Those Damn Crows Ignite SMR Festival 2025 with Explosive Rock ‘n’ Roll at The Lamex Stadium

May 25, 2025 rocknews

Welsh rockers Those Damn Crows soared into Stevenage like a hurricane of hard-hitting riffs and rock ‘n’ roll swagger. If anyone in the crowd wasn’t a fan before, they left The Lamex Stadium with their ears ringing and their souls converted.

Though billed as the second act in the lineup, the energy these seasoned performers brought was nothing short of headliner material. From the moment they stepped onto the SMR Festival stage, the atmosphere crackled with an intensity that could have powered Stevenage’s streetlights. The first notes rang out like a battle cry, sending shockwaves through the crowd, and by the first chorus, it was clear: This was rock the way it’s meant to be.

SMR Festival: A New Rock Haven at The Lamex Stadium

The SMR Festival 2025, held at The Lamex Stadium in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, is a three-day rock extravaganza over the late May bank holiday weekend (23–25 May 2025). Organized by KB Concerts, this inaugural event welcomed 9,500 music fans with a stellar lineup of major headline acts and incredible support artists, cementing its place as a must-attend event in the UK’s live music scene (SMR Festival Official Website).

With easy access via train, bus, and car, SMR Festival is designed to bring world-class artists to Stevenage while fostering community connections (Love Stevenage). Stevenage FC director Stuart Dinsey praised the event, saying, “SMR 25 is a fantastic new music event for the town, bringing big-name artists to The Lamex Stadium” (Love Stevenage). Tickets went on sale 25 October 2024, and fans can sign up for lineup updates at www.smr.uk.

A Setlist to Shake the Foundations

Those Damn Crows launched into Who Did It, setting a gritty, unapologetic tone packed with attitude. Man of Fire burned through the speakers, with the crowd shouting along, and by Send the Reaper, the energy had ignited into something primal.

The band’s chemistry was undeniable, with guitarists leaning back-to-back, grinning like conspirators in a plot to overthrow musical mediocrity. When frontman Shane Greenhall strapped on a guitar for Glass Heart, the crowd knew they were witnessing something special. The band, playing their first-ever Stevenage show, joked about being “Stevenage virgins no more,” with the audience hanging onto every word.

The chaos peaked with Let’s Go Psycho, the crowd happily diving into the madness. No Surrender and Blink of an Eye showcased high-energy solos and instrumental brilliance, while Sin on Skin had fans clapping in perfect rhythm, fully immersed in the band’s sonic spell.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Ain’t Dead—It’s Thriving

As the set neared its climax, a sea of fists punched the air to the beat of Go Get It, with chants of “Hey! Hey!” echoing through The Lamex Stadium. The finale, Rock ‘n’ Roll Ain’t Dead, saw Greenhall leap to the crowd barriers, singing face-to-face with fans who clung to his every word.

So, are Those Damn Crows the most underrated rock band tearing up stages today? Should they be headlining major festivals like SMR instead of warming them up? If you were there, what moment will stay burned into your rock ‘n’ roll soul? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media with #SMRFestival2025 and #ThoseDamnCrows!

For more on Those Damn Crows, check out their official website or follow them on X for tour updates. Don’t miss SMR Festival 2025—secure your tickets now at www.smr.uk!