Call of the Wild 2025 festival review: Rock n roll is alive and well in Lincolnshire
One of the best independent festivals in the UK proved, yet again, that Lincolnshire is its perfect home.
Now in its fifth year, Call of the Wild Festival (COTW) has grown to boast one of the most impressive line ups you’ll find as a rock fan.
Every rocker will always say that they are fans of several sub-genres (you’ll very rarely find someone who only enjoys the musical offerings of Metallica alone) which is why COTW appeals to such a huge crowd.
Across three stages at Lincolnshire Showground, there was a plethora of great acts to see from all corners of the globe. From good old classic glam rockers such as headliner Michael Monroe (of Hanoi Rocks fame) and the “power-disco” of fellow bill toppers Royal Republic to hard rock from DeadFire and some proper punk from Crashed Out — you were truly spoilt for choice.
It was the equivalent of walking into a Lindt store as a chocolate fan - and the final product was just as satisfying as a smooth, sweet bar of cocoa-ey goodness.
A highlight for me was seeing the Cumbrian superstars Falling Red, a band I discovered when they supported Steel Panther in 2012. They’ve not performed much at all in recent years. They were meant to play the first ever COTW in 2019, however their much-loved bandmate Mikey Lawless was unwell with cancer so they pulled out. Then, in 2020, Mikey sadly passed away.
Fittingly, on Saturday the lads took to the Southall Lawless stage (named after Nick ‘Ringo’ Southall and their former bandmate Mikey) for an astoundingly brilliant - and touching - set. It hit all of the right notes, ending with a firm fan-favourite track (If You Ain’t Down With The Rock). The lyrics can’t be published by this newspaper but the sentiment felt very apt for the entire weekend.
Other highlights included Swedish band Bonefide, a surprise acoustic set from Spike (The Quireboys) and the Oli Brown & the Dead Collective.
But it’s not an all-bloke event, there were plenty of females rocking just as hard (if not harder at times) than the men.
Brave Rival, Syteria, Marisa and the Moths and Kite Thief all stormed the stage over the weekend, along with 70s style Bobbie Dazzle, who have just been announced as one of the acts on the bill for Jeff Lynne’s ELO’s final ever show at BST Hyde Park this summer.
As ever, community plays a massive part in any festival and COTW is no exception. Not only was there a buzz within the arena, where you see friends reuniting, new friendships forming, families having the times of their lives, there was also the chance to give something back.
The festival actively encourages punters to donate food to the Lincoln Community Larder. I’m sure it’s not just something which is exclusive done at COTW, but it’s something worth shouting out as we all know how important supporting our local community is.
It goes without saying that this festival is an absolute must for any rock fan who wants to see some incredible acts, discover some new ones and have a generally excellent time. And if you’re in Lincolnshire, it’s basically on your doorstep - so take a look at next year’s line up (the first instalment has already been announced) and go join the crowds.
I’ll see you down the front!
Review by Geri Hawkins
