Up The Irons
Up The Irons is the ultimate Iron Maiden Tribute band.
Unlike your regular coverband, we put on a spectacular, high-energy show complete with stage props, effects and on stage "Eddie" monsters that simulate a perfect Iron Maiden show.
This band is a special one! Not just a band, but a warm family!
In 2016 Sam joined Up The Irons and the magic was real. As the only Belgian member in this awesome Dutch Iron Maiden tribute band Sam brought them back to the 80's with his long hair and 80's vibe (cut off shirts, tight jeans,.. )!
Sam found a band where rock & roll and family went well together, that's what he needed!
Evil Invaders
Belgian's biggest speed metal band will perform at SamFest!
Evil Invaders has always been a big part of Sam's life. Joining the band in 2010, after his first band FallOut quit, gave his dream a new meaning. The connection he had with Joe (vocals/guitar), both musically and personally, was unbreakable. The band was growing so fast and they were touring all around the world! Being weeks away from home wasn't always easy for Sam, so with a heavy heart he decided to leave the band in 2015. He kept a strong bond with the members of the band.
On September 23th of 2023, Sam had a one-time reunion with Evil Invaders and it was MAGIC!
Sam has always been so proud of this band (and I mean extremely proud!), so they could not miss from our amazing line-up!!
SteeLover
Sam joined the band at the beginning of 2024. He felt honored when manager Marc asked him if he wanted to be the new guitarist of Steelover. The guys knew Sam from his exuberance at the front of the stage during their performance in Aarschot, they hadn't forgotten that!
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The connection in the band was instant, even though there was a language barrier. Sam's French isn't that fluent Pat and Sam look like father and son and their chemistry on stage was fantastic to see!
Steelover is busy working on a new album and with all due respect for Sam, this will be a gem!
Sam has been a fan of Steelover for a long time and thinks they are one of the best Belgian bands ever! Being part of Steelover is a dream and that's why we are very happy to announce that they will be part of Samfest!
Jeff Brown
Jeff Brown has had an illustrious career which spans over 4 decades. He has played bass and sang for bands such as: Wildfire, Statetrooper, Paddy goes to Holyhead, Sweet, Rock Classic Allstars. He released his debut solo album in November 2015 entitled, '23 Years'.
He currently plays with The Original Jukebox Heroes, The Trems and does his own solo gigs.
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Jeff Brown is Sam's stepdad for already 18 years. As a bassplayer and being 30 cm's shorter than Sam there wasn't much to look up to, that's what Sam would've said! But all jokes aside.. Sam and Jeff were really close mates, had always so much fun together.. Making fun of eachother, so this announcement couldn't be any less of that!
Music bonded them and Sam enjoyed himself going to his stepdads gigs.
Jeff will put his heart out for our Sam at SamFest!
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Praying Mantis
Praying Mantis were formed in London, England, in 1973 by brothers Chris and Tino Troy.
Along with fellow London bands Iron Maiden, Angel Witch and Samson, Praying Mantis quickly established themselves and rapidly received the attention of the music press of the time. Along with a number of similar bands across the UK this entire movement was labelled by `Sounds` as the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
To hear and see the band now, fans will experience both the spirit and energy of 1980 together with a technical style that really compliments today’s standards.
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Sam had the best time seeing Praying Mantis live with his mom and stepdad (Jeff Brown) in 2019. Tino Troy was a guest at their wedding as him and Jeff are mates for many many years already! There, Sam and Tino got along very well!
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We are so honoured the band wants to remember Sam with all of us!
How freaking awesome is it to have Praying Mantis at SamFest!?
Laser
Laser is a Belgian 80's oldschool heavy/speed metalband. With finding this line-up and starting to write new music, they are ready to kick some ass!
The members are based in Genk, Leuven and Westerlo, so this a hometown gig for one of them!
They met Sam a few times. Sam was so happy to see these young guys rocking that 80's vibe and felt like he was 18 all over again! That love was mutual and ofcourse Sam is one to look up to!
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We cannot wait for them to play their first ever festival and so happy it's us! (We're a REAL festival, wtf!)
Sam will be very proud! Support young bands!
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