UK Blues Awards 2025 Blues Band of the Year Winners

Brave Rival are a rock band on a mission. No gimmicks, no frills—just raw, high-energy, riff-driven rock that demands to be heard.

The Portsmouth-based quartet - vocalist Lindsey Bonnick, guitarist Ed ‘the Shred’ Clarke, bassist Billy Dedman, and drummer Donna Peters—have earned a reputation as one of the UK’s most electrifying live acts. Their powerhouse performances have been winning over crowds across the country, with critics and fans alike praising their energy, musicianship, and undeniable chemistry on stage.

It’s no surprise they’ve caught the ear of blues-rock heavyweight Joe Bonamassa, who called them one of his “favourite discoveries,” or that Classic Rock Magazine hailed their sound as “packed with ambition, fire, and killer songs.”

Now crowned Band of the Year at the 2025 UK Blues Awards after the release of their first two albums, Brave Rival are gearing up to release new music this autumn, showcasing their most dynamic, hard-hitting material yet. With soaring vocals, thunderous grooves, and fearless song writing, this new chapter promises to hit harder than ever.

Brave Rival are only getting started. Get on board or get out of the way.

Thank you to former founding member Chloe Josephine for being part of our journey.