This week, Stereophonics kicked off their Winter Arena Tour with a sold-out show at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena. Having never seen the band live before, I was excited to finally hear so many of the songs I grew up with live and it was clear I wasn’t alone; the audience spanned a wide range of ages, all united by their shared love of the band’s music.

Front-man Kelly Jones immediately strutted down the stage’s runway as the band began to play the gritty, high-energy opener ‘Vegas Two Times’.

Support act Finn Forster started the night on a high; his vocals were a delight and impressively filled the arena. It’s no easy task to command such a huge space as a solo performer but he did it with ease and confidence. It wasn’t long after he left the stage before the lights went dark and The Warriors theme song began to play, to which the band walked out to. Front-man Kelly Jones immediately strutted down the stage’s runway as the band began to play the gritty, high-energy opener ‘Vegas Two Times’. Their 2015 track ‘I Wanna Get Lost With You’ followed, its sweeping melodies drew the crowd in even further.

“Happy birthday, Ozzy Osbourne!” Jones called out, prompting the crowd to erupt in cheers for the Birmingham legend’s seventy-seventh birthday. He went on to wish everyone a nice day before smoothly transitioning into their smash-hit track ‘Have A Nice Day’. This was undeniably a highlight of the night, the bright visuals and uplifting melodies created a sensational atmosphere that made it impossible not to sing and dance along. 

The band must be applauded for their flawless musicianship, every track was effortlessly brought to life and they sounded stellar from start to finish.

Many of their biggest hits sat in the first half of the set, ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ slowed the pace but the energy did not falter, this track in particular showcased Jones’ outstanding, distinctive vocals. Fans hoisted each other onto their shoulders, hands raised in the air and voices soared in unison, a goosebumps-inducing moment that captured the magic of the night. The band must be applauded for their flawless musicianship, every track was effortlessly brought to life and they sounded stellar from start to finish. “We’ve all got stuff going on in our lives” Jones started, “Let’s leave it all at the door and be present tonight… All the s*** is still going to be on your phone in the morning!” he joked before playing ‘There’s Always Gonna Be Something’. 

‘Pick A Part That’s New’ was my personal favourite of the night; not only did it sound incredible but the stage visuals were mesmerising with orange flowers floating around the screens as the band were bathed in neon blue and pink lights. ‘Mr Writer’ was another standout moment, its slow, moody groove filled the arena while fans belted every word back at the band. ‘I Wouldn’t Believe Your Radio’ was performed acoustically by Jones and his ukulele which created a warm, intimate feeling even in an arena of fifteen-thousand people. 

Shortly after, the iconic synths that open ‘Dakota’ rippled through the arena, instantly igniting the crowd…

‘The Bartender and the Thief’ brought the main set to a full-throttle close and as the band left the stage, the crowd roared for more. Upon their return, giant balloons were launched into the audience as they played ‘C’est La Vie’ from their ninth studio album Keep the Village Alive. Shortly after, the iconic synths that open ‘Dakota’ rippled through the arena, instantly igniting the crowd before the band tore into their closing anthem. The energy was electric and by the time the chorus hit, the entire arena was filled with thousands of voices singing along, a euphoric end to their set.

The Winter Arena Tour is a testament to Stereophonics’ musicianship and their ability to put on a live show decades into their career. It’s clear fans aren’t just attending their shows for the nostalgia factor, Stereophonics remain a band at the very top of their game and are capable of delivering an unforgettable live experience.

Stereophonics return to Birmingham on the 13th December, tickets available here!

 

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