Gravesend the night before but we got the full blown electric set. A great rock and roll band that always goes down well.

I was first introduced to Dirty Honey when they supported Rival Sons. Great live band and worthy headliners bringing the first day to a close. ‘Heartbreaker‘ being the stand out number for me.

Well that was a great way to get the festival rolling, the sun shone, the music was if the highest order and apart from the technical issue which meant a few bands had to shorten sets to bring it back on schedule, no complaints.

©All photographs are copyright of Phil Honley – Gigsnapz & Dan Mann – RPR Photography. They may not be altered or used without express permission.