With rock’s biggest anthems set to fill the air at the Greek Amphitheatre in Ta’ Qali, we caught up with one of the voices behind this year’s Rock in The Forest. Jeanelle Newell has been a fixture on Malta’s live music scene for over two decades, lending her powerhouse vocals to bands including Uncharted and Kers, and currently fronting local outfit 13 Years Later. Now she takes to the stage as part of Rock in The Forest’s stacked lineup of Maltese musicians, tackling everything from Guns N’ Roses to Ghost to Pink Floyd in a night dedicated to the greatest rock music ever written.

This year’s edition also moves to a new home, the Greek Amphitheatre at Ta’ Qali,  promising an open-air, forest-set atmosphere unlike any indoor gig, complete with special guest appearances from Gianni Zammit, Janice Debattista and Thea Aquilina. And beyond the music, the night carries extra weight this year as proceeds go toward supporting the SiGMA Foundation Malta’s community, education and healthcare initiatives.

We sat down with Jeanelle to talk setlists, stage nerves, channeling rock icons, and what first-timers can expect under the stars.

This concert covers such a wide range of music,  Guns N’ Roses to Ghost to Pink Floyd. How do you and the band approach putting together a setlist that spans that much musical ground?

That’s one of the things that makes Rock in The Forest so exciting. We want the setlist to take the audience on a journey through different eras, sounds and emotions, while keeping the energy flowing. Every song brings its own character and challenge, so there’s never a dull moment for us as performers either!

The Greek Amphitheater at Ta’ Qali is such a distinctive venue. What’s it like performing classic rock in that forest-like, open-air setting compared to a typical indoor stage?

This year’s novelty is that we are moving to Greek Amphitheater at Ta’ Qali. There’s something really special about performing rock outdoors, surrounded by the trees and under the night sky. The atmosphere is completely different from an indoor venue. When you have a crowd singing along to these iconic songs, you really feel that connection between the stage and the audience. It becomes one big rock experience.

You’re covering some legendary vocalists,  Freddie Mercury, Ozzy, Axl Rose. Is there one song or artist on the setlist that pushes you the most as a singer, or that you’re especially excited to perform?

Freddie is always a huge challenge because of his incredible range, power and presence. But each vocalist has something unique. Axl has that raw, unmistakable attitude, while Ozzy has a completely different character. For me, the challenge is to respect what makes these voices iconic while still bringing our individual personalities to the songs. Not to mention that like in every edition, special guests are joining us on stage. This year’s we have Gianni Zammit, Janice Debattista and Thea Aquilina.

This year’s show is supporting the Sigma Foundation Malta. Can you tell us a bit about why that cause matters to you and the rest of the lineup?

It’s really meaningful to us that the concert can support a cause beyond the music itself. The SiGMA Foundation works with vulnerable and underserved communities, supporting projects in areas such as education, healthcare and community development. I think when you have the opportunity to bring people together through music while also helping create a positive impact, it makes the whole experience even more worthwhile.

For someone coming to their first Rock in the Forest  what kind of night should they expect?

Expect big songs, big vocals, lots of energy and a night where you can simply let go and have fun! Whether you’re a lifelong rock fan or just coming along for the experience, I think you’ll find yourself singing along. It’s a celebration of rock, performed by local musicians who genuinely love what they do.

And it’s not just about the music. There will also be food and drinks stalls, so you can make an evening of it, and there is ample on-site parking, making it easy and convenient to come along, settle in and enjoy the concert. Bring your friends, grab something to eat and drink, and get ready for a great night of rock under the stars!

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