The legacy of one of Swindon’s most celebrated residents will be honored with a heavy metal tribute at the Wings Of Angels festival on Saturday, November 23.
Steve Grimmett, acclaimed producer, songwriter, and frontman of the internationally renowned metal band GRIM REAPER, will be remembered during the one-day event. The festival takes its name from “Wings of Angels”, the lead track from GRIM REAPER’s 2018 album “Walking In The Shadows”.
GRIM REAPER was a leading force in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement, which swept the globe in the 1980s.
Steve Grimmett, who sold over a million albums, is considered to be one of heavy metal’s most iconic vocalists. His powerful voice garnered a dedicated fanbase spanning Europe, the United States, South America, and Japan. Throughout his career, Grimmett released several acclaimed studio albums, numerous singles, and enjoyed significant airplay on MTV.
After his passing in August 2022, his wife Millie is organizing the Wings Of Angels festival to fulfill the wishes of his global fanbase, honoring his life with a fitting musical tribute.
The festival lineup will feature guest singers performing songs from Grimmett’s extensive catalog, alongside bands from around the world connected to his music and legacy. Former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes will headline the event, while GRIM REAPER’s original members—guitarist Nick Bowcott, bassist Dave Wanklin, and drummer Mark Simon—will reunite for the first time in over three decades, joined by Harry Conklin of JAG PANZER on vocals.
Other former members of STEVE GRIMMETT’S GRIM REAPER, the revamped version of GRIM REAPER led by Grimmett, to join the festivities include Chaz Grimaldi, Paul White, Mart Trail, Mark Walker, Julian Hill and Ian Nash. Plus there will be special appearances by Richie Yeates, Sy Davies, Kim Jennett, Mike Jurgens and Franc Potvin.
Millie Grimmett said: “Steve’s life was heavy metal. He got so much pleasure out of performing onstage, meeting fans and recording music. It’s only right that the Wings Of Angels festival pays tribute to that through a packed line-up of metal acts from near and far. We’re looking forward to a sold-out festival, amazing music and a fitting celebration of Steve’s life.”
