Steelhouse Festival

Ebbw Vale, Wales

Classic rock and metal fiesta, plus rain.

Now into its seventh year, Steelhouse is a fiercely proud old school rock and metal event. Just one stage, no schedule clashes, affordable beer, a friendly vibe … you get the drift.

It may be raining cats and dogs but the top of a Welsh mountain is a suitably imposing location for Saturday night bill-topper Glenn Hughes to preview his upcoming Classic Deep Purple tour set. Even at 65 the Voice Of Rock hits all the notes, and welcomes heir-to-the-throne Myles Kennedy back onto the stage for a spine-tingling encore of Highway Star.

Some 24 hours later, Black Star Riders continue to emphasize their post-Thin Lizzy independence with a display of purpose and power. By now we’ve seen acts young and old alike. The Dan Reed Network bring funk and triumph to the walkways, impervious to the drizzle, while Massive Wagons and Mason Hill fly the flag for the youth contingent.

The only downers are the Quireboys’ no-show due to their flight from Germany being cancelled, and the Dead Daisies failing to follow their equipment up the muddy track to the summit when the weather prevents the band’s helicopter from landing. The latter doesn’t go unnoticed by Ginger Wildheart, who remarks: “Look, I’m a Geordie. I can’t help myself, if somebody does something c**tish then I call ‘em a c**t.” He’s not alone, and the Daisies’ name is greeted by resounding boos all day long.