Takedown Festival 2026: Friday Must-See Bands & A Tribute to Phil Campbell

The return of Takedown Festival to Portsmouth Guildhall is just around the corner, bringing with it a strong lineup that leans into classic hard rock and heavy metal on its opening day.

However, this year’s edition comes with a bittersweet note. Phil Campbell, legendary guitarist of Motörhead and frontman of Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, was set to headline the Friday night before his unexpected passing earlier this month. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, but it also sets the tone for what is likely to become a night of tribute and celebration of his legacy.

In that spirit, bands like Asomvel feel more relevant than ever, carrying that same raw, high-octane rock’n’roll energy that defined Motörhead. Elsewhere on the lineup, South Wales’ King Kraken promise massive riffs and a powerful modern edge, while Essex veterans InMe continue to showcase one of the strongest voices in British alternative rock.

Further up the bill, South of Salem are quickly establishing themselves as one of the UK’s most exciting hard rock acts, blending theatrical flair with infectious hooks. Meanwhile, DeVere bring a nostalgic 80s-inspired sound, reminiscent of Mötley Crüe and Saxon, making them one of the most intriguing bands to watch live. Rounding off the recommendations are Kill The Lights, delivering a heavier, modern metal approach with members connected to bands like Bullet for My Valentine.

Of course, the lineup also features established names such as The Wildhearts and Therapy?, two bands with decades of history behind them. The Wildhearts continue to build on their legacy following the release of 21st Century Love Songs, proving they remain one of the UK’s most distinctive rock acts. Meanwhile, Therapy? — who step in following the change in the headline slot — released Hard Cold Fire in 2023, showing that their blend of alternative metal and sharp songwriting is as relevant as ever.

To get ready for the festival, we’ve also put together a playlist featuring these artists, available on iTunes and YouTube.

This Friday at Takedown is shaping up to be more than just a night of great music — it’s a celebration of rock’n’roll spirit.

🎧 Listen to the playlists:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theriff_collective?si=eixA6CuUrxpkIzZV

The Riff Collective