Exclusive Interview: Mercury’s Well talk Summer Bash 7!

Ahead of the 8th March announcement of the first wave of bands to join Reading Progressive Death Metal trio Mercury’s Well for this year’s incarnation of their annual Hawaiian beach party, we spoke to the band about the event past, present and future. It’s hard to believe but it’s been a decade since bassist and backing vocalist James Tiffin, guitarist and vocalist Simon Davies and drummer Liam Fogarty unveiled their debut EP “The Way of Ashes” and three since their self titled album. While their songs are dark and heavy dealing with subjects such as love and loss, nihilism, destructive anger and suicidal thought, they also love bright colours, flowers and grass skirts. They’re just loveable rogues really.

What does Summer Bash mean to Mercury’s Well? What keeps you bringing the event back every year?

Tiffin: “Summerbash was the first time we got to headline our own show and was a huge step for us as a band. When the promoter who used to organise it stopped putting on shows we decided we wanted to keep it going and make it our own. It’s grown from a 3 band bill to a full day fest and we couldn’t be prouder of the growth and work that’s gone into SB. It’s also an absolute mates fest and a great time to catch up and see friends from all over the country”

What will you be drinking at your beach party? Are you partial to some Rum Punch or is it going to be beer all the way?

Simon: “We have to admit to being kind of boring in that regard. Even though it’s our party, we are, essentially, working; and I at least will definitely have to drive. I’ll probably have a pint of something with me on stage, at least”

Each year you bring something special to your set. A couple of years back you started with the opening of “Eyeless” by Slipknot. Last year you included a cover of “End Of Heartache” by Killswitch Engage. What have you got in store for us this year?

Liam: “We’ve definitely got something a bit more special this year. Some old faces from bands from yesteryear will be making an appearance to engage in some fun early evening riffs! We’re gonna kill it!”

It’s been three years since your self titled debut album arrived everywhere that’s good. Have you got any new material in the works?

Liam: “We’ve been slowly working on a new release for a 15 minute song broken into different parts to try something new and fun for us. It’s a long process but we’re excited to work on some new material. When will it be ready? Wait and see!”

How do you go about selecting the bands to play Summer Bash each year? If you’re in a band that hasn’t played Summer Bash before, what can you expect?

Simon: “We know a lot of talented people so, since it’s a party we try and bring in those friends at least. I also see a lot of excellent emerging talent in the UK right now, the overall metal scene is rife with exciting opportunity. There’s a lot to enjoy and I want, selfishly, to see some of those bands locally. So I try my luck. I drop them a line. The way I see it is: worst thing they’ll do is ignore me or say “no, fuck off” and I can respect that.”

“I think, generally though, bands like to be invited to play somewhere they haven’t been before. And from what others have said in the past, they’ve felt well taken care of (at our events). We run things the way we would want to feel when we show up to play an event, and hopefully, the work we put in to make everyone feel welcome is reflected in that ethos.”

Looking back at the previous six events, what are some of your favourite memories? Which bands were you ecstatic to have on board and which ones surprised you the most?

Tiffin: “HYOM were a personal highlight as a booking and a performance. The Treehouse Barbie show was a lot of fun. Also, as a band we have a lot of time and gratitude for Black Emerald, they took us on our first tour, so having them as special guests as a one-off return meant a lot. But we have a great time every year and can’t wait for Summerbash 7!”

We’re proud to announce that Metal Noise dot Net is once again the Media Partner for Summer Bash this year! In celebration of that, we’ve teamed up with Mercury’s Well to make you a special offer. You can grab yourself ticket(s) at 20% off between now at the first wave of band announcements on 8th March at the below link! What are you waiting for?!

Mercury’s Well host Summer Bash 7 on 26th July 2025 at The Facebar in Reading.

Early Bird Tickets: here