Hereford's Hate.System loving its shot at Drunken Monkey Rock Festival 2018

TALENTED musicians in a popular Hereford band are limbering up to do battle for a hot festival date.

Modern metal outfit Hate.System is getting ready to rock against three other bands to win a coveted place in the mega August 3-5 Drunken Monkey Rock Festival in Upton-upon-Severn.

The quartet will be pitched against Voodoo Stone, Vintage Inc and Ranstone in the May 11 Drunken Monkey Battle of the Bands starting at 7pm at Evesham’s The Valkyrie Bar.

“We’re very happy to be included on the bill for this battle of the bands, plus it is our first time performing in Evesham,” says vocalist and guitarist Dan James, who will be joined by brother Ben on drums, Conor Frampton on guitars and Joe Rogers on bass.  

“Ben went to Drunken Monkey last year and witnessed first hand how great the Festival is, furthermore how important it is for local music and rock music in the area! So for Hate.System to be part of this year’s event would be a huge privilege.”

The Battle of the Bands is a first for the ever-growing Festival, which was launched in memory of Ian Downton, who died in 2009 after a car accident. To date, more than £25,000 has been donated to the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC).

The record-breaking 2017 event attracted twice as many people and raised four times as much as the year before.

Tickets are already selling fast for this year’s Festival, with a line up including Wizards of Oz, Pearl Jamm, Van Hailen and Gage, hot footing it from South Africa. Check out www.drunkenmonkeyrockfest.co.uk for the full line up and tickets.

The volunteer team of organisers had to turn away scores of would-be performers and the line up slots are already filling up for next year.

But Stu Evans, who runs the main stage, and Chris Harvey, who heads the Tower stage, kept three 2018 places free for the winners of their first Battle of the Bands.

The fierce competition will be judged by audience reactions plus the verdicts of Stu, Chris and The Valkyrie Bar owner, and Festival fan, Steve Richford, who says: “It will be a great night that will also raise money for MAAC.”

“We wish all the bands well,” says Festival Music Director Stu. 

“Let battle commence.”  

Hate.System