Mad About Rock

  The annual ‘Night Before UPRISING’ returns to the Firebug on Friday 22nd May 2026. The night will be hosted by the DJs of TotalRock with guest DJ slots. For those who are unfamiliar, TotalRock — the station was launched in 2000 by Tommy Vance and a group of rock music visionaries, including Programme Director Tony Wilson and Managing Editor Malcolm Dome. TotalRock pioneered the concept of a dedicated rock radio station in the UK, building an enviable reputation for launching the careers of bands and DJs alike. So… who will be bringing the party to ‘The Night Before…’? Headlining the evening is none other than Corby’s finest, VIKING SKULL, originally formed in 2002 with Raging Speedhorn members Frank Regan, Darren Smith and Gordon Morrison. The alcohol-fuelled, rock and roll heavyweights like to party and will deliver a set which will span their 23-year career. Check out their single ‘Blackened Sunrise’, taken from their 2007 album ‘Chapter II’, directed by Bam Margera of Jack...

  Celebrating 10 years, UPRISING returns to Leicester's O2 Academy for a huge milestone event, with returning favourites and heavy hitters making their debut. Kicking off the announcements for Uprising 9 are… UK metallers PITCHSHIFTER are confirmed as headliners for Uprising! This will be the band’s only live performance in 2026 and as always it promises to be unmissable. The band’s career straddles 30 years, 10 albums, tours of over 30 countries, cover features in Metal Hammer, Rock Sound and Kerrang! magazines, John Peel and Radio One Rock Show Sessions, and profile slots at Ozzfest, Reading & Leeds, Damnation, Vans Warped Tour and the Big Day Out. Their music has been featured across numerous movies, TV and video games - hell, they’ve even had a strip in 2000AD magazine with Judge Dredd. After decades in the game, they are loved by many bands and are still cited as an influence by upcoming artists. Check out the band's 1998 single ‘Genius’, taken from the album ‘ www.pit...

  The annual ‘Night Before Uprising’ returns to the city's favourite grassroots venue, FIREBUG, on Friday 23rd May. This year's ‘Night Before Uprising’ will be a showcase of the incredible, talented roster of Church Road Records. The evening will be celebrated with three extended sets from some of their top talent. Performing throughout the evening will be… GIANT WALKER Headlining the evening are GIANT WALKER, a Progressive Rock band from Newcastle. Their music encapsulates the ever changing emotions of loneliness and provide relief in their soothing and uplifting melancholic melodies. If you are a fan of Karnivool, Deftones and Radiohead then do not miss Giant Walker. Check out their latest single ‘Silhouettes’: FORLORN Returning to Uprising after their awe-inspiring set on the main stage at Uprising 7, we are thrilled to welcome Forlorn to the ‘The Night Before Uprising’. Fresh and armed with their debut album ‘Aether’, expect a sonically pleasing performance, full of inte...

  Tickets on sale NOW for £38.50 | Under 12’s - FREE | 12-16’s £20 Leicester’s premiere indoor rock and metal festival, Uprising returns for its eighth instalment on Saturday 24th May and it's coming armed with an eclectic mix of bands. Joining Uprising 8 are…. EARTHTONE9 Kicking us off, returning British Metal heroes EARTHTONE9 who have released their first new music in 11 years, ‘In Resonance Nexus’. The release shows a confidence and vision of the future, with a hefty back catalogue and a legendary status, they are a band you do not want to miss. Check out the band's latest single ‘Oceanic Drift'. ESOTERICA Making their Uprising debut are the ethereal progressive rockers ESOTERICA, who hail from London. With four studio albums and an eagerly anticipated fifth on its way, the band will bring their atmospheric melodies, commanding vocals, and intricate instrumentation to wow audiences. They aim to captivate fans and leave them wanting more. ESOTERICA is for fans of Lacu...