At the LeftLion office, it's no secret that Head Designer Natalie Owen is a rock music enthusiast and a massive Disney fan. So, when we heard that Punk Rock Factory, a rock band known for their Disney covers, were coming to Nottingham, there was only one choice to review the gig...
If you haven’t heard of Punk Rock Factory yet, I highly recommend checking them out on their social media channels, especially on TikTok. With a massive following of over 500,000 fans, their energetic and entertaining content is a must-see, and they’re only gaining more momentum.
The Welsh rock band is best known for their punk rock covers of Disney classics like Let It Go from Frozen and A Whole New World from Aladdin. They’ve also tackled hits from musicals, including The Greatest Showman’s This Is Me, as well as iconic video game tracks like those from Sonic the Hedgehog. Their talent for transforming these beloved songs into high-energy punk anthems has earned them a dedicated and growing fanbase.
They often invite friends to join in the fun, and to date, the band has featured guest performances from members of renowned acts like Protest the Hero, Bowling for Soup, Ice Nine Kills, Mest, Rufio, Ten Foot Pole, and Zebrahead. They've even collaborated with Encanto star Jessica Darrow, among many others, adding an extra layer of excitement to their already lively music.
Their “stick to the covers tour” brought them to Rock City in Nottingham, along with two support acts.
Big Drink (above), a high-energy band from Newbury, kicked off their set with a perfect fusion of classic pop-punk vibes and modern rock elements that instantly ignited the crowd. They kept the fans fully engaged throughout the show, with a standout moment when an audience member complimented Jamie, the bassist, on his top. In true rock 'n' roll fashion, Jamie took it off and tossed it into the crowd, sending the fans into a frenzy!
Wolves of Glendale (below) also delighted fans on Saturday night, with their comedy music act. The band from California are known for their humorous and entertaining songs that blend sharp wit with catchy rock melodies. They have a growing fanbase thanks to their unique combination of comedy and music, which draws comparisons to bands like Tenacious D and Flight of the Conchords. Even Jack Black is a fan of them!
I’m sure I’m speaking for everyone at the gig when I say that the Wolves of Glendale were absolutely incredible. Their clever idea of engaging the crowd to suggest two artists or songs to mash up was both genius and entertaining to watch. One fan called out Eminem, while another shouted Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. In no time, they seamlessly blended the iconic harmony from Bohemian Rhapsody with Eminem's lyrics from Lose Yourself. Their quick thinking was impressive and made for a lot of fun! They also pulled off mash-ups such as Scooby-Doo with Led Zeppelin and Girls Just Want to Have Fun with The Darkness.
A big shout-out to the people on the stairs at Rock City! The Wolves of Glendale had some fun teasing them with a made-up song on the spot when they playfully asked for cheers from the "top shelf" (the balcony) and the "bottom shelf" (the floor), only to be met with a chorus of boos from the crowd.
With the crowd ecstatic after both support bands and the crowd finally back into the main hall after queuing so far back for Punk Rock Factory’s playful Disney-inspired merch. Punk Rock Factory took to the stage performing their first song of the night, How Far I’ll Go from Disney’s Moana, setting the tone for an unforgettable show.
From the moment they hit the stage, the atmosphere was infectious. Punk Rock Factory has built a solid reputation for taking beloved tunes from Disney classics, video games, and even musicals giving them a fresh, punk-rock twist. Last night, they proved why they’ve become such a fan favourite, launching into their set with blistering speed, punchy guitar riffs, and spot-on harmonies.
What stood out most was how effortlessly the band turned even the most nostalgic songs into mosh pit anthems. Their signature sound – fast-paced, packed with power chords, and dripping with punk attitude – gave each cover a new lease of life. It’s clear that they know their audience, as their setlist featured a perfect balance of crowd-pleasers and deep cuts that kept the energy at a peak all night long.
They brought audience members up on stage for a rap battle, featuring a fun twist on You’re Welcome from Disney’s Moana. Each participant had the chance to win a free T-shirt of their choice from the merchandise stand.
The band wrapped up the show with a remarkable rendition of Let It Go from Disney’s Frozen. The entire crowd was singing along, creating a dynamic atmosphere. As confetti poured down and fans raised their arms in the air, it was the perfect way to end an unforgettable evening.
If you're looking for a gig where you can relive your favourite movie moments while rocking out in true punk fashion, Punk Rock Factory is the band to watch. They’ve mastered the art of turning classic tunes into punk rock anthems, and their live show is a party you don’t want to miss.
Punk Rock Factory performed at Rock City on 12th October 2024.
We have a favour to ask
LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?
