No lie-ins here. It’s a super early start but worth it. There are a few creaking muscles in the media tent as everyone discovers that our festival legs haven’t sustained the long layoff. It’s all coming back to us quickly, though, and the adrenaline from the excitement of being back is sustaining us well.
Last night Lawnmower Deth finished proceedings on the Sophie stage. Originally their slot was taken by The Night Flight Orchestra, who were one of the many bands scuppered by the ongoing travel restrictions.
Not to worry, the Nottinghamshire natives with their mad as a box of frogs thrash satire also raised a smile on the grumpiest of souls, with a cast of characters from spacemen to snails and everything in between. From the gloriously bonkers to the seriously gloomy, Bloodstock has it all.
Friday Morning, King Creature
They say the early bird catches the worm (who says that? What a load of rubbish!), although I don’t think a worm is the animal in question here, much better than that – it’s King Creature, who launched on to the Sophie stage at 11 am on the dot with a roar.
What a start from this hard rocking, hard working band. Their second album, Set The World On Fire, is ripe for touring, and Live Forever and Desolation sounded epic. They have a heavier sound now, but some dynamic elements make the whole thing rise and swoop.
Frontman Dave Kellaway commanded the stage, his strong clean vocals resonating from every corner and anchoring proceedings as part of the blistering rhythm section with Jack Sutton-Bassett. Matt Karl Vincent provided solos to blast away any hangover dregs, trading tasty licks with Mike Stennett.
Power got the packed tent moving with a fist-pumping and headbanging delight to ensure a growing collection of new fans. A rapturous reception was well deserved, and let’s hope they are back before too long, much higher on the bill.
The Ronnie James Dio stage is open for business, baptised by Foetal Juice first thing before Divine Chaos thrilled with a solid technical set. It had thrash, prog and hooks, classic elements to really get your teeth into.
The sun is out. It’s a real family affair here. The weekend is in full swing here already.
You can read all our Bloodstock 2021 coverage, including interviews, here.
