The New Blood Stage – formerly the Unsigned Stage – exists to provide a platform for the next generation of metal talent to reach a wider audience. From Bloodstock’s very beginning back in 2001 there has been a focus on offering a chance for newcomers – the new blood if you will – to strut their stuff. In conjunction with Bloodstock’s successful Metal To The Masses initiative, the New Blood Stage is a vital part of our long-standing and ongoing commitment to grow metal in the UK from the grass roots up.In 2010 the stage name was changed to better reflect its position as an exceptional opportunity for new and emerging acts to perform in front of Bloodstock’s large and growing audience of dedicated metal fans and important music industry figures. Those lucky enough to secure a slot on the New Blood Stage also get to play both Wacken Open Air in Germany and Metal Camp in Slovenia thanks to Bloodstock’s reciprocal deal with our partners at both events.
"The unsigned stage began as far back as the indoor in the Darwin Suite," says Bloodstock founder Paul Raymond Gregory. "Bloodstock's always supported the next generation of bands and to me it was obvious they needed a platform to show their wares. Metal To The Masses was the next obvious route to developing that support. This initiative has grown year on year and now gives young musicians greater opportunities."
Bloodstock has showcased some astounding young bands over the years, many of whom have gone on to greater things. Huddersfield thrashers Evile famously bagged a deal with Earache Records after being spotted on the Unsigned Stage in 2006. In 2007 the Bloodstock Unsigned Online competition which allows bands from around the world the chance to perform at the festival was won by Sight Of Emptiness from Costa Rica. Not only did the band travel all the way to England to play a storming set for the Bloodstock faithful, the following year they won the ‘Artist Of Greatest International Exposure’ award in their home country and in 2010 were personally invited to open Megadeth’s first ever Costa Rican show.
As Bloodstock grows, so too will the New Blood Stage and with it our determination to secure a bright future for metal in the UK. The next big thing is out there - Bloodstock could be where the World finds out!
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