Gothic Americana Music

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Heathen Apostles Announced For Rebellion Festival 2026

Heathen Apostles at Rebellion Festival 2026

The Heathen Apostles have just been announced for the latest edition of the Rebellion Festival 2026 taking place, as always, at Winter Gardens in Blackpool, UK. After playing the Almost Acoustic stage last year, the band will be performing on the Opera House stage this year. It’s taking place 6 – 9 August, as most of you know the band’s performance dates and set times will be announced at a later date, meanwhile you can get your tickets HERE

Heathen Apostles at Rebellion Festival 2026From the Rebellion PR: Put simply, Rebellion is the biggest independently run Punk Festival in the UK. Set in the historic Blackpool Winter Gardens, the festival offers over 300 live acts spread across 6 stages, including an ‘introducing’ stage for new acts, alongside a literary festival, a marketplace where you can buy clothing, band merch, records/CDs, handmade goods/artwork and much, much more. It is a great opportunity to meet friends old and new from across the world, have a drink in the numerous bars and enjoy the delights that one of Britain’s top tourist destinations has to offer.

Rebellion is an indoor festival held in the wonderful WINTER GARDENS in the seaside town of Blackpool. Lots of venues, cafes, bars under one roof – no need to worry about umbrellas or the great British weather affecting the festival!! Walk-up ticketing depend on whether or not tickets are sold out, which will be advertised via our Social Media sites. If there are tickets available, these can be purchased from the Box Office (details above), where you will be given a wristband when you buy your ticket and allowed straight into the venue.

Heathen Apostles’ “Albatross” – Heavy Pirate & Sorceress Vibes

Heathen Apostles - Pirate & Sorceress

Today is the ninth anniversary of the Heathen Apostles “Albatross” music video, which envisioned a heavy gothic pirate & sorceress vibe, captured by bandmembers Mather Louth and Chopper Franklin. The band posted about it on their media accounts:

Heathen Apostles - Pirate & SorceressWho says Heathens never go to the beach? We shot the video for the standalone single “Albatross” 9 years ago in the Malibu caves here in Los Angeles. Mather plays three roles in it, and Chopper is the kidnapping pirate who meets his bloody demise in the end (either Mather or Chopper seemed to die in most of the videos back then). This was a fun one to film, check out the full video HERE

#gothicamericana #bloodgrass #heathenapostles #matherlouth #chopperfranklin #gothicoutlaw

Heathen Apostles - Pirate & SorceressVideo credits:
The music video for the Heathen Apostles’ (Mather Louth [Radio Noir], Chopper Franklin [The Cramps], Thomas Lorioux [Kings of Nuthin’] and Luis Mascaro) single “Albatross” was shot on location on the coast of Southern California in the Fall of 2016. You can purchase “Albatross” by clicking HERE

Heathen Apostles website: www.heathenapostles.com

Directed by the Heathen Apostles

Albatross produced and mixed by Chopper Franklin
Underwater footage shot by Vanessa Walton (Special thanks to Cheryl Walsh and Jessica Dru)
Make up by Alta De Koven and Mather Louth
Wardrobe by Cheri Wilson Chagolian and Mather Louth
Post Production at the Devil’s Doghouse, Echo Park, Ca.

© 2016 Ratchet Blade Records

Heathen Apostles Gothic Rock Festival Announced For 2026

As the Heathen Apostles are starting to put together their tours for 2026, the first tour announcement is for the Blackpool Boneyard Weekender, taking place 3rd July thru the 5th (we are playing Saturday the 4th) at the Waterloo Music Bar in Blackpool, UK. It is a gothic rock festival (but also covers many genres of music) by Ratty Wilson. Get your tickets at the link below, and we’ll be announcing an August ’26 festival date shortly.
GET TICKETS HERE.

Heathen Apostles Gothic Rock Festival

From the Blackpool Boneyard Weekender website:

“In 2023, former member of Alien Sex Fiend, Andrew ‘Ratty’ Wilson came up with the genius idea of arranging a music festival… The Blackpool Boneyard Weekender at the iconic Waterloo Music Bar is a captivating celebration of goth, rockabilly, industrial, and horror punk, bringing together like-minded souls for a weekend of unforgettable music and showmanship. Attendees can expect a diverse lineup of bands delivering high-energy performances, offering something for everyone. In addition to the incredible music, the Boneyard Weekender showcases amazing talent in the artists and traders area. The festival fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among those who share a passion for alternative music and art. It’s like The Cramps meets Alien Sex Fiend, and everything in between.

Heathen Apostles Gothic Rock Festival

Absolutely delighted to announce a very special act for next year’s Blackpool Boneyard Weekender. ALIEN EX FIEND!!!
After 14 years doing my show with Vince Ripper and Dr Diablo and having a brilliant time  and creating amazing memories with them both, I’ve decided to do a one off show with a live band which will be Sunday’s headline act. Performing Alien Sex Fiend songs you’ve never heard live, all the classics, also show stuff and some surprises. This will be an homage to them and being a Fiend all my life.. Once a Fiend.. always a FIEND!!”

Heathen Apostles w/ Fields of the Nephilim in London – Dark Country Vibes

Heathen Apostles w/ Fields of the Nephilim in London - Dark Country Vibes

On a night meant for remembering those who have passed, where the feel of spaghetti westerns mixes with a touch of blood and darkness, we really couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the spooky season on a cold evening at the O2 Forum Kentish Town, London. When the clock struck 19:30, Heathen Apostles showed up with their stunning hats, bringing their unique sound to the UK. I had never seen the Los Angeles-based foursome before, and I was speechless afterward. Their set was brief but impactful, blending dark country vibes with some moody gothic elements.

It really opened my eyes, as someone who isn’t too familiar with the genre, to the idea that music and taste can’t be boxed into just one label. “Be Careful What You Pray For” and “Red Brick Dust” had me and the London crowd wanting more. Their unique storytelling and moody instrumentation were just so captivating. I had no idea I could enjoy bluegrass, or should I say bloodgrass? It’s pretty cool how much rhythm there is, even without a drummer around.

With the violin and contrabass, plus some catchy guitar riffs from the well-known Chopper Franklin (who’s played guitar and bass for The Cramps, the Mau Maus, and more), Mather Louth’s voice and stage presence really take the audience to a rich, dust-bowl vibe, making it feel like they’ve walked right out of a “Weird West” or Southern Gothic horror film.

Author Sabrina Schiavinato. Photo: Peterson Marti.
Read the entire review at Chaoszine HERE.

Live Review of Heathen Apostles and Fields of the Nephilim – Dark Country Influences

Heathen Apostles and Fields of the Nephilim - Dark Country Influences

The O2 Institute in Birmingham was cloaked in darkness and anticipation on October 25th as Fields of the Nephilim kicked off the first night of their six-date UK run celebrating an incredible 40 years of gothic majesty. The lineup promised a night steeped in atmosphere and history, with Balaam & The Angel and the Heathen Apostles setting the stage for the legendary headliners. Opening the evening were Heathen Apostles, bringing their distinctive blend of Gothic Americana to the Midlands. For myself, this was the first opportunity to see the Los Angeles-based outfit live and they did not disappoint. Their seven-song set was short but potent, weaving dark country influences with brooding gothic undertones. “Be Careful What You Pray For” and “Red Brick Dust” drew the crowd in with their haunting storytelling and moody instrumentation. By the time they closed with “The Reckoning,” the Apostles had made a clear impression, proving that their unique brand of shadowy Americana translates powerfully onstage.

Heathen Apostles and Fields of the Nephilim - Dark Country Influences

Set-list:
Deaths Head
Paint The Stars
Careful What You Pray For
Shadow Of The Crows
Red Brick Dust
Two For The Road
The Reckoning

Then, as the lights dimmed and the familiar haze of smoke began to roll across the stage, it was time for Fields of the Nephilim. True to form, the band emerged as spectral silhouettes through a dense fog, instantly transforming the venue into a cathedral of shadow and sound. Opening with “Intro (The Harmonica Man)”, the atmosphere was nothing short of ritualistic, the perfect invocation for what was to come.

Over the course of a 12-song set, Carl McCoy and company guided the audience through a journey that spanned decades of their mystic, desert-drenched mythology. Highlights included “Love Under Will” a stunning back-to-back pairing of “Dawnrazor”, and “Moonchild”, each one met with roars of recognition from the devoted crowd. “At the Gates of Silent Memory” offered a slower, more introspective moment, drenched in melancholic grandeur, before the band closed the main set with the thunderous “Psychonaut.”

But the night wasn’t over yet. As the smoke settled momentarily, the band returned for a well-deserved encore, launching into “Last Exit for the Lost” to near end a night steeped in mystery, nostalgia, and raw power. McCoy’s commanding presence, the band’s unwavering precision, and the hypnotic visuals created an experience that felt almost otherworldly.

Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell