NWOCR with Peter Rattray: Rochester Rocks & Southern Soul

Peter Rattray brings a high-voltage mix of the best new rock, including a massive Rochester Rocks festival preview and southern-fried classics.

In this episode of NWOCR (New Wave of Classic Rock), host Peter Rattray delivers a powerhouse two-hour set that traverses the globe from the Australian metal scene to the heart of British Southern Rock. The first hour focuses heavily on the upcoming Rochester Rocks Festival, providing listeners with a comprehensive preview of the talent scheduled to take the stage, including standout tracks from Bad Touch, A Priori, and the hard-hitting Rattlebacks. Peter also dives into the interconnected world of the UK rock scene, discussing the movement of musicians between bands like Anchor Lane and the Cassidy Paris backing group, proving just how tight-knit this community remains.

The second half of the show leans into ’70s-inspired barroom rock and southern-fried goodness. Peter highlights the exceptional live energy of Larkin Poe and Tuck Smith & The Restless Hearts, while also giving a nod to the growing Southern Rock movement in the West of England with Sons of Liberty and Revenant. The episode reaches a crescendo with a look at the heavier side of the New Wave of Classic Rock, featuring King Kraken and Black Lakes, before closing out with an invitation to the summer’s biggest rock events. It’s an essential listen for anyone looking to keep their finger on the pulse of the best new rock music in the UK and beyond.

NWOCR with Peter Rattray: Rochester Rocks & Southern Soul was broadcast on Hard Rock Hell Radio on Tuesday 17th February 2026