Steelhouse Festival 2023. There are no clashes at Steelhouse—just a steady flow of bands. Friday has traditionally been the party day, but as the festival has grown, so has the calibre of the first day’s acts. Moving on from tribute bands like Dressed to Kill and Guns 2 Roses, who graced the early events, Friday is now almost a full day on its own.
Steelhouse Festival 2023 – Dan Byrne – Jordan Red
It may not be the strongest of line-ups compared to the following Saturday and Sunday, but there is a Classic Rock calibre which showcases a range of mainly upcoming artists.
Dan Byrne
Dan Byrne Is the ideal opener. He’s a personable frontman, and after last year’s stint here with Myke Gray, he returns to the mountain with his own band for a fresh start. His set is fabulous, mixing his emotional quality with a slightly harder rocking edge that suits his style perfectly.
The early crowd respond well, and Byrne is, as usual, gracious and thankful. He’s one of the nicest and most talented singers around. He wins the day when he hits Hemispheres, a song written with former band Revival Black.
The bar is set high. Byrne will be back, much higher up the bill. He’s got some unfinished business with Gray to tend to first, but his star is slowly rising.
Jordan Red
One of many bands formed in recent times, Jordan Red have been widely touted as one to watch. It’s easy to see why. In Dan Leigh, they have a frontman with the chops and the image.
His partner in crime, Dan Baker, plays a less visual but vital role whilst the As Lions duo of Connor O’Keefe and Dave Fee hold down the rhythm with aplomb.
Tracks from debut album Hands That Built the World are familiar to those who listen to event sponsors Planet Rock, and the field, embracing the respite from the rain, are enthusiastic in their applause.
Steelhouse Festival 2023 was held over the weekend of 28-30 July 2023. MetalTalk’s Paul Hutchings reports from Ebbw Vale.
All Photography: Georgia Brittain and Paul Hutchings
Early Bird tickets are available for next year’s festival, which begins on Friday, 26 July 2024. Tickets are available from here.
All MetalTalk Steelhouse Festival 2023 coverage can be found at https://www.metaltalk.net/tag/steelhouse-festival-2023