In what was probably one of the worst-kept secrets of the 2024 Festival season, Saxon are finally confirmed as headliners of the Stonedead Festival. This completes the exceptional one-day bill that also features KK’s Priest, Ugly Kid Joe, Doro, Eclipse, Bonafide, The Bites, Tailgunner and The Hot One Two.Â
A band that seems to improve with age, Saxon’s two latest albums Carpe Diem and Hell, Fire and Damnation, were awesome slabs of Heavy Metal, and with the addition of Diamond Heads Brian Tatler, their live shows have been giving Judas Priest a run for their money.
Organised by volunteers and created for music fans, Stonedead is a unique one-day, one-stage festival where the music is the focus, the beer and food are priced competitively, and you can camp and park five minutes from the level ground arena.
The 2024 edition is now sold out. If you are gutted that you missed your chance, then the last available option is to join the Official Waiting List for 2024 ticket resales. To register, visit StonedeadFestival.co.uk/waitinglist.
You can read MetalTalk’s Stonedead Festival 2023 coverage here.
KK’s Priest will tread the boards as special guests. Their latest album, The Sinner Rides Again, is a superbly savage sophomore album with a thrilling melodic force that has delighted fans worldwide. Currently on tour in North America, there is real excitement around this band. UK shows last year brought furious riffs, shattering vocals, and a relentless energy that transcends time.
The strength of the bill is enhanced by the opening two bands. The Hot One Two will bring their foot-to-the-floor, 111 mph rock ‘n’ roll show while the rise of Tailgunner is continuing at a pace. 
Tailgunner released their epic debut album last year with an unmistakable intensity that transports you back to the glory days of British Heavy Metal. MetalTalk have followed their path since a triumphant performance at KK’s Steel Mill in July 2023. You can read a two part interview with Thomas Hewson here and here. This is a band going places, and they are already making big inroads in Europe, too.
Sandwiches in between are Ugly Kid Joe, Doro, Eclipse, Bonafide and The Bites, making Stonedead one of the must-see festivals of 2024.
MetalTalk will be there. You will be able to read all MetalTalk’s Stonedead Festival 2024 coverage here.
