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Victory Or Die is a new rock band from Scotland. Their mission statement is simple: “We love the energy of classic rock and want to bring that raw, powerful sound back to life.” Frontman Jason Sweeney talks us through the background of the 8-legged beastie, starting to make some waves on both sides of the border.
What are the origins of Victory Or Die? How long have you been playing together?
The band was born out of a trip to Los Angeles. Me and Brian (bass) were sat in the Rainbow Bar & Grill next to Lemmy’s statue, and I said, “I’ve got songs that could start a band – fast, raw, rock ‘n’ roll songs.” That was it. Andy came in on guitar, Carlos behind the kit, and suddenly we had a gang. We’ve been going at it since 2022, and it hasn’t slowed down since.
Is there a nod to Motörhead with the name of the band?
Too right. The name comes from the opening track of Motörhead’s last album. Lemmy’s DNA is all over what we do – the grit, the speed, the no-bullshit approach. If you’re starting a band in his honour, “Victory Or Die” pretty much says it all.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe Victory Or Die?
We’re loud, heavy, and built for the stage. No tricks, no backing tracks – just riffs, choruses you can yell back, and a rhythm section that’ll rattle your pint glass.
There is a lot of experience to be found within Victory Or Die. How quickly did everything come together? And how was your first gig as a band?
It was instant. We’ve all paid our dues in other bands, so the chemistry was there from day one. Our first show at the Dreadnought in Bathgate – our spiritual home – was absolute mayhem. Rammed, sweaty, loud. It was the moment we realised this wasn’t just a good idea in the pub – it actually had legs. By 2024, we were already bagging some serious gigs.
‘The Bone Yard’ is the current single; most important question, though: who overindulged the most during the recording of the video?
Carlos. No contest. The man powered through beer, crisps, and countless takes on the drums as if it were an Olympic sport. The rest of us just tried to look professional while he was having the time of his life.
With regards to a similar audience, which band at the moment would Victory Or Die be best suited to open for?
The Wildhearts, The Almighty, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons – that world. No-frills rock bands with crowds who want to be hit hard from the first note.
Victory Or Die has a cool logo, but who has the coolest logo in Rock music? AC/DC? The Stones? Aerosmith?
AC/DC, no question. It’s simple, bold, and eternal. Spray-paint it on a wall outside a chippy and everyone knows exactly what it stands for.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
King Kraken and Juliet’s Not Dead. Both bands are grafters, both have the songs, and both deserve to step up to bigger stages. You can feel the tide starting to turn for them.
What frustrates you about the music business, especially as a new band?
Everyone knows the game isn’t fair, but moaning won’t fix it. The trick is to focus on the journey. Write songs, keep a positive head on, stay active on socials, build real relationships, and most of all – mean it. Consistency’s the hardest part, but that’s what makes people take notice.
What are your first musical memories? And what was your lightbulb moment that made you say, “I want to do that”?
For me, it was a mate playing the riff to Master of Puppets. I just thought, what the hell is that? From there it was Kerrang, an Our Price voucher, and a brand-new vinyl for £5.99. Those were the days. That was the moment I knew – I don’t just want to listen, I want to do this.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
AC/DC at Murrayfield. Utter chaos, 50,000 people, and proof that rock ‘n’ roll isn’t going anywhere. My only fear is that it might’ve been the last time I’ll see them. So the real question is – who’s going to step up and be doing that in ten years’ time?
What current social issues are you particularly passionate about?
Care in the community. It doesn’t get the credit or funding it deserves, and it touches so many families. I do what I can by working with the charity Music in Hospitals & Care. Taking music into hospitals and care homes is powerful – it sparks stories, conversation, and moments you never forget.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Don Williams. Country done simple and perfect. People don’t expect it from me, but those songs are bulletproof.
Everybody is a fan of something. Who or what are you a fan of?
The fans themselves. The ones who buy the tickets, pick up the merch, and tell us how the music connects with them. That’s the fuel. Let’s get a beer and talk about it.
What new music have you been enjoying so far this year?
The new Wildhearts album. Proper rock ‘n’ roll – messy, loud, catchy, and brilliant.
What does the remainder of 2025 hold for Victory Or Die? What gigs do you have coming up?
2025’s been massive already, and the rest of the year’s stacked. Here’s where you’ll find us:
Fri 5 Sep – Think Tank, Newcastle (Supporting Collateral & Juliet’s Not Dead)
Sat 6 Sep – Classic Grand, Glasgow (Supporting Collateral & Juliet’s Not Dead)
Thu 2 Oct – La Belle Angele, Edinburgh (Supporting Deadfire)
Wed 22 Oct – KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton (Supporting Graham Bonnet)
Thu 23 Oct – Slay, Glasgow (Supporting Graham Bonnet)
Fri 24 Oct – Venue 23, Wakefield (Supporting Graham Bonnet)
Sat 25 Oct – The Patriot, Crumlin (Supporting Graham Bonnet)
Sun 26 Oct – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham (Supporting Graham Bonnet)
Wed 29 Oct – Academy 3, Manchester (Supporting Graham Bonnet)
Thu 30 Oct – Underworld, London (Supporting Graham Bonnet)
Fri 31 Oct – Quad Theatre, Plymouth (Supporting Graham Bonnet)
Sat 1 Nov – Lost Horizon, Bristol (Supporting Graham Bonnet)
Sun 2 Nov – The 1865, Southampton (Supporting Graham Bonnet)
Sat 15 Nov – Rockmantic Festival, Grimsby
Sat 29 Nov – WinterStorm, Troon
Fri 12 Dec – Dreadnought, Bathgate (VoD Xmas Party – Headline Show)
