Stereophonics / Goldie Lookin' Chain

To celebrate the release of 'Keep Calm And Carry On' the Stereophonic's 7th studio album (due out on the Monday 16th November), the Welsh Icons ripped through hit after hit in the grounds of majestic Cardiff Castle. The castle hasn't hosted a live music event for 8 years, so nothing seemed more fitting than the stage being set up for one of Wales' biggest exports, who last played at this venue 11 years ago!

Ticket prices for this show remained at 1998 prices (£12.50 per ticket as a thanks to the dedicated fan base), so it's no wonder that the 10,000 tickets on sale sold out within 40 minutes. Even more astounding was that pairs of tickets for this show were selling on eBay for £150-£200 a pair, much to the disgust of Stereophonics Forum Members. They were literally like gold dust!

When we arrived at the venue, people were queued half way around the castle perimeter already, 4 hours before the gates opened. Apparently some crazy people had been there since 6.30am! I decided to take my partner in crime for a spot of shopping in the city centre before joining the posse of Phonics' fans to try and get a decent view of the band. Why is it that you always end up with the tallest person in the world standing in front of you? I'll never be able to fathom that one!

When I finally got inside, I was totally gob smacked at how beautiful the Castle really is. It was just such a shame that it rained, sometimes poured, throughout the show. Golf Umbrellas and Poncho's were out in force, whilst some braved it in ridiculously small and non-waterproof jackets. It didn't really matter though as it was all about the music and the entire crowd huddled together and forgot about the downpours.



The support act Newport's own Goldie Lookin' Chain. I must admit to seeing them a couple of times before, once supporting Feeder and once at this years IOW Festival. They didn't disappoint. Half an hours set showcased songs like 'Your Mother's Got A Penis', 'Everbody Is A DJ', 'By Any Means Necessary', 'Your Missus Is A Nutter' and 'Guns Don't Kill People Rappers Do'. They really livened the crowd up as they jumped around on stage like demented creatures. When the first bars of 'Guns Don't Kill People Rappers Do' came on, the crowd went absolutely wild, even I started singing and jumping about like a mentalist. How many members can one band have? They filled the stage totally and certainly did their job of warming up the crowd for Phonics' arrival.

By this point Welsh flags were out in force on the barrier at the front and everyone anticipated the arrival of the main act. Stereophonics were standing at the back of the stage and the whole place erupted with screams and wolf whistles as soon as they spotted them. "I love you Kelly" – you name it they shouted it! Kelly Jones, with his trademark Ray Bans and leather jacket, hoisted a glass of red wine up to the sky and shouted, "Cheers Cardiff".



The whole band looked ecstatic at the welcome they received, all with huge smiles emblazoned on their faces. The time was right for the Welsh Wonders to showcase their new material from their forthcoming album. New single release 'Innocent' took the crowd by storm, following it up with 'I Got Your Number', 'Could You Be The One' and 'Trouble'. I loved them all, fabulous guitars and stomping bass lines; Stereophonics at their absolute best!

The rest of the fantastic 22 song set was littered with old classics that took us back over a decade. They played 'A Thousand Trees', 'Looks Like Chaplin', 'More Life In A Tramps Vest', 'Bartender And A Thief', 'Last Of The Big Time Drinkers', 'I Wouldn’t Believe Your Radio', 'Handbags and Gladrags', summery 'Have A Nice Day', 'Traffic', 'Local Boy In A Photograph', 'Mr Writer' and 'Superman' all blasted from the speakers, every fan mesmerised and mouthing every word.

I must admit this is the happiest I have ever seen Kelly Jones on stage, his on stage banter was out of this world. At one point he explained that the band went out after sound check on Friday to explore Cardiff and going to old haunts, one of the bars they first played in Cardiff, one of the first instrument shops where they bought their guitars and on and on. They had sworn that they wouldn't drink until they ended up in a Cheese café, when the proprietor tempted them with some "lovely Welsh lager". They drank so much that they ended up in Revolution nightclub – oh if only I had been there!



The encore was superb, typical Stereophonics style. Kelly Jones graced the stage with guitar in hand for his lone rendition of 'Maybe Tomorrow'. It blew me and the rest of the audience away, everyone joining in with every lyric.

The show came to an end with 'Just Looking' and Stereophonics end of show anthem 'Dakota'.

This was Stereophonics at their best, pure quality. They have such a passion for the business and even after all the hits and the touring they never seem to tire. The Phonics are as passionate now as when they first started out. The band embark on a UK Arena Tour in March next year, tickets go on sale this Friday. I suggest you get yours; you won’t be disappointed I can assure you.

FUTURE GIGS