Earlier this year, I had a last-minute adventure at Sleazefest, and this was another similar experience. Just a few days before the event, I bought a ticket to Wildfest. After a 350-kilometer journey, I was thrilled to finally arrive in Belgium, ready for a day and night of proper rock ‘n’ roll.
Also, I do know the picture quality might not be up to standard, but I did my best, and more importantly I had a blast and a nice picture is just a nice bonus. Live in the moment kids. Today’s festival featured a few bands I really wanted to see and a few I didn’t know about. It’s safe to, I was excited.
RAIDER
The first band of the day was Raider, stepping straight out of the 80s with spandex and leather pants. They definitely looked the part. Unfortunately, their appearance felt more like an 80s tribute than an authentic band in their own right. While everything from the logo to the music style screamed 80s rock, it just didn’t connect with me or much of the audience.
It was a bit disappointing, especially for the opening band. Their set included a few covers, like Kickstart My Heart, and while the singer didn’t sound far off from Vince Neil, that wasn’t exactly a compliment. The band clearly had the technical skills, but they felt more like a nostalgic startup rather than the next big thing in the rock scene.
SNAKEBITE
German band Snakebite took the stage and completely won me over. Although I hadn’t heard of them before, I’ll definitely be checking them out again. They’re currently promoting their latest album, Rise of the Snake, and they delivered a powerful performance.
I really enjoyed watching them. They sounded incredible, bringing a unique sound to the stage. The band’s energy and enjoyment were contagious, making it an all-around great experience. Some of my favourite songs of this set included Two Desperate Hearts and Princess of Pain.
AERODYNE
Amidst all the rock, it was time for some proper metal with Aerodyne. They delivered a blistering set full of impressive shredding and technical prowess. While I can’t say their style was fully my cup of tea, I genuinely appreciate experiencing different genres, and they did an awesome job keeping the audience engaged throughout their performance.
I particularly enjoyed We All Live a Lie; the band sounded super tight, and their energy won the crowd over with ease. Their passion for the music was evident, making it a memorable part of the festival, even for someone who typically leans more toward rock.
WILDHEART
Is it just me, or did Wildheart seem to have a big hand in organizing the festival? Either way, that didn’t take away from their performance—they were fantastic! This local band brought serious Bon Jovi vibes, combining great music with an unmistakable 80s rock revival sound. They really succeeded in bringing that era back to life, and their set was a lot of fun.
It was impossible not to get into the easy choruses, and I found myself bopping along to the infectious energy they brought to the stage. Songs like Never Let Go and Get Up (Fight Back) stood out, perfectly channeling that classic 80s spirit and bringing it to 2019 with a fresh twist.
MIDNITE CITY
A great surprise of the night was Midnite City! Rob Wylde is an incredible frontman and vocalist who really brought the party. I kept hearing their name between sets, so my expectations were high, and they didn’t disappoint. They describe themselves as a hair metal band (who comes up with these names, right?), but they fit perfectly into the 80s rock genre. Their killer tunes and riffs suited the night perfectly.
The whole band sounded super tight, with standout solos from guitarist Miles Meakin and keyboardist Shawn Charvette. Drummer Pete Newdeck kept the beat locked in and nailed the backing vocals! Songs like Give Me Love and Summer of Our Lives felt like the anthems we needed, creating a great vibe at the festival. Plus, they were awesome guys to chat with after the show!
SHIRAZ LANE
Seeing Shiraz Lane means having a good time! The last time I saw them with H.E.A.T, I was blown away by their set—the energy, the music, everything just clicked. So, I was thrilled to see them on the bill again. Unfortunately (or maybe not), the band was missing their lead guitarist due to illness and decided to play an acoustic set instead—a first for them, and I’m so glad they didn’t cancel.
Even with bassist Joel Alex and guitarist Miki Kalske rocking out while seated, the energy was still there. It was a big change from the last time I saw them, but the acoustic approach worked incredibly well. Lead singer Hannes Kett seemed to forget it was an acoustic set within the first 30 seconds, as he moved across the stage like it was any other gig. The band sounded fantastic, with highlights for me being Tidal Wave, Harder to Breathe, and People Like Us. Even their Oasis cover was spot-on. Honestly, I hope they explore more acoustic work in the future—it really suits them. Either way, I can’t wait to see them again because they’re just an awesome band.
THE NEW ROSES
Honestly, the momentum just kept building throughout the night. We had already seen some killer bands, and with two more to go, the energy was still high. Up next were The New Roses, and I know this might sound repetitive, but they sounded absolutely awesome!
Hailing from Germany, The New Roses have been around for a while, yet somehow, they slipped under my radar until now. Their sound is pure rock ‘n’ roll, packed with driving riffs and anthemic choruses that feel tailor-made for a stadium. Their music had that perfect blend of raw energy and polish, with songs that felt both timeless and fresh. From the first chord to the last note, they had the crowd hooked, bringing a level of passion and power that few bands can match. It was one of those sets where you just couldn’t help but get caught up in the music.
If you’re into hard-hitting, riff-heavy rock with a modern edge, this is definitely a band worth checking out. For me, they were a highlight of the festival, and I’ll be making sure not to miss them again. Songs I recommend: Dancin’ on a Razor Blade, Life Ain’t Easy (For a Boy With Long Hair) and Thirsty.
CRAZY LIXX
The headliner of the night was Crazy Lixx, and I was absolutely stoked for their set! As a long-time fan, the opportunity to see them live was thrilling. Part of the Freedom Forces tour, they delivered a killer performance that brought the crowd right up to the stage, creating an electric atmosphere that had everyone sweating—and in my book, a sweaty show is a good show!
Crazy Lixx kicked things off with their biggest hits, launching straight into Wicked, Rock and a Hard Place, Blame It On Love, and Hell Raising Women. From the first note, it was clear they were in top form. The band’s powerful energy and tight sound kept the momentum rolling, captivating the audience with each song.
Their infectious enthusiasm was palpable, and it felt like a celebration of rock ‘n’ roll, with everyone singing along and reveling in the moment. They seamlessly blended their classics with newer tracks, making for a dynamic and unforgettable set. Crazy Lixx truly brought the house down, reminding us all why they’re a staple in the rock scene.
WILDFEST ADVENTURE REVIEW
And that was it! What a killer night that ended walking home with a few guitar picks, a drumstick and many new memories. Honestly, I could only hope this one would be as good as Sleazefest earlier this year, and it delivered. This festival was amazing. Top kudo’s to the organization for putting down such a cool event. I had an absolute blast, and the eight bands that played throughout the afternoon and evening sounded great!
