Live Review: UglyFest - KK's Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
9th March 2024
Featuring: Ugly Kid Joe, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, The Virginmarys, These Wicked Rivers, The Howling Tides
Words & Photos: Tim Finch
To kick start Ugly Kid Joe’s UK tour, they head to the legendary KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton, where they put on an all day celebration of rock with the very first UGLYFEST. An electrifying line up of rock acts headlined by the iconic Ugly Kid Joe, the festival was a showcase of raw energy, unforgettable performances, and a celebration of the unapologetically gritty spirit of rock and roll.
Kicking off the festivities were young British rockers The Howling Tides, who set the tone for the day with their powerful set. Tracks like ‘Thalia’ and ‘White Crow’ demonstrated their knack for blending hard-hitting riffs with soul-stirring melodies. Keep your eyes on these boys, they are a promising addition to the rock scene.
Following suit were These Wicked Rivers, whose commanding presence and infectious energy kept the momentum alive. With anthems like ‘Force of Nature’ and ‘Testify’, they captivated the crowd and showcased their prowess as performers, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed their set. The exquisite solos of Arran Day and the gritty dark vocals of John Hartwell were near perfection. As they closed their set the band announce their return to the Steel Mill this coming October. Make sure you get your tickets as they will sell fast!
As the night progressed, The Virginmarys took the stage, unleashing a torrent of raw emotion and blistering guitar work. Their dynamic performance resonated with the audience, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with in the rock genre. The crowd reaction to them was magnificent, the loudest of the evening so far, as they cheered and sang along with glee. What a show!
The anticipation reached its peak with special guests Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, who delivered a set brimming with intensity and nostalgia. The set a mix on self written numbers a magnificent selection of cover tunes. Paying homage to their roots with electrifying renditions of Motörhead classics like ‘Ace of Spades’ and ‘Killed by Death’, alongside a stirring rendition of the Sex Pistol’s ‘God Save The Queen’ they proved that their legacy lives on, much to the delight of fans old and new.
Finally, headliners Ugly Kid Joe took the stage by storm, highlighting their own festival with a stunning performance. Opening their set with the infectious energy of ‘V.I.P.’, Ugly Kid Joe wasted no time in captivating the crowd with their signature blend of hard-hitting riffs and infectious hooks. Tracks like ‘Neighbor’ and ‘Jesus Rode a Harley’ kept the momentum soaring, while classics like ‘Cat's in the Cradle’ tugged at the heartstrings, showcasing the band's versatility and enduring appeal.
Frontman Whitfield Crane commanded the stage with charisma and swagger, effortlessly engaging the audience and keeping them on their feet throughout the night. Whether belting out the anthemic chorus of ‘So Damn Cool’ or delivering the raw emotion of ‘No One Survives’, his performance was nothing short of electrifying.
As the night drew to a close, Ugly Kid Joe treated the audience to an encore that left them begging for more. A spirited rendition of The Kinks' classic ‘Lola’ had the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs, while the explosive finale of ‘Everything About You’ brought the house down in a blaze of glory – literally and the sparkling pyro lit up the room.
Ugly Kid Joe's headline show in Wolverhampton was nothing short of spectacular. With a setlist packed full of hits old and new, they proved once again why they are one of the most loved rock acts around today.
Photo credits: Tim Finch Photography
