Photo Credit: James D Kelly
Stereophonics have been playing shows all around the world for well over twenty-five years, even the mention of the band triggers images of an instantly recognisable frontman alongside a plethora of sing-along hits. Manchester’s Co-op Live is where Bring The Noise are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Welsh rockers this evening. However, due to some teething trouble with entry and the vast number of attendees this evening, we managed to squeeze in before the headliners arrival tonight.
As expected for a show of this magnitude the venue is full to maximum capacity as the noise levels increase with every passing pint. With the UK’s largest indoor arena plunged into immediate darkness with the arrival of Stereophonics, the noise levels rise further as the Welsh rockers begin their first number.
As with a band of Stereophonics’ substance, nerves aren’t evident even early on in the performance as they are looking effortlessly classy on stage this evening. Kelly Jones begins to get the crowd involved during I Wanna Get Lost With You exclaiming, “Here’s a song we wrote in San Francisco”.
Stereophonics’ then begin the 2001 classic Have a Nice Day which incites a mass sing-along from the sold out arena. It is clear when Jones speaks to the bursting venue that his Welsh accent has faded somewhat over the decades they have been travelling the world.
A dedication is made to the late Stone Roses bassist, Mani, during Do Ya Feel My Love. A sentimental moment at a show of such velocity. The visualisers add another dimension to the already polished performance Stereophonics are delivering at Co-op Live this evening.
Kelly Jones plays with the crowd, teasing them with guitar licks in exchange for raucous applause from the audience. Before giving a beautiful rendition of Maybe Tomorrow where Jones’s vocals are possibly the clearest of the night. More Life In a Tramps Vest takes the crowd through a photo montage of Stereophonics’ progression to the megastars they have become.
Kelly can’t help but name drop a few of the idols he has met over the years mentioning none other than Mick Jagger, Brian Adams and U2 to name a few.
It was a polished and flawless performance from the Stereophonics in Manchester this evening. It has been a performance of the highest quality, one that is only possible with the experience and talents that Stereophonics possess.
Stand out tracks; Mr Writer, Maybe Tomorrow, Dakota.
9/10
Written by: Ben Gilligan
