10 reasons to go to Planet Rockstock 2026
Our Trecco Bay weekender is less than two months away!
Less than two months before our Trecco Bay weekender starts, we present 10 reasons why should go to Planet Rockstock 2026!
Taking place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th November 2026 at Trecco Bay in South Wales, weekend accommodation tickets to the 13th Planet Rockstock are already completely sold out.
There are just 32 day tickets for Friday, 23 for Saturday and 40 for Sunday remaining. You can get them, plus the final weekend non-accommodation tickets RIGHT HERE.
10 REASONS TO GO TO PLANET ROCKSTOCK 2026:
1) It’s gonna be a Magnum opus:
It’s going to be a special moment, an honour even, when Magnum, that most quaintly olde worlde of classic rock bands, take to our stage to headline Saturday night’s bill. In what will be the long-lived act’s last gig of 2026, it’s undoubtedly going to be an emotional set, naturally full of the cinematic grandeur Magnum have wrapped around everything they do. When guitarist and songwriter Tony Clarkin sadly died in 2024, singer Bob Catley – now the band’s sole original member – understandably felt the band could not continue. Tony was the man responsible for those heroic, romantic melodies and sweeping time changes – he was, and remains, utterly irreplaceable. Bob eventually decided to revive Magnum, on a more limited schedule, and partly as a salute to Tony. It’s wonderful then that the indefatigable frontman, who will be 80 next year, is bringing the charm and beauty of Magnum’s one-of-a-kind, poetic rock to the Bernie Marsden stage. Expect unrepeatable epics like ‘Les Morts Dansant’, ‘Wild Swan’, and ‘On A Storytellers Night’ as well as sharpened hard rock like ‘Vigilante’ and ‘Just Like An Arrow’. This will be one to savour.
The Temperance Movement's triumphant return:
As the song ‘A Deeper Cut’ so poignantly summarised, life and love aren’t always straightforward. That song, the 2018 title track to The Temperance Movement’s last album, proved eerily prescient when the revered, blues-based rockers abruptly opted to call it a day in 2020. They were open about the problem – vocalist Phil Campbell was suffering from addiction issues and given that this has been the downfall of far too many great talents in our world, it was only right that Phil stepped back and got the support he needed. Guitarist Phil Sayer acknowledged that replacing the brilliant singer would have been all but impossible. Thus, it was both a surprise and a moment of real joy when the band revealed they were reforming, tentatively playing some see-how-it-goes gigs in 2025. What’s a lot less surprising is that the outfit is back to its emotive, potent best – and their decision to bring that gutsy, soul-drenched firepower to the Bernie Marsden stage will be ample confirmation of a magnificent comeback.
My Planet Rocks Live:
In the Trooper Lounge, Planet Rock will once again be hosting its popular My Planet Rocks shows. Normally recorded ‘behind the scenes’ or in a studio, this truly gives Rockstock a personal touch, something unique that you can’t get anywhere else. Each My Planet Rocks show will see a Planet Rock presenter undertake a live broadcast interview with a star from this year’s event. The shows are themed so that each episode gives our guest the opportunity to choose music that has meant something to them over the years, and to explain why. It’s basically a chance for rock stars to play their favourite songs and discuss their influences. What makes it different at Rockstock is that you’ll have the chance to be right there during the recording process, which will really bring the whole experience to life. Past guests include the late-great Bernie Marsden, Def Leppard’s Viv Campbell, and Michael Monroe.
Curry Night with Nicko McBrain:
Those arriving on Wednesday 25th November – and who are lucky enough to be one of 150 Curry Night ticket holders – will not only be treated to some quality food, but you’ll get to hear from the evening’s very special guest. And this year that very special guest is none other than Iron Maiden legend Nicko McBrain!
While Nicko has now stepped away from touring, you won’t need any reminder of the colossus he has been behind the kit for literally decades, making a priceless contribution to some of the greatest heavy metal ever made. On top of that, Nicko is a fabulous raconteur, nearly as famous for his good humour and off-the-cuff anecdotes as he is for his remarkable percussive talents.
Nicko’s appearance at the sold-out Curry Night follows the release of his autobiography Hello Boys and Girls! on 22nd October, and it precedes his largely sold out spoken word UK tour.
Oh, what an atmosphere!
No, we are not talking about the novelty Russ Abbott song! We are talking about the special atmosphere you only get at Rockstock. Just like school kids celebrating the end of term, there’s a real sense of climax here, the culmination of another great festival season, thankfully under cover, and featuring some of our favourite bands of both this year and throughout the decades. It’s really a chance for everyone to come together one last time in 2026 – the rock family reunited for one last big musical jamboree! We can reflect on the year, enjoy what’s in front us, and look forward to doing it all again in 2027. With that in mind, have you seen the bill for Planet Rock’s Winter’s End, held from 28th to 31st January right here at Trecco Bay? You’ll want to be there too.
Ricky gets to the (Fighting) heart of the matter:
Ricky Warwick, the esteemed and seemingly ageless frontman of The Almighty and Black Star Riders, needs no introduction. However, if you really want to get to the core of what makes this inspirational figure tick, you need to check out our Thursday night headliners, Ricky Warwick & The Fighting Hearts. While Ricky doubtless means every word he says in his ‘other’ bands, this project – which started out as a solo venture – is his chance to truly get personal. Some of the material is heavily inspired by Ricky’s upbringing in Belfast, recollections not just of Northern Ireland, but of religion, disharmony and the importance of friendships gained via the city’s burgeoning rock and punk culture. Think of all that rolled together with a heady dose of blues and rock n’ roll influence – it all points to the mainman’s roots and musical DNA. The Fighting Hearts aren’t a full-time outfit for obvious reasons, so their special set on Thursday is definitely one to catch.
Operation: Rockstock:
“I remember now / I remember how it started…” Those were the first words uttered by Geoff Tate on Queensrÿche’s career-defining masterpiece ‘Operation: Mindcrime’. Possessor of one of the finest voices in rock history, Geoff will be performing that 1988 classic in full as the closing act at this year’s Rockstock. Furthermore, Geoff has confirmed that this will be the last time he ever plays this particular set. Talk about bringing things to a conclusion in style - missing this one would be a mindcrime all of its own. While that seminal work was undoubtedly the greatest concept album of the eighties, the storyline almost became academic given that it was loaded with jaw-dropping masterpieces like ‘I Don’t Believe In Love’, ‘Eyes Of A Stranger’ and ‘Revolution Calling’. In fact, forget 1988, the latter seems even more chilling in 2026 – take a look at those lyrics. After delivering the entire opus, Geoff will likely sing a few other Queensrÿche classics, not always the same ones, but very likely to include the surging, heartfelt ‘Jet City Woman’ and the gently meditative ‘Silent Lucidity’. Surrounded by stellar musicians, Geoff’s set will both conclude Rockstock and the ‘Operation: Mindcrime’ revival in a manner that’s going to stay in the memory for as long as we have one!
Rock Star-gazing:
When it comes to rock stars, this normally rare breed will be lurking around every corner at Rockstock. As well as the headliners, you’ve got the likes of former Iron Maiden singer, the Wolfsbane royalty that is Blaze Bayley, bringing his scuzzy, metallic energy to the Bernie Marsden stage on Sunday. The day before we have the intriguingly named John Corabi And Friends, the former Mötley Crüe, Scream and Dead Daisies frontman playing songs from throughout his career. We can apparently expect some Dead Daisies favourites and an interestingly reworked version of the Crüe’s ‘Hooligans Holiday’. Later on Saturday, while The Fell might be a new name to some, their bass player Billy Sheehan certainly won’t be! The former Mr Big and David Lee Roth muso is simply one of the best in the business, justifiably revered by all aspiring four-stringers. On top of that, there’s a trio of names enshrined in classic US metal and NWOBHM folklore – Alcatrazz, Girlschool, and Raven. Not to be outdone, you’ll be witnessing representatives from the wave of bands that’ll take that legacy forward – Jayler’s swaggering classicisms, prog metal perfection from Seven Sisters and Birmingham’s Blue Nation with their belting hard rock and jovial banter.
No stage clashes:
There are 37 bands playing at this year’s Rockstock. They range from living legends like Magnum and Geoff Tate to rapidly rising newcomers Juliet’s Not Dead, Crowley and of course the phenomenal Oli Brown and his outfit The Dead Collective. The action takes place across two venues – the Bernie Marsden and Graham Harding stages – each located in separate areas just a few paces apart. Unlike many festivals with more than one stage, you won’t have to choose between bands – there are no stage time clashes so in theory you could watch all 37 acts on our bill. There’s a neat challenge – who’s up for it?
Rockaoke and late-night music:
Once again, after-show music will run until late in the Trooper Lounge. The much-loved Rockaoke will return on Friday night and there’ll be the usual Sunday morning quiz for early risers. If all that’s still not enough, why not catch your breath with a calming walk on the beach? There’s some stunning views over the sea and coastline. Just don’t forget your coat!