The UK’s hottest new indoor rock extravaganza just got even rowdier. Mayhem Rock Festival 2026—brought to you by Rock Vibes Nottingham and Born Again Concerts—has added rising UK hard rock force South Of Salem to its already stacked bill. This fresh injection of gritty riffs and anthemic fury slots perfectly into the festival’s sleaze rock and Scandinavian invasion vibe, promising two days of non-stop headbanging from May 16-17, 2026. With headliners H.E.A.T and Eclipse leading the charge, alongside Eclipse, Confess, Toxic Rose, Suicide Bombers, Trench Dogs, Smoking Snakes, Kardang, and Wasted Wizards, South Of Salem amps up the homegrown energy.
Tickets are flying—grab yours now at gigantic.com/mayhem-rock-festival-tickets before the rush hits fever pitch. Day passes start at £45, with weekend bundles dropping soon. This is Scandinavian classic rock meets British sleaze in immersive venues: The Nest’s massive LED spectacle in Nottingham on Saturday, and KOKO’s historic swagger in London on Sunday. Follow Mayhem Rock Festival on Facebook for the latest drops.
South Of Salem: The UK Hard Rock Rebels Crashing the Party
Hailing from Bournemouth, South Of Salem is the five-piece powerhouse channeling ’80s arena rock with a modern metal twist—think soaring choruses, thunderous hooks, and a devil-may-care stage presence that turns gigs into sweat-drenched rituals. Formed in 2018 from the ashes of local scene vets, the band (vocalist Joey Draper, guitarist Kodi Kasper, and crew) burst onto the radar with their 2020 self-titled EP, blending Bon Jovi-sized anthems with a raw, DIY edge.
Their momentum’s been relentless: 2024’s Death Of The Party album dropped like a bombshell, packed with bangers like “Vultures,” “Static,” and “Jet Black Eyes”—tracks that fuse nostalgic glam with contemporary crunch. Fresh off a sold-out UK headline tour, festival slots at Bloodstock and Maid Of Stone, and support runs with heavyweights like Kris Barras Band, South Of Salem embodies that unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll spirit. As Draper puts it, they’re all about “memorability and cheeky humour,” delivering shows that feel like a wild night out with your rowdiest mates. At Mayhem, expect them to ignite the crowd with high-octane sets that bridge the fest’s Scandinavian polish and British grit—perfect fuel for the sleaze rock faithful.
Why This Addition Makes Mayhem Rock Festival 2026 Unmissable
South Of Salem’s inclusion isn’t just a lineup tweak—it’s a strategic slam-dunk. Their ’80s-inspired sleaze and hard rock edge complements the bill’s Scorpions-esque riffs and Bon Jovi choruses, adding a fierce UK flavor to the Nordic dominance of H.E.A.T (closing both nights post their 2025 Address the Nation tour) and Eclipse (riding high from 2024’s Megadose). Picture Confess’s raw power, Toxic Rose’s melodic fire, and now South Of Salem’s anthemic chaos colliding under The Nest’s cutting-edge lights or KOKO’s legendary rafters—it’s the ultimate escape for fans craving nostalgia with a fresh bite.
This update screams growth: From the initial announcement’s heavyweights to this homegrown hero, Mayhem’s curating a diverse rock odyssey that spans borders and eras. Whether you’re moshing to Suicide Bombers’ punky sleaze or air-guitaring Trench Dogs’ grooves, South Of Salem ensures every corner pulses with energy. And with that mystery guest looming? The hype train’s derailed into overdrive.
Venue Vibes: From Nottingham’s Tech Wonderland to London’s Rock Cathedral
Day one at The Nest (May 16, Nottingham): Dive into a tech marvel with the UK’s biggest LED screen, turning sleaze rock anthems into visual feasts—ideal for South Of Salem’s theatrical flair and H.E.A.T’s pyrotechnic close. Day two at KOKO (May 17, London): Step into history since 1903, where legends have roared, now supercharged with modern production for Eclipse’s electrifying set. These spots aren’t just stages; they’re immersive worlds amplifying the festival’s raw power.
Ticket Alert: Secure Your Spot in the Mayhem Before It’s Gone
Don’t sleep on this—tickets here via Gigantic for only £70. Rock Vibes Nottingham (Midlands maestros of high-energy nights) and Born Again Concerts (rock and metal tour titans) are locking in an epic. As the promoters hype: “Scandinavian rock power meets UK rebellion—this is Mayhem unleashed!”
About the Masterminds Behind the Madness
Rock Vibes Nottingham: Crafting Midlands magic with top-shelf live events that leave crowds buzzing. Born Again Concerts: Global rock whisperers, from arena spectacles to fest firestarters. Together, they’re birthing Mayhem Rock Festival 2026 as the UK’s freshest indoor rock haven—uniting sleaze, hard, and classic rock lovers for two nights of pure, unadulterated chaos.
Stay locked in for more reveals, especially that October 6 bombshell. Mayhem Rock Festival: Where the riffs reign supreme. What’s your must-see set now that South Of Salem’s in? Drop it in the comments—we’re all ears (and amps).
FAQs: Mayhem Rock Festival 2026 with South Of Salem
When and where is Mayhem Rock Festival 2026? May 16 at The Nest, Nottingham; May 17 at KOKO, London.
Who’s headlining? H.E.A.T closes both nights; Eclipse co-leads the charge.
What’s the full lineup now? H.E.A.T, Eclipse, Confess, Toxic Rose, Suicide Bombers, Trench Dogs, Smoking Snakes, Kardang, Wasted Wizards, and new addition South Of Salem.
Who is South Of Salem? Bournemouth’s five-piece hard rockers blending ’80s arena vibes with modern metal—latest album Death Of The Party (2024) is a sleaze-rock stunner.
How do I get tickets? On sale now at gigantic.com/mayhem-rock-festival-tickets—day passes from £45.
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Mayhem Rock Festival 2026 Lineup Update: South Of Salem Joins the Sleaze Rock Onslaught @RockNews
