Bluesfest 2025 - Day Two

Ash Grunwald

Ash Grunwald brought a high-energy performance to Bluesfest 2025, reaffirming his status as a festival favourite. He captivated the audience with his signature blend of blues and roots, featuring gritty guitar and foot-stomping rhythms with plenty of audience interaction. His set resonated deeply with long-time fans, showcasing his evolution as an artist over the years. A highlight of his set was when his daughter, who first attended Bluesfest “on the boob”, joined him onstage to perform. It’s fair to say there were quite a few misty eyes on the stage and throughout the Crossroads tent following this performance.

Taj Farrant

Taj Farrant put on an electrifying performance at Bluesfest 2025, showcasing his exceptional guitar skills and stage presence. At just 15 years old, he captivated the audience with his soulful blues-rock style, blending technical prowess with heartfelt emotion. His unique flair and absolute mastery of the guitar left the crowd in awe. His performance was a testament to his dedication and passion for music, making him a standout act at this year's festival.​

George Thorogood

George Thorogood & The Destroyers served up a high-octane performance at Bluesfest 2025, electrifying the crowd with their blend of blues-rock swagger. Thorogood's charismatic stage presence and the band's tight musicianship created an unforgettable atmosphere, drawing fans into a rock 'n' roll celebration. Their set was a testament to their decades-long legacy, proving that their brand of boogie-blues remains as compelling as ever. For many, this performance was a high point of the festival, reaffirming why George Thorogood & The Destroyers continue to be icons in the genre.

The Beards

The Beards made a triumphant return to Bluesfest 2025, bringing a performance that was both hilariously entertaining and musically solid. Known for their comedic rock anthems celebrating the mighty beard, they brought their signature energy and charm to the stage, engaging the audience with their playful lyrics and charismatic presence. Their unique blend of comedy and rock was accompanied by humorous banter and audience interaction, with many songs being dedicated to lucky individuals in the audience sporting luxurious facial hair. The band's reunion after nearly a decade away added a nostalgic touch, making their performance a memorable highlight of the festival.

Cimafunk

Cimafunk's debut at Bluesfest 2025 was a vibrant celebration of Afro-Cuban rhythms and infectious funk grooves. Leading his nine-piece ensemble, the Cuban sensation delivered an electrifying performance and scat athleticism that had the audience dancing from start to finish. With his dynamic stage presence and genre-blending sound, Cimafunk’s set was a testament to the power of music in bridging cultures and uniting audiences through shared joy.​

Tom Morello

Tom Morello unleashed a fiery, politically charged set at Bluesfest that was equal parts concert and revolution. Armed with his iconic guitar and unmatched creativity, he tore through riffs that felt like sonic protest anthems. His solo work hit hard, blending rock, hip-hop, and rebellion with razor-sharp precision. The crowd roared as he paid tribute to Rage Against the Machine with explosive renditions that sent energy surging through the grounds. Morello also took moments to speak directly to the audience, calling for unity, justice, and resistance — turning the stage into a pulpit of purpose. It was a bold, electrifying performance that reminded everyone just how powerful music can be when it stands for something.

Toto

Toto's performance at Bluesfest 2025 exemplified timeless rock that resonated deeply among all of the feverish fans spilling out of the Crossroads tent. The band opened strong with some classic hits from the ‘70s and ‘80s, with "Rosanna" resonating throughout the festival grounds. Their sophisticated sound and genre-blending style captivated the audience, showcasing their enduring appeal and musical prowess. The performance was a testament to their status as one of rock's most enduring and beloved bands . For many festival-goers, Toto's set was a highlight of Bluesfest 2025, reaffirming their place in the pantheon of rock legends.

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