From Pandemic Beginnings to Bloodstock: WREX Shares Their Band Journey

In this engaging episode of The Adventures of Pipeman on W4CY Radio, Pipeman sits down with WREX at Bloodstock Festival to talk about festival life, performing in extreme weather, the band's journey from the pandemic, tattoo stories, and the importance of music communities. From humorous anecdotes to reflections on unity and acceptance, the conversation dives deep into what makes festivals special and why music continues to connect people across differences.Main Topics CoveredPerforming at Bloodstock and enduring unpredictable UK weatherTouring and packing for all seasons as a musicianOnstage challenges with costumes and heat, especially for drummersThe physical demands of live performances—a workout comparisonFestival mosh pits and memorable experiences (including Heavysaurus and dinosaur costumes)Stories about tattoos, including the significance of band-related tattoosThe importance and vibe of festivals like Bloodstock and RebellionMusic communities and the power of festivals to unite diverse peopleDiscussing polarizing divisions and the need for inclusion and understandingBackstory: Forming a band during the COVID-19 pandemicThe value of friendships and connections made on the roadHow to connect with and support WREXKey Discussions & StoriesSurviving Festival WeatherPipeman and WREX joke about packing for every season and the UK's infamous “unscheduled weather” 01:03.Insight into the struggle of performing in heavy clothes and costumes, and coping with stage heat—the necessity of drinking lots of water and contemplating cold plunges for the band 03:05.Comparisons to cardio—how a 25-30 minute set can feel like running a 5K to 7.5K 05:18.Onstage Antics & Pit MemoriesExperiences with performing in jumpsuits and the prospect of heat stroke 02:43.The idea of mid-show breaks and drum solos as cooling opportunities 04:25.Mosh pits, from classic to inflatable dinosaur costumes—highlighting the fun side of festival culture 06:27.Tattoos & Band TributesMultiple stories about tattoo mishaps, learning experiences, and sentimental pieces 10:06.Sharing the experience of a fan's first WREX tattoo and what it meant to the band 12:30.Festivals as Community BuildersEmphasis on the irreplaceable community atmosphere at festivals like Bloodstock and Rebellion 14:17.Reflection on music events as places where everyone finds common ground, even if musical preferences differ 15:07.Unity & PolarizationConversation about inclusion, not alienating those with different worldviews, and festivals as spaces for unity 16:04.Stories from travel and performing, meeting people from all walks of life, and festival culture as a solution to division 19:09.WREX Pandemic OriginsDiscussing starting the band during COVID-19, writing songs, and the return to vibrant music communities 17:08.Staying ConnectedThe long-lasting friendships and connections made through touring and festival encounters 19:38.Pipeman shares why festival people are their true community 20:14.Notable Quotes"It's a roll of the dice here. It's like unscheduled weather every day." — WREX 01:03"A live performance of our band was the equivalent to my training runs on the treadmill... I would burn the same amount of calories and have the same heart rate." — One story shared 05:38"It's kind of more like uncommon to be not tattooed now." — Observing tattoo culture 09:43"We need to have one major music festival that the whole world is required to attend, but no political leaders... and we just put everybody in one big mosh pit, and we'll all work it out and have a big hug afterwards." — Pipeman 17:49"Unity is the most important thing, and that's one of the things we tried to celebrate in our music." — On band values 17:08"Bloodstock is the place this weekend." — Capturing the festival spirit 20:32"You can find everything that we have to offer on our website, which is, uh, wearewrex.com." — WREX 20:53Resources & Links MentionedFollow WREX:Socials: @WeAreWrex, spelled W-R-E-XWebsite: wearewrex.comBloodstock Festival: https://www.bloodstock.uk.com/Rebellion Festival: https://www.rebellionfestivals.com/Shoutouts to Devolution photographer Gary and tattoo artist Matty McGeeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-adventures-of-pipeman--941822/support.Click Here to Subscribe for PERKS, BONUS Content & FREE GIVEWAYS!Follow @pipemanradio on all socials & Pipeman Radio Requests & Info at www.linktr.ee/pipemanradioStream The Adventures of Pipeman daily & live Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays at 1PM ET on W4CY Radio & Talk 4 TV. Download, Rate & Review the Podcast at The Adventures of Pipeman, Pipeman Radio, Talk 4 Media, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & All Podcast Apps.