During his renowned stage show BOBBY RUSH frequently jumps high into the air, arms spread and legs tucked, only to land gracefully and return without a hitch to his dazzling routine.

The legendary JON SPENCER headlines Red Rooster Festival on Thursday 28 May 2026! Experience the underground alt-indie-punk icon and primal rock‘n’ roll preacher with his fantastic new group as they rip through selections from their SICK OF BEING SICK! mini-LP along with a heaping-helping of Pussy Galore, Blues Explosion, Heavy Trash, and HITmaker nuggets!

Sam Amidon is a singer and multi-instrumentalist (banjo, guitar, fiddle) from Vermont, US, now based in London, England. His new album “Salt River” was released by River Lea / Rough Trade on 24th January 2025. He has previously released seven acclaimed albums of songs on Bedroom Community and Nonesuch Records.

When the late, great Phil May of The Pretty Things (cited as a major influence by both David Bowie and Jimmy Hendrix) began curating songs for what would become the band’s final studio album, amongst covers of songs by Muddy Waters, Sheryl Crow and Robert Johnson, May included a song by British singer-songwriter Will Varley. In becoming an avid fan of the troubadour from Kent he joined an army of followers that has been growing steadily across the globe for last ten years and includes the likes of Billy Bragg, Skin from Skunk Anansie and Adam Duritz from Counting Crows, all of whom consider Will to be one of the best songwriters of his generation.

Specializing in a raw hillbilly punk-blues style that roars like a tweaking modal chain saw, Left Lane Cruiser is a band led by slide guitarist Freddie J. Evans IV. Their music has the swampy feel of North Mississippi hill country-blues à la Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside, with a good dose of snarling garage punk tossed into the mix. While the band would sometimes expand into a trio, they've recorded the bulk of their work as a two-piece, and the tough, funky roar of their music arrived fully formed on their 2006 debut Gettin' Down on It. Left Lane Cruiser stayed true to their sledgehammer take on garage-infused blues, even when they partnered with James Leg on 2012's Painkillers, added an electric skateboard on 2015's Dirty Spliff Blues, or brought in a keyboard player for 2017's Claw Machine Wizard. They returned to the basics of a two-man lineup for 2024's Bayport BBQ Blues.

The Cinel­li Broth­ers is formed around the Ital­ian-born broth­ers Mar­co (vocals/​guitar/​keyboards) and Alessan­dro (drums), both now resid­ing in Lon­don. They are accom­pa­nied by Tom ​“J.J.” Julian-Jones (blues harp/​vocals/​guitar) and Jorma Gasperi (vocals/​bass). They have released four albums to date, includ­ing last year’s ​“Almost exact­ly”.

With deep Southern roots and a sound shaped by her New Orleans heritage, London-based soul powerhouse Acantha Lang has earned comparisons to icons like Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight for her commanding vocals and soul-stirring delivery. Her debut album, Beautiful Dreams, made waves in 2023, climbing to #3 on the Official UK Jazz & Blues Albums Chart and earning top-tier praise, including 5 stars from Echoes Magazine and acclaim from Soul Bag (France). She’s been featured in Relix, American Songwriter, KCRW, and appeared on the covers of Blues & Soul and Echoes magazines. BBC 6 Music’s Craig Charles called her “brilliant… destined for world domination,” while Blues & Soul magazine hailed her as “a soul singer of the highest order.”

Much like the mycelium spreading unseen through the soil, Sweet Giant bursts forth from the underground, like a fruiting body emerging from the forest floor - With spitting amplifiers and rattling drums, buzzing oscillators and runaway echo. Recording live in warehouses and barns across the UK, capturing that chaotic, untamed vibe that translates directly into their shows. This pure, electrifying energy, is just a taste of what they bring to the stage.

ARIA Award nominee Imogen Clark calls Nashville home, but earned her stripes as a high-schooler playing bars in her native Western Sydney. Touring with Shania Twain, Steve Poltz and BOWEN * YOUNG, collaborating with Colin Hay and Jim Lauderdale and many more, Imogen has earned the respect of her heroes and peers through her deeply personal storytelling, roof-raising voice and leave it all out on the field live energy. Her witty, melodic songwriting crosses generations and genres, with influences from Joni Mitchell to Jason Isbell, Led Zeppelin to Taylor Swift.

Lucca Mae is taking the UK by storm—one gig at a time. A standout talent on the burgeoning London Soul/Ska circuit. Mae channels the raw soul of Sam Cooke, PauloNutini and the timeless spirit of Amy Winehouse. Her artistry caught the attention of legendary drummer brothers Alan White (Oasis) and Steve White (Paul Weller), who is currently recording on her highly anticipated debut album—an endorsement few can claim.With a trail of sold-out shows across the UK, Australia, Canada and Sweden her ability to woo an audience has made herone of the most talked-about emerging artists in the scene.

The Shadracks provide razor sharp sounds, much like a musical lizard with a fancy neck frill and a dirty old tail dragging in the primordial swamp of yesteryear. Whether you like it or not The Shadracks insist on supplying the goods.

Mama Oh No are a family 4-piece from Norfolk, England. Taking inspiration from Old Soul, Blues, and surf music, the band delivers their own unique blend of swampy guitar, clanging bass, fuzz and spring reverb. The Gascoigne family band is Jack, (Vocals & guitar), Issy (Bass) and Tordi (Vocals, Keys & Omnichord), and Jack’s partner Rhi Swift (Drums).

The Red Hot Riot Big Band is a spin off from neo-rockabilly trio - Red Hot Riot. With a Gretsch guitar, boogie woogie piano, Howlin’ saxophone, double bass and drums, this band are sure to set Red Rooster alight with their take on rebel rousing rockabilly and rock n roll! Get ready to clap your hands, stomp your feet to that Red Hot Riot beat!

With a sound reminiscent of soft-rock bands of the 60s & 70s, Motel Sundown draw listeners with their blend of heartfelt lyrics over luscious three part harmonies.
The three friends began writing together in 2018 after discovering mutual influences, releasing their debut album If You Were Listening in 2022. The Liverpool based trio have since supported The Hanging Stars, Ashley Campbell, The Chapin Sisters and more recently, US Grammy nominated artist Courtney Marie Andrews, with two UK tours under their belt.

The Dirty Strangers, lead by London legend Alan Clayton, have been on a bit of a resurgence the past few years. Always known for putting on great live shows, delivering critically acclaimed albums and having a famous friend or two.. it finally feels like they’re getting the credit they deserve. And on their own merit.

Lassie are Emily Winng (UK) and Camille Dávila (USA), together they bring dark Lynchian psychedelic-folk laced with tribal-punk, filtered through lilting melodies and hard-hitting harmonies.