CALL OF THE WILD FESTIVAL DAY 3

Call of The Wild Festival 2026: Lincoln showground. Sunday 31st May.

The bustle of the Lincolnshire Showground was waking up to another lovely sunshining 24c blue sky day, what beautiful weather this festival is having.

Everyone was getting into position again for the delights of the day, and your could feel the comradery of the COTW festival, with the milling about of people on the showground, and also some of the bands who had played on previous days, who were now soaking up the festival fun and just enjoying exploring the field with friends, family, fans, and new friends, looking round the stalls seeing what rock treasures you could find, and getting great food from the food & beverage vans there, and what an amazing welcoming friendly atmosphere it is.

After getting set up on our pitch near the middle of both stages, and we’d said a cheery morning “hi” to all we knew there, and people we knew wandering past, and the new neighbours who had met while been pitched up and where were sitting, it just turned into another wonderful welcoming fun feeling party atmosphere here at The Call of the Wild festival.

And you could feel the excitement in the air, as the 1^st band of the day Retsecrows (Pronounced “Ret-see-crows”) took to the Southall Lawless Stage.

This young rock band are working their way up to being the future talent of UK rock music, as despite being in their mid-teens, they hail from Kidderminster Uk, and their name is a playful nod to their Midlands roots.

The band boasts a massive 45-minute set list, featuring their own material along side high energy covers of rock icons like Black Sabbath, and blast rocked out the song Paranoid, and also Judas Priest material as well as others.

The current line-up is, Luca: Vocals and Guitar (started performing with the band at just 12 years of age), Lilly: Bass (Joined the band as a prodigy in the early 2026), Ollie: Lead Guitar, George on Drums.

Retsecrows blitzed through their set list with the crowd behind them, cheering and willing them on, to which they did not disappoint, they also played their new song Maniac, and their stage presence was great, which went down very well at the COTW festival, and at the end of their set, they gave out some beautiful plant’s to help the environment free , to anyone who wanted them, to remember them by and to take home as a keepsake, which was a fabulous gesture. I’m sure we’ll be seeing lot’s about Retsecrows in the future on the rock scene.

The Soul Revival was the next and to take the stage, and they are a UK based heavy rock band, that blends classic rock with a contempered hard rock edge.

They stormed the Kilmister Stage and really took hold of it, as the crowd cheered them on. Known for their powerhouse riffs, emotionally driven song writing, and dynamic stage presence, they portrayed that on the stage here.

Their heavy sound combines timeless classic rock influences with fresh hooks, modern production, and storytelling.

Their songs deal with life’s struggles in a defiant, uplifting way, and touch on themes like resilience, grief, and emotional rebirth.

Fan favourites and releases include, “I still believe”, “Dark shadows in my heart” and “Heart so hollow”.

They have had radio play on BBC introducing, and have appeared at many festivals and key support slots, even sharing the stage with artists like Jared James Nichols.

The current line up of the band is, Steve Nunn: Lead Vocals, Andy Dove: Guitars, Matthew “Higgy” Higgins: Bass, and Karl Selickis: on Drums.

With some crowd participation on their last song, “Show me the right way”, they finished their set with a thunderous roar of guitars and drums, which was really enjoyed by the crowd.

MeMe Detroit are a British/Latina/Inde/Grunge/Pop/-inspired rock, genre-merging, high octane, breath of vivacity with a up beat rock sound. The band that’s described as being a little different. With the crowd liking that up on the Southall Lawless Stage.

Fronted by Maria Rodrieguez: Vocals and Guitar, Abbie Welch: Bass, and on drums Kallum McEwen.

Despite the American sounding name, Maria is originally from the town of Alcester, Warwickshire, and the band are primarily based In Birmingham.

The name of the band portion ‘Me Me’ is the nickname given to her by her grandmother, and the Detroit name came, when saw as a name on her partners T shirt, and the two were put together to make the alter ego name.

Describing their sound as “Uplift Angst” the style merges from Indie and blues rock, influenced by bands like Hole, PJ Harvey and Patti Smith.

The crowd really loved their set with their sing along call and response choruses and whooo hooooooo’s the crowd definitely got behind.

The crowd went wild for the band Apriori, and their guitar player Tony is well known on the circuit for playing guitar in Myke Grays band as well, though today he was back on stage with his Brother Mousey, and Mark, to deliver to the audience the well-loved rock songs of Apriori on the Kilmister Stage.

Tony, Mousey and Mark, hail form Blackpool, and are known for delivering a modern heavy sound, rooted in classic rock influences.

The trio has a loyal fanbase and a strong word of mouth, by delivering energy shows that are melodic, punchy, and completely “apologetic” about their bass-less format.

They have toured recently relentlessly across the UK, appearing at major rock festivals including HRH, Firevolt, Maid of Stone, and here at The Call of the Wild Festival.

With a crowd call and response On “Voodoo Love”, they also bounded into the songs “Making Love to the Devil”, “I feel alive”, “Better Man”, and others, where the crowd and Apriori were loving it, and the atmosphere they brought to the stage.

The band were also making a video to one of their new songs there at COTW to which the crowd got on board with, and their camera man darted around the stage to get all the footage needed.

Apriori was high end energy punch melodic rock vibe, with Mousey punching the beat out on the drums which set the scene for Mark’s Keyboards and Tonys Guitar and vocals, to deliver the level of rock the crowd is used to from them, with went down a storm here at COTW.

The crowd then levitated over to the Southhall Lawless stage for Heartbreak Remedy.

This hard rock heavy blues trio are form Dearham, Cumbria UK.

Formed in 2013, this band is well-known for blending classic 70s rock and the southern blues sound, with a modern high energy spin, drawing comparisons to legendary acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Who.

The members in this group are, Matty Penn on Bass and Lead Vocals, Stephen Jackson on Drums, and Luke Blair on Guitar.

The band has released several projects, most notably their album “Let the good times roll” and their earlier release “Midnight groove”.

They played 21 Kings (About getting asked your age in a pub when your younger),” Hair of the dog”, “Tequila Butterfly”, “Octane”, “Rock me”, & others.

Their feel on the stage was a train track rhythm sound with great guitar leads, and the crowd at COTW was soaking up the vibe of their music, with a huge applause towards the end of their set.

Next the band ‘Hearts and Hand Grenades’ took to the Kilmister stage, they are an American hard rock band from Buffalo, New York, known for their explosive, riff-driven sound and dynamic live shows.

Fronted by Stephanie Wlosinski - on Lead Vocals and guitar, Mike Bress - on Guitar and Keyboards (and bands Founder), Kenny Blesy - Lead guitar, and Tom Lafferty on Drums.

They got started by originally performing together in local cover bands in upstate New York, the members decided to launch an original project at the start of 2019. Their big break came after opening for the Goo Goo Dolls at a Charity event. Goo Goo Dolls frontman Robby Takac was so impressed by their set that he invited them to record at his studio, GCR Audio.

They worked with producer Justin Rose to create their debut EP Wait (2019) and subsequently full length albus like Turning into Ashes (2021) and Between the Lines (2021).

Theyre musical influences are drawn from bands like AC/DC, Metallica and Judas Priest, and elements of Muse, Joan Jett, and System of a Down.

The sun shone for this band, and their great guitar riffs and tight drum sound, and the Wah-Wah pedal sound on the guitar, and great rock rhythm echoed around the Lincolnshire showground sounding glorious, while the crowd rocked and clapped along with them.

And are now off on tour around the UK, after their stop off appearance here at COTW festival.

The evening sunshine was glistening on the Southall Lawless Stage, as Wicked Smile took to the stage.

Wicked Smile is a heavy metal hard rock band from Melbourne, Australia. Known for their fist-pumping anthems, soaring vocals and socially conscious lyrics, they feature veterans from bands like Black Majesty and Pegasus. Their discography includes the hit album Wait for The Night, and the record When Night Falls.

Wicked Smile was formed with the mission to bring heavy rock back to the forefront, blending classic 70s/80s metal sounds with a modern facelift, which they have definitely done and achieved.

The band is, Steve Janevski on Guitars (The Radio Sun, ex Black Majesty) Danny Cecati on Lead Vocals (Ex Pegazus, Eyefear) Dave Graham on Guitars (Ex-in Malice’s Wake) Tom Nugara on Bass (Envenomed) and Andrew Sharp on Drums (Ex Pegazus).

Rather relying on clichés. Wicked Smile’s lyric focus on meaningful societal issues including mental health, Bullying, and civil unrest.

Wait For The Night (2021): Their critically acclaimed debut full-length album.

Night Time Riders (2023): A widely praise, independent released EP.

When Night Falls (2026): Their sophomore album, released via No Dust Records.

This band have a highly regarded touring pedigree, having built up a global fanbase across Australia, Japan, and the UK. They have frequently toured the UK, playing major rock festivals like Planet Rockstock, Hard Rock Hell, and WinterStorm.

Stevie’s daughter Cassidy who is also a well-known rock singer in her own right, joined them on stage for the empowering anthem song ‘Stronger’ which the crowd loved and sang along with the band and the lyrical but poignant rock song, to a rapturous applause at the end of their set.

Keep a look out both for Wicked Smile and Cassidy Paris, as they are both on tour at the moment, bringing their music to the UK rock scene.

SilverRoller are a UK based blues-rock band, influenced by the 70s rock style, formed by vocalist Jonnie Hodson, and guitarist Aaron Keylock.

Known for a no-frills classic rock sound, and gained attention as “the UK’s reply to Greta Van Fleet.

The Kilmister stage crowd were getting into the rock groove, and intertwining fleeting harmonica rock soul, and loving the vibe this band brought to the stage.

SilverRoller burst onto the scene in 2023 with their debut singles “Come In” and “Other side”.

Paved the way for their highly praised EP, “At Dawn” (2024).

The current line up is, Jonnie “Rev” Hodson: Vocals, Kenny Tashjy: Guitar, Joe Major: Drums, Dylan Evans: Bass, and Lucas Tandini: Keyboards & Organ.

Bringing musicians together form the UK, Brazil-Italy, and the USA.

Fireheart is a UK hard rock alternative band formed in December 2024 by five seasoned committed musicians, more than a band, they describe themselves as a brotherhood united by resilience, with an ethos centred around mental health, surviving adversity, and proving that it is never too late to get back up.

The five members of Fireheart have all faced significant personal or professional hurdles, which influences their music.

The band is Kev Baker on Guitar, Russ Grimmett on Vocals, Neil Hackett on Lead Guitar, Bret Barnes on Bass, and Chris Hopton on Drums.

Fireheart’s sound relies on modern British hard rock infused with 80’s flavoured harmonies, soaring sing-along choruses, and unapologetically nostalgic yet fresh guitar riffs.

Songs they’ve released are “Staring at the sun”, and “Wild Hearts”, “Wild Nights”, Which led to a partnership with Earache Records Distribution.

Rise EP, their highly anticipated EP, was met with critical acclaim for its uplifting themes and road trip-ready energy.

The band has originally cultivated a highly dedicated, fast-growing fanbase that they refer to affectionally as ”Heartbeats”. Because the band’s message centres on mental health and solidarity, the group acts as a system were fans and musicians can openly discuss their personal struggles and triumphs.

Cassidy Paris was a guest of the band, and joined them on stage to sing the song “I’m not dreaming”, and brought her energetic energy to the stage once again.

The crowd got behind this and cheered loudly and clapped along, until the end of their set.

The band told the crowd “That they had loved playing for them at the COTW festival, to a well-loved and warm feeling towards them projecting from the crowd, to their heartfelt performance.

And with blasts of pyrotechnics, smoke plumes, fire blasts, and red fireworks, and their stagemanship, they said their sincere farewells and left the stage with a rockin bang.

The sky was a glorious colour of mixed pink, orange and purple hues as the sunset hit the evening skyline. And next up and bursting across the stage of the Kilmister Stage was “Chez Kane” and her band.

Chez Kane is a singer/songwriter who hails form the land of song Wales, celebrated for her powerful, self-taught vocals, and energetic 1980s melodic rock style.

Under now Frontiers Music, Chez has gone in a new direction solo, with band backing, and focuses on a vibe of the 80’s rock chic image, such as Lita Ford, Vixen, Cher, and Pat Benatar, with her seriously spicy cheeky stage wear, and moves to go with it.

Born into a family of musicians, she started performing on stage at just the age of 3 year’s old, so being on the stage and centre stage is now second nature to Chez.

Chez was noticed by Danny Rexon (The front man of the Swedish rock band Crazy Lixx) after he saw her video, covering the 80’s band Vixen on You Tube. And helped her to have her connection with Frontiers.

Chez released her self-titled solo debut album in 2021, followed by Power zone in 2022.

And her new album out now, “Reckless”.

In 2025 Chez entered her boldest era yet, with the single from the named album “Reckless” title track, earning good airplay on BBC Wales and being named as Track of the week by Classic Rock Magazine.

The new album called “Reckless” is produced by Danny Rexon.

Chez and her bands performance at COTW festival on the Kilmister Stage, was explosive and very rockin and crowd pleasing, and the audience got behind the band singing away with the songs as they were ticked of the play list one by one.

Chez had good stage presence, and connected with the audience well, and her dance moves were on point to the lyrics too, as she danced around, and sang to her songs, “Rocket on the Radio”, “Too Late for Love”, “Better than Love”, “Personal Rock N’ Roll”, “Love Tornado”, “Power zone”, “Night of passion”.

Chez Kane is, Chez Kane on Lead Vocals/Guitar, Harry Scott Elliot (also of Tyketto band fame) on lead Guitar, James Ready on Guitar, Keiran Ready on Bass, Toby Haughton on Drums, and Oscar Charlton on Keyboards/Guitar.

They definitely made the stage their own, with Harry and James doing synchronised leg kicks during guitar solos and intertwining guitar melodies across the stage, showing their showmanship as well, with Chez truly upfront owning the stage and loving every minute of her stage set. Fabulous white and purple lighting lit up the stage to the music, lighting up Chez in the spotlight in her black leotard with Cherry motive white top, in black fishnet tights and black rock boots to finish of her rockin 80’s stage look.

An explosive rockin melodic upbeat rock melody blasting set from Chex Kane, and rich rockin sound form her band, which complimented perfectly, and the crowd showed that they loved the set with to huge loud cheers and fist punches and cheering, as the band did their end of set bows, to an impressive light show to put out there an electric 80s rock buzz atmosphere that now filled the air.

The excitement carried on an you could feel the buzz in the air for the next band up, with was Sisters Doll.

They exploded onto the stage with rockin style and the sky lit up with the most amazing pyrotechnic display, fire plumes, smoke flares and dramatic expressive lighting, which lit up the evening sky. To the cheers of the crowd that was filling the field that was in-front of the stage, the atmosphere was amazing.

And Sisters Doll cranked up the stage and rocked the hell out of it.

They launched into songs, shouting “Let’s go”, ….. into “Climbing out of hell”, “You can’t bring me down”, “Good day to be alive”, “Kiss me”, “Don’t give up on us”, “Baby Doll”, “United”, “First Time”, and the crowd got involved with a call and response sing too.

Sisters Doll is a glam and hard rock powerhouse band originally formed in 2010 by the Mileto Brothers in Collie, Western Australia.

Their energetic discography spans multiple albums and singles, featuring classic hook-driven anthems.

And they’re music style is flamboyant anthemic hooks of 1980’s arena rock to modern stages.

The band relocated to Melbourne in 2014 to fully persue their rock and roll ambitions.

They shot to mainstream prominence in 2016 after placing 2^nd on Australia’s Got Talent.

Since then, they have built a massive following, touring with international rock royalty such as former Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick, LA Guns, and The Angels.

They mentioned that they were heavily influenced by their father’s 1970 and 1980’s rock collection.

The Sisters Doll delivers a high-voltage blend of melodic rock, sleaze metal, and stadium anthems.

They have been often compared to the likes of Motley Crue, and Van Halen.

Known for their face melting guitar solos, heavy drumming, and electrifying stage presence, which was experienced here at the Call of the Wild festival.

The COTW is Sisters Doll 1^st Uk gig of their current UK tour, and are heading out after tonight’s show to other tour dates around the UK.

Their set at the COTW was filled with fabulous impressive pyrotechnic displays, and smoke plumes and colourful lighting to every song to match its vibe, and it was some live show.

The atmosphere of the band and the call and response of the audience was explosive and they performed an exciting set.

A sight not to be forgotten, and an amazing set it just was.

As the sky changed to with a velvety glow of to mid navy blue and purple and the stars shining brightly in the sky on this pleasantly warm with a lovely light warm breeze on this beautiful summer night, the weather could not be any better, and it just set the scene for the headliner band of todays festival, “The Von Hertzen Brothers”.

The crowd was full and ready in front of the Southall Lawless stage, for the finale of the festival, the sky lit up with fireworks, fire cannons, and a fabulous elaborate light show, to greet the Von Hertzen Brothers band onto the stage.

The Von Hertzen Brothers and an acclaimed Finnish rock group formed in 2000 by siblings Mikko, Kie and Jonne.

Fusing progressive rock, folk, and classic rock, they are celebrated for their soaring vocal harmonies, and adventurous live performances, frequently drawing inspiration from Finnish nature and humanitarian causes.

Rooted in rich musical heritage, the trio quickly established themselves as one of Finland’s most influential rock acts. Before joining forces, all three brothers were prominent figures in the Finnish rock scene.

Described as dynamic and expansive, their music blends multiple genres, making them one of the most compelling and adventurous live bands in Europe.

The name “Von Hertzen” is German, meaning “From the heart”, a philosophy the band strives to maintain in their songwriting and live performances, as we saw tonight at COTW.

Their work often tackles humanitarianism and environmental themes, notably inspiring the Blue Forrest campaign along side the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation to protect wild forests.

It is the bands 25^th Anniversary celebrating a quarter of a century as a band, the group has been touring extensively, including intimate theatre shows, and special reissues of their classic catalogues.

The band are, Mikko von Hertzen on Lead Vocals/Guitar, Jonne von Hertzen on Bass, Keyboards, Vocals, and Kie von Hertzen on Guitar, Vocals. And touring and session musicians, Mikko Sire’n on Drums (formerly of Apocalyptica) and Marcus Pajakkala on Keyboards, Saxophone and flute.

They launched into songs with their own melodic folky rock sound, “Flowers and Rust”, “All of a sudden you’re Gone”, “Sundays Child”, and the like of “Freedom Fighter”, and “Always Been Right” a fan favourite, the stage lit up with a golden huge of lighting, which highlighted their folk-rock enchanted rich rockin sound, to the glorious rapturous harmonious sound leading to the end of their set, to the roar of the crowd and a fabulous light show to end the Call of The Wild Festival for 2026.