The life of one of Swindon’s most famous residents was celebrated heavy metal style at the Wings Of Angels Festival on Saturday, November 23.

Steve Grimmett, producer, songwriter and lead singer of the internationally renowned metal band Grim Reaper, was remembered at the one-day Wings Of Angels Festival, named after the lead track from the band’s 2018 album Walking In The Shadows.

Grim Reaper were at the forefront of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene which took the world by storm in the 1980s.

Steve Grimmett, who sold over a million albums, is considered one of the greatest heavy metal singers of all time. He gained notoriety throughout the world, with a large following in Europe as well as across the Atlantic in the US, South America, and also in Japan. His career included numerous highly acclaimed studio albums, single releases and MTV airplay.

Steve passed away in August 2022. To meet the demand from the singer's global fanbase, his wife Millie organized the festival to celebrate his life with a musical send-off.

The Festival included guest singers performing songs from Steve's back catalogue, and bands from around the world with a connection to Steve and his music. Former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes is headlining the event. Original members of Grim Reaper, guitarist Nick Bowcott, bassist Dave Wanklin and drummer Mark Simon, reunite for the first time in over 30 years to perform with singer Harry Conklin of Jag Panzer fame.

Other former members of Steve Grimmett's Grim Reaper joining the festivities included Chaz Grimaldi, Paul White, Mart Trail, Mark Walker, Julian Hill, and Ian Nash. Plus there were special appearances by Richie Yeates, Sy Davies, Kim Jennett, Mike Jurgens and Franc Potvin.

Check out video from the event below.

Watch Wings Of Angels: A Steve Grimmett Documentary below: