“We love what we’re doing so we just want to get out there and keep on doing it”: The Molotovs at Isle of Wight Festival 2026

Rising rock band The Molotovs, formed of teenage siblings Matt and Issey Cartlidge, have had an impressive year and career start so far. From releasing their acclaimed debut album Wasted on Youth in January to supporting big names such as The Libertines, Yungblud and more, they have already forged a reputation and growing fanbase for their old-school punk rock energy and electric live performances. Before they closed the River Stage at Isle of Wight Festival, we had a quick chat with the band.

I’m joined by The Molotovs at a very sunny Isle of Wight! How’s it all going so far?

Matt Cartlidge: It’s going very well!
Issey Cartlidge: We were in Spain this morning, we’ve been playing a couple of different festivals for the past four days and travelled today.

That is the epitome of rock and roll! It’s been a pretty big year for you guys with the debut album, going on tour with quite a few big names…have there been any standout highlights so far? (Aside from playing Isle of Wight, of course!)

IC: One real highlight…supporting Yungblud and being at the O2. Seeing that on our skyline, then actually entering it and playing it – that was quite something.

Did you get any advice from being on tour with the likes of the Sex Pistols and Yungblud?

MC: He sort of just said, “Just keep f*cking going! Just keep giving it large, man!” And I think we’ve done exactly that, just following that.

And you’ve come such a long way since starting as a band during lockdown. What was the goal or vision back then?

MC: We just wanted to get out there and play. We’d both been in bands before that (lockdown), and we just wanted to spread positivity. When restrictions started lifting, we’d go out and play to the people sat out on the common, almost like busking. It grew from there until we were able to start indoors and grow the band, start gigging and all that.

What’s the goal now, and has it changed? From being at big festivals and being on the road…

IC: Of course, this is what we want to do now. We want to keep on going and keep on making music, presenting that music not just in the UK but in the rest of Europe, America… We’ve just been in LA doing some shows. We love what we’re doing, so we just want to get out there and keep on doing it.

And is there anything in particular you’re really looking forward to for the rest of this year?

IC: We’ve got a big tour coming up in September, our biggest yet. We’ve got two nights in Kentish Town in London, where one night has already sold out. It’s great supporting other people, but you wanna be on the warpath to your people, and you’re all in it together. It feels more special when it’s yours.

Thank you for chatting to us today, and also – loving the stage style and outfits!