Live Review: Bearded Theory - Saturday
24th May 2025
Words & Photos: Laura Muraska-Ross
Saturday was a later start as the two previous days have been pretty exhausting , so first band for me was Terrorvision, because no matter what genre of music you’re in to, how can you see them on a line-up and not go check it out.
Obviously, we all know their most famous song ‘Tequila’ which is the main reason I wanted to see them, but I was blown away at how good they are live, and didn’t actually realise how good they are which is ignorant on my part. Singer Tony Wright was giving pure energy and showmanship, playing his leg like it was a guitar and jumping around the stage like he was in his twenties, in factthe whole band were just a joy to watch and you could see they were lapping up the energy being spat right back at them from the crowd.
Next up were American punk-rock/ indie outfit Mannequin Pussy who also graced the Main stage. This band sound equally as good, if not better live than their recorded material, due to their heavy rhythm section and sharp guitar riffs. Along with singer Marisa Dabice’s vocals, they just work. Marisa had a small wardrobe malfunction one or two songs in, but ever the professional, didn’t let this phase their performance and as many bands over the weekend, the singer used their platform as an opportunity to encourage tolerance, love and inclusivity in today’s increasingly intolerant world.
Following their set were one band I was very excited to see over the weekend, Alt rock/metal duo Nova Twins. They always put on a hell of a show and this was no exception, if you haven’t caught them live before then you should definitely try catch them on their UK and European tour running from September through October this year.
Other bands I caught throughout the day included The Scribes, a three-piece hip-hop group from Bristol who were spitting out freestyle lyrics like their lives depended on it when I wondered into the Maui Maui tent, Culture Shock, an old-skool thrash punk band who were playing hard and steady in the Convoy Cabaret tent, Gaye Bikers on Acid and then a dance DJ/band combo called Bentley Rhythm Ace in the Meadow tent.
Finishing the evening off was the iconic and unforgettable Godfather of Punk himself, Iggy Pop headlining the main stage, who came running on and immediately removed his leather jacket as soon as the first two chords were played (it would’ve been weird if he hadn’t). He was an absolutely joy to watch, opening his set with ‘T.V.Eye’ and playing a plethora of hits from his catalogue. I don’t get star struck often but to say I was only about 10ft away from Iggy is a dream and he did not let the crowd down. I think everyone at Bearded theory piled on to the field for this one, they never stopped dancing, screaming and smiling.
The Sugarhill Gang & The Furious Five were playing on the gorgeous Woodlands stage, set further back in the woods surrounded by strings of lights and colourful bunting through the trees.
This seemed to be a popular performance as the crowd turned out for these rap legends too. The Sugarhill Gang and Furious Five came out in style, pimp canes, bling and too much cool to comprehend. There was a teenager in the front row going crazy when they walked out, and I don’t blame him. They just ooze of style from head to toe and of course, this super group collab were founding members of the Hip-Hop scene so their set wasn’t to be missed. Perfect end to Saturday!
Photo Credits: Laura Muraska-Ross
