As the leaves begin to fall and the days grow shorter, the world of rock music is getting ready for a celebration that promises to turn up the volume and the nostalgia. Absolute Radio, one of the UK’s most beloved stations for guitar-driven anthems, has announced the return of its much-anticipated Rocktober—a month-long tribute to the genre that shaped generations. Fans can expect a packed schedule of special shows, exclusive competitions, documentaries, and rare archive performances, all kicking off on October 1, 2025. The announcement, made by Dave Berry on his breakfast show on September 8, 2025, comes just as music lovers are still buzzing from a summer of Britpop, signaling a shift from the bright, jangly sound of the ‘90s to the raw power of rock’s greatest legends.
“Along with the rest of the country we’ve spent the summer revelling in all things Britpop but as autumn draws in and the days get darker it’s time to focus on another favourite genre – rock,” Berry declared, capturing the mood of listeners ready for a heavier soundtrack to match the season. “It’s a thrill to have the awesome Skin back on the station and I can’t wait to give away a trip to see the ultimate Rock Gods – The Foo Fighters.”
Rocktober isn’t just about the music; it’s about celebrating the spirit and history of rock. This year’s event promises more heavy songs on the playlist, a series of special shows, and exclusive content that will have even the most seasoned fans tuning in. Among the highlights is a once-in-a-lifetime competition: one lucky listener will win a trip to see the Foo Fighters live in Mexico City, courtesy of the Dave Berry Breakfast Show. For many, that’s a dream ticket—seeing the modern titans of rock in a city known for its electric crowds.
But the giveaways don’t stop there. Skin, the charismatic frontwoman of Skunk Anansie, returns to host another season of The Skin Show, where she’ll spin her current favorite tracks alongside the songs that have soundtracked her life. It’s a chance for listeners to hear the music that shaped a rock icon, and maybe discover a few new favorites along the way.
Rocktober is also a time for reflection and education. Two new documentaries will air, shining a spotlight on legends Bruce Springsteen and ACDC’s Brian Johnson. These deep dives promise to explore the artistry, struggles, and triumphs of two of the most influential figures in rock. For those who crave the thrill of live music, Thursdays will offer a dip into the archives, featuring classic performances from the likes of Royal Blood and Smashing Pumpkins. It’s a reminder of the energy and unpredictability that only a live rock show can deliver.
For those who want their rock served in concentrated doses, Rocktober Anthems will air for 30 minutes three times a day, delivering non-stop hits that span the decades. Meanwhile, Bryan Adams and Biffy Clyro will take over the airwaves with weekly artist specials, offering their own handpicked playlists and commentary. And for fans of the spooky season, Absolute Radio Halloween returns exclusively for Rayo Premium listeners, curating a selection of music from the dark side—perfect for the nights when the wind howls and the shadows grow long.
The celebration isn’t confined to the radio dial. Dave Berry’s Album Clash returns to YouTube, pitting Green Day against Muse in a battle to determine which band has the superior album. It’s the kind of debate that’s fueled countless late-night arguments among music fans, and now listeners can weigh in as the two titans face off.
Rocktober arrives at a time when the legacy of rock is once again in the spotlight, thanks in part to the reflections of icons like Robert Plant. In a recent interview published on September 7, 2025, Plant mused on the impermanence of bands and the wisdom of knowing when to walk away. “I don’t know how many times Stephen Stills has been asked about whether or not he wants to go back to Buffalo Springfield. Maybe he and Neil got out in time before it actually had the same kind of effect,” Plant remarked, pointing to the legendary breakup of Buffalo Springfield as a model of leaving on a high note.
Plant’s own journey after Led Zeppelin’s dissolution has been one of reinvention and artistic exploration. While fans have clamored for a reunion, Plant has remained steadfast in his refusal to become a nostalgia act. “No one lives to be a nostalgia act,” he noted, emphasizing his desire to follow his muse rather than relive old glories. That philosophy has guided him through a solo career that’s taken him far from Zeppelin’s shadow, even as former bandmates like John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page have pursued their own musical paths.
Plant’s admiration for Neil Young and Stephen Stills—who both carved out successful solo careers after Buffalo Springfield—reflects a broader truth about rock music: the best artists know when to move forward. “If they could follow their heart and continue making music that excited them, there was nothing stopping Plant from doing the same thing,” the singer observed, drawing a line between personal artistic fulfillment and the expectations of fans.
As Rocktober approaches, Absolute Radio is tapping into this spirit of celebration and evolution. The station’s programming will not only honor the giants of the past but also spotlight the enduring appeal of rock’s rebellious energy. A special feature in the lead-up to Rocktober offers a nostalgic look at 25 rock stars in their youth, from a baby-faced Mick Jagger in 1951 to a teenage Bruce Springsteen in his 1965 high school yearbook. These glimpses into the early lives of legends like Paul McCartney, Janis Joplin, and Freddie Mercury remind listeners that every icon was once just a kid with a dream—and maybe a guitar.
With Rocktober, Absolute Radio invites listeners to relive the anthems that defined their youth, discover new favorites, and appreciate the ever-changing landscape of rock. Whether it’s the thrill of winning a trip to see the Foo Fighters, the deep dives into the lives of Springsteen and Johnson, or the joy of hearing a forgotten classic on a rainy autumn night, there’s something for every fan to savor.
Rock, after all, is about more than just music—it’s about moments, memories, and the courage to follow your own path, no matter where it leads. This autumn, as the air turns crisp and the riffs get louder, Absolute Radio’s Rocktober is set to prove once again that the spirit of rock is alive, well, and ready to shake the rafters.
