Milton Keynes Bowl played host to the inaugural Forever Now Festival, a celebration of post-punk, new wave, goth, and alternative rock. With a lineup stacked with legends and cult favourites, the day unfolded like a mixtape of musical eras—chaotic, polished, droney, and euphoric.
🕺 Happy Mondays: Beautiful Chaos
Our evening began with the Happy Mondays, who delivered exactly what you’d expect—shambolic brilliance. Bez and Shaun Ryder were in full form, dancing and mumbling through the set with a kind of anarchic charm, while their backing band held it all together with surprising tightness. It was messy, it was magic.
🎸 Billy Idol: Rock Solid
Next up, Billy Idol, joined by guitar virtuoso Steve Stevens, brought a level of polish and professionalism that stood in stark contrast to the Mondays. Idol’s energy was infectious, and Stevens’ solos were razor-sharp. Honestly, if we’re placing bets, Billy might just outlive Shaun Ryder.
🎹 The The: Precision Over Punch
The The followed with a technically superb set—tight, layered, and sonically rich. But something was missing. The hooks didn’t quite land, and the emotional connection felt elusive. So we made a move…
🌫️ Jesus & Mary Chain: Drone Delight
Switching stages turned out to be a masterstroke. The Jesus & Mary Chain surprised us with a heavy, droney groove that hit deep. It was hypnotic, immersive, and totally unexpected. A standout moment that lingered long after their set ended.
🔥 The (Death) Cult: Anthem Delivered
We gambled on The (Death) Cult over Kraftwerk, hoping for one thing: “She Sells Sanctuary.” And they delivered. The crowd erupted, and the energy was electric. Their set was raw and powerful, a perfect closer on The Other Stage.
💻 Kraftwerk: Sonic Perfection
With just enough time to catch the final few tracks of Kraftwerk, we were treated to a masterclass in electronic precision. Their performance was utterly professional, visually stunning, and sonically flawless. A fitting end to a day that celebrated both chaos and control.
📸 Forever Now in Photos
Relive the day through my lens. Click below to view the full album:
