Bloodstock - Let's Rawwwkkk

Bloodstock does exactly what it says it will do - metal fans can rock til they bleed at the UK's much loved metal showcase that is BLOODSTOCK. There are many differing genres under the umbrella of metal - and Bloodstock understands that and brings you them all - with knobs on. Metal fans tend to know a lot about their stuff and are pretty demanding when you get right down to it - the Bloodstock guys know this only too well and with some years immersed in metal giving them a fairly strong pedigree they are pretty well well placed to bring you the best of them all.

Born out of the desire to build a festival "the like of which had not been seen since the glory days of Donnington's Monsters of Rock" friends Paul Gregory and Vince Brotheridge got together quite by accident through work - but finding that they had lots in common ended up forming Amust4music, the overarching umbrella for the whole of bloodstock.

The image that depicts Bloodstock's roots is steeped in Derby history and folk law, it being the Derby Ram, Legend has it that this fabulous, fearsome beast was ten yards tall, had a tail like a bell-rope, and the teeth of a regiment of men. The butcher who finally slaughtered the ram was said to have drowned in its blood. After Paul painted the first image he decided to give the beast a name, so a competition was held and the name was given, S-tan the name was given by a fan, for fans by fans. Bloodstock was well and truly on its way...

The first headlining band confirmed to play Bloodstock in 2001 was Saxon. This came about as Paul had the good fortune to make the acquaintance of the Band 'Saxon' and their indomitable singer Biff Byford in 1984. He was commissioned to do the artwork for the album and the stage designs, the album was 'Crusader', now a classic in the annals of rock. Paul has painted ten albums to date for the band and has developed a great friendship with Biff and the boys. Saxon were very supportive of Bloodstock and were happy to Headline the very first one day show, alongside Primal Fear, Glenn Hughes, Blaze, Skyclad, Return To The Sabbat and many, many more.

And so it was that the Bloodstock Indoor festival was first born and established in Derby in 2001 - the first proper independent metal festival in the UK - since its inception has rapidly built its reputation by showcasing shed loads of bands in their debut UK performances and that's an achievement the metal boys are justifiably well proud of

Last years show brought you the largest number of bands yet with Hammerfall headlining the Friday main stage slot with Stormwarrior, Metalium and Reckless Tide alongside. A Battle Metal Night ensued on the Darwin Stage with Conquest of Steel, Warchild, Deliverance and Zillah. Saturday showcased Within Temptation as the main headline act alongside Amon Amarth, After Forever, Bob Catley, Raven, Iron Saviour, Suidakra, Season's End and Rise to Addiction. Where as the Darwin Stage heralded Cathedral, Soliloquay, Balance of Silence Jesus Fix, Kingsize Blues, Dreadnought, Projekt, MFKZT and Osmium. A feast of metal was had by all.

So what's Bloodstock 2007 set to bring you? Well - the line ups shaping up quite nicely and aside from the music these guys are also bringing you METAL KARAOKE! yup - go prepared to rock on and give it your best!

There's also an international market and beer tent - so with 3 stages and over 40 bands on offer metal fans can truly get off on this one.

Bloodstock always brings you the very best in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal and don't they just love showcasing bands from all over the world, all aspects of the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal scene are covered by the Bloodstock crew including ....Black, Death, Rock, Goth, Power, Industrial, Thrash, Prog.... as well as supporting and encouraging the next generation of Metal with unique stages dedicated to unsigned and up and coming talent.

Bloodstock Website

More Info Bloodstock 2007