This year’s edition focuses on familiar tracks given a completely fresh direction. The programme covers a wide range of favourites, moving from the intensity of Metallica and the swagger of Guns N’ Roses to the anthems of Queen, Oasis and Green Day. Audiences can also expect reworked versions of songs by Alanis Morissette, KoRn, Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit. Even if you know these tracks by heart, hearing them arranged for a large orchestra and choir gives them a different weight, shifting from pure rock into something far more expansive.

The team behind the production has put together a sizable ensemble. Artistic Director Stefania Grech Vella and Musical Director Ryan Paul Abela lead a 30 piece rock orchestra and an 80 voice choir, creating a sound that fills the hall with ease. It is a large-scale setup, yet the intention is simple: to give well known rock and alternative music the sort of depth usually reserved for classical works. Hosting the event is Stephen Oliver, whose easy stage presence ties the performances together.

A strong list of Maltese vocalists will take on the lead parts, with Klinsmann, Moira Stafrace, Chris Grech, Natassja Chapman, Neville Refalo, Gaia, Nicole Frendo, Talitha Dimech and Daryl Ebejer all performing. Several new voices discovered through open auditions will also join the line up, adding a sense of discovery to the weekend.

The organisers encourage the audience to lean into the mood of the event. Suggested attire includes leather, band T-shirts, glitter boots, sequins and anything else that suits a night of unapologetic rock energy. The idea is simply to have fun and enjoy the theatre of it all.

There will be two performances. The first takes place on Saturday 29 November at 7:30pm, and the second on Sunday 30 November at 4:30pm. Both will be held at the MCC in Valletta.

If you enjoy live music with scale, precision and a good dose of attitude, RockWired ’25 offers a weekend that fits the bill without taking itself too seriously. See you there!

Tickets range from €20 to €50 and are available through showshappening.com. The show is recommended for ages ten and above.