Think You’ve Seen High-Energy Rock? Meet Ironhide.
- hientertainmentdor
- 17 hours ago
- 2 min read
Ironhide are not just another local covers band. They are a full force, high energy juggernaut from Weymouth that thrives on chaos, crowd anthems and keeping audiences on their toes.
The four piece, Nick Harding (vocals and rhythm guitar), Martyn Bell (lead guitar), Charlie Biles (bass) and Grant Holford (drums), all went to school together and have been in and out of bands with each other for years. Ironhide officially came together in 2019 when Nick and Martyn pitched the idea to Grant: play a few gigs, have a bit of fun, and keep music alive on their own terms.
Of course, things did not quite stay that simple.
From Metal Roots to Indie Rock Mayhem
All four members grew up in metal bands and still unleash a 30 song heavy set every few months at Finns in Weymouth. But with Ironhide, they wanted to try something new. Their sound has since evolved into high octane indie rock with a punky edge, the kind of music that cranks up the tempo, shakes the walls and gets entire rooms moving.
As Nick puts it: “We are providing something that no one else is doing.” And judging by the reactions at their gigs, he is not wrong.
Gigs That Turn Into Stories
Ironhide are no strangers to Dorset’s pubs, clubs and festivals. Finns in Weymouth will always be close to their hearts, as the venue gave them and countless others their first shot on stage. But their most memorable moments go well beyond their hometown.
One standout memory is their weeklong residency in Nice, France, playing to packed crowds every night and even surviving a broken aircon system. “People were dancing on tables, a stag do was literally unscrewing the ceiling above us, it was insane,” laughs Nick.
Back home, their setlists mix guaranteed bangers with curveballs that catch crowds off guard. Expect the likes of “Sex on Fire” and “Mr Brightside,” but also Dizzee Rascal’s “Bonkers,” ABBA’s “Mamma Mia,” or even “Cotton Eye Joe.” Their motto? Play the songs you love, then the ones you did not know you wanted to hear.
What’s Next for Ironhide?
After hundreds of gigs across Dorset, Somerset and beyond, 2026 is already shaping up to be one of their biggest years yet. The band are booked for Bridport Cider Festival, Quayside shows and are hoping to return to France for another residency.
They are also teasing their first original tracks, due to drop in 2026. Expect them to hit Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music before making their way into live sets.
In the meantime, Ironhide are focused on building their reputation as one of Weymouth’s favourite bands. “We do not drink, we are low maintenance, and we just want to make sure every crowd has the best time possible,” says Nick.
And if past shows are anything to go by, “the best time possible” usually means mosh pits, singalongs, and a whole lot of chaos.
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