Linkin Park, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Papa Roach. Imagine listening to some of the most powerful, timeless rock and Metal classics, blended with a theatrical live orchestra. You can!! The Rock Orchestra has returned to London for the second time. Taking iconic tracks from the biggest names in rock and Metal, repurposed for an orchestra and filled with the flames of fire.
The Rock Orchestra – The Arena Of Fire
OVO Arena Wembley – 25 October 2026
Words: Naomi Hefter
Photography: Manuela Langotsch
Tonight was filled with a tidal wave of sound and a vision of flames, and with the help of pyrotechnics and fire performers, The Rock Orchestra presented its epic Arena Of Fire spectacle.
Opened in 1934, just 11 years after Wembley Stadium, the show was located at OVO Wembley Arena. The 12,500-seat venue has held legendary performers such as David Bowie, Diana Ross and Queen.
Nathan Reed, creator and producer, founded The Rock Orchestra in 2020 as a musical assembly blending rock and classical. The stage was overflowing with dramatic lighting, gothic theatrical styling, and a real visual extravaganza.
Opening with Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir, the track set the tone. The audience was suddenly prepared for a spellbinding 90-minute concert. Fourteen classical musicians stood on stage, wearing gothic masks and beautiful period costumes, all holding a beautifully dark energy that soaked into the iconic songs.
There was slight frustration with the seating. With the show staged as though the audience were in a theatre rather than a concert, the audience was eerily still. Sitting while listening to such belters felt restrictive.
The very back row, however, formed a line of people dancing along and really letting go of the outside world. For the performers, compared to a standing crowd, this may have felt a little disheartening. However, the roaring cheers and claps made up for the lack of movement.
Several incredible lead singers performed legendary songs from The Sound Of Silence to Paint It Black. However, vocalist Nathan James was a standout. Primarily known as the British rock vocalist and frontman for the hard rock band Inglorious, as well as Iconic, he belted out AC/DC’s Back In Black and Thunderstruck.
The roof came down with James’ infectious presence, powerful, piercing vocals and screams, which somehow lifted and metaphorically freed the seated crowd.
The stage featured giant headbanging skull puppets, offering a magical gothic theatrical experience. The production team used electric instruments, effects pedals, and amplifiers to create a powerful, unconventional sound.
There were two standout performers from the core orchestra. Lead violinist Ivana Cetkovic took to the stage as though she was born there. Playing a 5-string fretted Viper electric violin with custom LED lighting, her talent on the instrument was simply breathtaking.
Arguably an audience favourite, Korey Riker shone. First stomping the stage on sax with a likeable, cheeky energy, then, placing his instrument down, he picked up a flute to play System Of A Down’s Toxicity and Chop Suey.
With the airy style of Jethro Tull, Rikers’ playing was whirling, aggressive, and percussive. The ultimate rock ‘n’ roll lead instrument that treats the flute like an electric guitar.
An added treat was a special guest appearance from The Fuel Girls. Four leathered-up vixens with fire and pyrotechnics ignited the stage. The Girls’ aerial performance was fearless, and quite literally a smoking hot visual.
As some audience members stood up to leave at the end of the show, there was the much-awaited encore by others. Asked to stand for the last song, everyone jumped up as though it was Christmas morning to dance to none other than Killing In The Name.
This Rage Against The Machine song felt like the perfect classic to release some pent-up passion. The crowd ripped and riled into the lyrics, shouting and jumping to the political piece.
And with a swift exit, the masked singers fled into the night.
With a mix of theatre experience and the thunderous engine of strings and percussion swallowing the audience whole, everyone leaving Wembley was sensorily very satisfied.
Brighton, tomorrow evening, it your last chance to catch Arena Of Fire.
