With just over two weeks to go, Camden Rocks Festival is getting ready for one of its biggest events to date with thousands of music fans descending on North London for two full days of music filled fun on Saturday 1st June and Sunday 2nd June.

Not only does Camden Rocks Festival showcase the very best emerging talent alongside much loved established acts, it also feeds off the thriving music scene that makes Camden such a special place; one that continues to draw generation after generation of misfits, rebels, music lovers and music makers. Anything goes in Camden and on the weekend of Camden Rocks, this is amplified to ten.
 
Now in its eighth year, the festival gives music fans the opportunity to see over 400 bands play across 20 venues all within a stone’s throw of each other in Camden Town, London. 

With an incredible bill of talent featuring some of the best emerging rock bands on the circuit, we bring you our “Six of the Best” picks for this year’s Camden Rocks Festival.

Collateral – Saturday 1st June – 12pm – Electric Ballroom

Having battled it out against numerous bands for the chance of opening the main stage, Collateral reached almost 10,000 votes to take the top spot – an impressive feat to say the least. Fresh off the back of one of the stand out sets of this year’s HRH Ibiza Road Trip and coupled with their regular airplay on Planet Rock Radio for their current single “Lullaby” there will only one place to be at 12 o’clock, and that’s the Electric Ballroom. Maybe the band will switch up the lyrics to their single “Midnight Queen” to reflect their Midday slot – who knows?

Even after one Mediterranean dream concludes at HRH Road Trip in Ibiza, Collateral is currently in with a shout of opening for Jon Bon Jovi on his forthcoming Med cruise having reached the final three bands in the competition (If you’re booked on the cruise, click the link and vote – https://bit.ly/2GLQFHt). This adding to an already busy festival season.

The Virginmarys – Sunday 2nd June – 17:00 – 18:00 – Dingwalls 

Macclesfield based trio The Virginmarys will be returning to Camden Rocks once again. It goes without saying that the band’s frontman Ally Dickaty performs with such relentless passion and intensity, he truly sinks his heart and soul into his performance. Likewise, Danny Dolan is undoubtedly one of the hardest hitting drummers around. Those that have had the pleasure of witnessing the band know that The Virginmarys are one of the best British rock acts on the touring circuit right now. The band’s third album Northern Sun Sessions is arguably one of their strongest releases to date.

Daxx and Roxanne – Sunday 2nd June – 18:45 – 19:45 – Gabeto

Montreux based outfit Daxx and Roxane have been making waves in recent times. The group has a gained a reputation for their exceptional live shows during their recent tour with Bad Touch. The Swiss outfit certainly knows how to get the party started with their distinctive brand of tequila-soaked classic rock. With good time rock and roll numbers like “Ticket To Rock”, “Junk Food Hangover”, “Girl Next Door” and the incredibly infectious “Wrong Side” Daxx and Roxane will inevitably strike a chord with the Camden Rocks punters.

Bad Touch – Sunday 2nd June – 21:30 – 22:30 – The Black Heart

Bad Touch has been gaining momentum in the last few years, which led to their subsequent signing to Marshall Records and the release of their brand new studio album Shake A Leg. The Norfolk based five-piece perfectly defines the sound of the New Wave of Classic Rock. They pay homage to the greats and the old school, whilst at the same time adding a contemporary twist to this beloved genre of music.

JOANovARC – Sunday 2nd June – 15:00 – Gabeto

Hard rocking British quartet JOANovARC are no strangers to Camden Rocks. The group will release their eponymous sophomore album during the weekend of the festival. So it goes without saying they are going to be fired up for the occasion. With an artillery of fist-pumping anthems such as “Live Rock N Roll” and “White Trash”, it’s fair to say that just like the title of their recent single these “Girls Wanna Rock” and don’t they just.

Flight Brigade – Saturday 1st June – 15:00 – 15:30 – The Monarch

Touring extensively and playing the major UK festivals including Glastonbury, Bestival, and The Great Escape, Flight Brigade have garnered a reputation from fans and critics alike for exceptional and explosive live performances. One such performance, at ‘The Castle’ in Manchester in March 2017 caught the ear of esteemed producer Chris Porter (George Michael, Elton John, Bowie). Porter promptly invited the band to record their forthcoming second album at The Visconti Studio.

Their sound is as distinctive as it is unique. Infectious melodies and hooks flow through songs that at times exude fierce energy and at others gentle poignancy. With grand orchestral sweeps, crunching anthemic guitars, strings and synths, their explosive performances feel like it’s their last day on earth!

Wherever you end up, Camden Rocks is set to be an incredible weekend of live music for all. Grab the very last remaining tickets now whilst they are still available from https://camdenrocksfestival.com/ where you can also find the full line-up and all festival information.

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Header Photo of Collateral by Adam Kennedy

 

 

About The Author

Adam Kennedy is an experienced music photographer based in northeast England. He has been shooting concerts for several years, predominantly with the band Vintage Trouble. In 2013, he was one of their tour photographers, covering the UK and Ireland tour including the headline shows and as opening act for The Who. As an accomplished concert photographer, Adam's work has been featured in print such as, Classic Rock Blues Magazine, Guitarist Magazine, Blues in Britain magazine, broadcast on the MDA Telethon on ABC Television in the US, used in billboard advertising for Renaissance Hotels in the US, and featured online via music blogs such as Uber Rock and Guitar Planet. He is also the official photographer at Newcastle Rock and Blues Club.