Bad Influence back in Tongham for Hop Harvest Festival 2026
Confirmed for Hop Harvest Festival 2026 on Saturday 12th September comes Bad Influence.
After a success music night here at the Tap in 2024, Bad Influence take to the Festival stage.
For four decades, Bad Influence have been flying the flag for British blues-rock with passion, authenticity and musicianship of the very highest order. Based in South London and led by the formidable partnership of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Val Cowell and lead guitarist Richard Hayes, the band have built a reputation as one of the UK's most respected live blues-rock acts.
From blistering originals to inspired interpretations of artists including Tom Petty, Bonnie Raitt and Fleetwood Mac, every Bad Influence performance is delivered with energy, soul and effortless class. Val's powerhouse vocals have been described as "a tidal wave of a voice that can take on the mantle of our greatest singers," while audiences consistently leave captivated by a band that simply loves to play.
Their rise through the legendary London club scene included an incredible run of sold-out headline shows at the iconic Marquee Club, leading to appearances alongside Status Quo, Thunder, Roachford, Samson and Dumpy's Rusty Nuts. Rather than chasing industry trends, Bad Influence stayed true to their sound—a decision that has earned them enduring respect throughout the blues-rock world.
Six acclaimed albums have followed, including Carousel, from which four tracks were featured on Paul Jones' BBC Radio 2 show. Along the way, they've welcomed some of Britain's finest musicians into the band, with the rock-solid rhythm section featuring long-serving drummer Harry James (Thunder, Magnum) alongside bassist Pete Stroud, whose impressive résumé includes Peter Green, Buddy Whittington and more.
Powerful vocals, exceptional guitar playing and a lifetime of live experience combine to make Bad Influence exactly what every festival hopes to book—a band that leaves audiences smiling, cheering and wanting just one more song.
"Val Cowell puts her heart and soul into every vocal performance and plays a mean rhythm guitar too!" - BLUES IN BRITAIN
"Bad Influence always leave an audience handsomely entertained and looking forward to the next instalment" - BLUES IN BRITAIN
"Val Cowell who fronts Bad Influence throws out enough vocal wattage to power a small town" - "Val's is a tidal wave of a voice, with built in bump and grind, that can take on the mantle of our greatest singers" SOUTH WALES EVENING POST
Last year’s event was a sell-out. So don’t miss this first class musical extravaganza and secure your ticket now for our annual outdoor festival.
Advance tickets £35
On the Gate [if available] £40
Don't miss the biggest event in the Hogs Back calendar!
See the highlights from Hop Harvest Party Festival 2025.
More details of the Hop Harvest Party Weekend 2026.
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