Music festival honoring Lemmy coming to Stoke-on-Trent town
The Burslem Urban Rock Festival, a tribute to the iconic Motörhead lead singer Lemmy Kilmister, is set to shake up a Stoke-on-Trent town this coming May. IFK Legacy CIC, the passionate team responsible for the famous Lemmy statue, is orchestrating this free music extravaganza, slated to take place in Market Place, known affectionately as Lemmy Plaza, on May 23. The festival will be headlined by Motörheadache, a tribute band endorsed by Motörhead Official, and will feature the original drummer and Motörhead co-founder, Lucas Fox.
Andy Edwards, director of IFK Legacy, views the Lemmy statue as a foundational tribute but considers the ongoing legacy project as a vibrant homage to Lemmy. He explains, “The statue is like a flag in the ground – something concrete – but the legacy project is ongoing. It’s a living tribute to Lemmy. Ultimately the plan is to try and grow new Lemmies and give people opportunities to get into music, whether that is as a spectator or as a participant.” The festival aims to breathe new life into grassroots music in the city, mirroring Lemmy’s roots as Ian Fraser Kilmister, born right in Burslem.
The festival lineup will predominantly feature bands from Stoke-on-Trent, such as Bang Bang Firecracker, Mercury, and Wolves in Alcatraz. Bang Bang Firecracker, a dynamic trio formed in Stoke-on-Trent in 2018, will be the main support act to Motörheadache. Kieron Berry of the band expresses excitement about the upcoming festival, praising the IFK and Motörhead Management for showcasing original bands throughout the event. He promises a fiery performance of “loud and unapologetic Very Heavy Rock n’ Roll,” paying tribute to Lemmy and the late Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell.
The festival isn’t confined to a single day event; live music will resonate across various venues in the town throughout the weekend, spanning from May 22 to May 24. Establishments like Grumpy’s, The Old Post Office, and Hog Noggins are gearing up to host live acts as part of the festival experience. Andy Edwards emphasizes how this initiative is geared to draw in visitors to Burslem and bolster local businesses, seizing the opportunity to offer festival-goers a unique urban environment filled with a plethora of dining options.
The Burslem Urban Rock Festival is not just a celebration of Lemmy’s enduring legacy but also a rallying call for music enthusiasts and performers to come together in a vibrant display of talent and unity. It serves as a testament to Stoke-on-Trent’s thriving music scene and a chance to keep the spirit of Lemmy alive for generations to come.