Growing up in Middlesbrough, Finn Forster frequently heard Stereophonics playing all around him. As one of the UK's biggest bands, the Welsh rockers' music blared from car stereos and was celebrated from nearby windows. Their songs became woven into the fabric of daily life and significantly inspired Finn to pick up the guitar.
Fast forward about ten years, and the North East talent is prepared to achieve his dream. His breakout EP 'Embers' has made a significant impact, while the heartfelt single ‘Pablo’—a tribute to his best friend—has become a beloved favorite among fans.
A major UK headline tour is on the horizon, with Finn Forster set to conclude 2025 on a high note. Selected to support Stereophonics, this full-circle experience introduces Finn to a multitude of new fans and allows him to be close to his idols.
In a piece for Clash, he contemplates this experience and the lasting influence of Stereophonics.
—
—
As I pen this, I'm conscious of how unique and fortunate I am to be an artist experiencing a full-circle moment: being inspired by a band and their music, then touring alongside them throughout the UK and internationally as their opening act.
One Stereophonics album that has always resonated with me is ‘Language. Sex. Violence. Other?’ It was the first album that prompted me, as a young songwriter, to think of music in a multi-dimensional way. ‘Devil’ was the obvious highlight.
If you traveled back five to ten years, you might find me in a bar in Middlesbrough, passionately singing ‘Dakota’ as the final piece of my performance.Those nights were where I refined my skills and experienced the strong connection that song created with the audience. It taught me the importance of a song’s powerful translation in a live atmosphere.
The energy of the album is incredible. Try walking down the street with ‘Pedalpusher’ playing in your headphones without feeling like you're in a movie. ‘Devil’ has been the soundtrack for countless car rides since childhood—not from the original album, but from my father's ‘Decade In the Sun’ CD. That song ultimately led me to explore ‘Language. Sex. Violence. Other?’ in its entirety.
‘Devil’ encouraged me to delve deeper into the band’s catalog and uncover everything else they had to offer. My favorite track from the album frequently changes, which always indicates to me that it’s a great album. Currently, it’s ‘Superman.’
—
—
This year, it became the soundtrack to an unforgettable core memory: arriving in Brussels for the first night of the European tour supporting Stereophonics. It was the first song I heard them perform at the Cirque du Royal after completing my own set and sneaking into the audience to enjoy their show. I will forever associate it with that crucial moment in my journey as an artist.
Experiencing it live night after night deepened my appreciation for it—the cool swagger of the guitars, the groove, and the impact it has in a packed venue. The solo is fantastic on the record, but witnessing Kelly bring it to life on stage and interact with the crowd was a completely different experience.
The album has had a profound influence on me. Similar to many tracks from the band, the power and control in Kelly’s vocals are qualities I’ve always aimed to achieve. Their records—especially this one—feature remarkably complex elements within seemingly effortless, upbeat songs. That’s a skill I will always strive for.
I also understand how much focus high-energy tracks require. You can never ease off the throttle. But once you master that sensation, nothing else compares.
The songs on this album evoke scenes and imagery for me. As a songwriter, I’ve always been captivated by the connection between sound and visuals—how music conjures images and narratives in your mind. I have always felt instinctively moved to turn songs into visual representations or develop ideas based on that instinct. It feels natural to me.
Much of this stems from my musical influences, and this album is undoubtedly one of them—the type of record where the songwriting transports you the moment you hit play. Those are the songs I cherish the most.
—
Credit: Adam Marsden
—
Stereophonics are currently on tour in the UK. Their latest album ‘Make em’ Cry, Make ’em Laugh, Make em’ Wait’ is available now via EMI. Finn Forster will launch his 2026 UK headline tour on May 14 at The Parish in Wrexham. Full dates and ticket information can be found here.
—
Join us on WeAre8, as we delve into global cultural events. Follow Clash Magazine HERE as we navigate between clubs, concerts, interviews, and photo shoots. Get behind-the-scenes glimpses and insight into our world as the excitement unfolds.
Charlotte Day Wilson is back with her latest single 'High Road'. Released through Stone Woman Music / XL Recordings, this new track showcases the Canadian singer-songwriter adding
"I honestly never believed I could have these feelings for someone."
A recent poll indicates that 82% of British individuals wish for Israel to be excluded from the Eurovision Song Contest. The nation's ongoing participation with the
Next year, six impressive acts will headline the event, featuring Fontaines DC, Charli XCX, and Dave.
WOODZ has truly excelled at embracing seasonal changes. The Seoul native, known as Cho Seungyoun, has discovered satisfaction in representing the
Rosalía has announced her plans for the Lux global tour. The Catalan star made her return earlier this year with her extravagant, highly ambitious, multilingual album.
As he grew up in Middlesbrough, Finn Forster became accustomed to hearing Stereophonics all around him. The Welsh rock band, known as one of the nation's largest,