Review: Stonedead Festival 2025 Friday Night Party

Newark Showground (August 22^nd, 2025)

Reviewer / photographer – Dan Mann

And so it came to pass that another year had gone by and it was Stonedead time once again!

I’d only covered one of the previous Friday gatherings, as chums that come up for the event normally arrive on the Friday evening. On this occasion, as one of them is somewhat of an avid Tyketto fan, other arrangements were made. 

The Friday Night Party is always going to be quieter than the Saturday as it was originally started as something a little extra for all of those who were camping. The option to add it on has certainly made sure it’s not a quiet event, far from it.

The Friday openers were Jayler, a band who are regulaly mentioned on the various Facebook Groups etc. I had seen them a couple of times before, so knew what to expect. Quite a few of my tog chums hadn’t, so it was interesting as to what they’d make of them. 

Views certainly differed, some of us wondering if they’re a ‘one trick pony’, or the next big thing! Whether you think they’re just a Zep tribute, or something else, you cannot deny the youngsters skill set and enthusiasm. Personally, I hope thy find another string to their bow and not fizzle out.

Next up were another band I’d seen before, Sweet Electric. In fact I’d seen frontman Brad Marr at Stonedeaf in 2019 with Massive. Brad is what you want in a frontman, in your face, noticable (you can’t bloody miss him in the jacket!), and with a decent band behind him we were treated to some no nonsence rock. Perfect for the Friday party.

Having been unable to play a few years ago due to you know what, it was a huge welcome to Friday night headliners Tyketto. They’re a band I have seen & photographed many times, with different line-ups, and if there’s one absolute given, it’s you’ll get one hell of a professional, polished and most importantly entertaining performance.

With frontman Danny Vaughn showing many a singer how it’s done, a singer is but one element of a great band. With veteren tub thumper Johnny Dee, together with Chris Childs on bass duties underpinning everything, keyboard maestro and guitarist Ged Rylands delivering the rhythm, and Harry Scott Elliott on lead, all the elements came together as always to deliver the goods!

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