Rock fest back for round two

THE Bendigo-born and bred rock music festival, Gold Rock, is back for a second year and will feature ten local bands.

Last year’s event saw six local acts along with Melbourne-based Stepmother headlining.

Event producer and musician, Shann Lions, said there are several bands with younger members this year and all acts are local, and 15-year-old rocker Joey Stretch will headline the day.

“Last year we had a Melbourne headliner because I just felt like there wasn’t a band that was more suitable to headline the event,” Lions said.

“Joey Stretch who’s opening the festival by himself, he’s only 15, the next band on after that, No Gain, who have supported Thirsty Merc and other acts, they’re like 16-18-year-olds.

“It’s giving opportunity and that builds capacity into the scene.”

Although entry to the event at Handlebar for Gold Rock 2 will remain free, Lions said last year the venue was packed and expects the same again.

Doors open at noon and the bands have 40-minute sets from 1pm, and he suggests people arrive before the venue reaches capacity at about 3pm.

Gold Rock 2 will offer several genres including heavy metal, punk, stoner rock, and progressive metal.

“The bands get heavier as the day goes on,” said Lions.

Also on this year’s set list are Earth Cadet, Lo Fi Way, The Bridesmaid, Four Lions, Relays, Dog, Harold Holt Search Party, and Die in a Dream.

The event is set for Saturday 3 February.