Anthemic, impressive, and filled with arena-sized energy, Stereophonics rank among the UK’s finest live performances, and their concert at the O2 Arena showcased a collection of crowd-favorite anthems, raw rock vigor, and exceptional stage presence.
Their remarkable, career-spanning performance was truly magnificent, providing a sonic journey through their extensive discography that covers three decades. The band presented a confident, well-rehearsed set that celebrated their history while maintaining a fresh and lively feel, skillfully blending beloved classics with newer tracks to thrilling effect.
From the intense atmosphere of ‘Mr Writer’ driven by its pulsating bassline to an unexpected acoustic version of ‘Indian Summer,’ the band was relentless, delivering electrifying performances to a full house. With strong support from singer-songwriter Finn Forster, who gave a stellar performance, the band launched their exciting set with ‘Vegas Two Times’ from the 2001 album ‘Just Enough Education to Perform.’
This show also provided a chance to hear songs from their latest album ‘Make ‘Em Laugh, Make ‘Em Cry, Make ‘Em Wait,’ including ‘Seems Like You Don’t Know Me,’ ‘Colours Of October,’ and a powerful rendition of ‘There’s Always Gonna Be Something’ with its vibrant riffs.
‘Local Boy in a Photograph’ resonated with emotion as always, and the sing-along favorite ‘Have a Nice Day’ was a guaranteed hit with the audience. All band members were in excellent form, particularly Jamie Morrison, whose exemplary drumming shone throughout, especially with impressive finishes on ‘Mr and Mrs Smith’ and ‘Mr Writer’ – he is a formidable drummer, blending skill, style, and personality seamlessly.
Kelly Jones broke up the set with witty, self-deprecating stories about the band's encounters with fame, reminiscing about their time on the road with The Rolling Stones, U2, and the late, legendary David Bowie. He also had reflective moments, recalling how he and Stuart Cable used to transport their equipment down the street on a squeaky trolley, recognizable to everyone playing bingo at the local workmen's club.
Kelly also shared that we are “all going through stuff” and encouraged everyone to “leave our troubles at the door and have a good time” – and we certainly did! While much of the set was energetic, the band also slowed down with a dreamy version of ‘Fly Like An Eagle,’ creating a shared dream-like atmosphere that captivated every fan.
A thunderous, high-energy performance of ‘Bartender and the Thief’ brought the main set to an exhilarating close, followed by a quick return for a dazzling encore featuring ‘C’est La Vie,’ ‘Traffic,’ and the outstanding ‘Dakota,’ with its irresistible riff providing a perfect conclusion to an electrifying set.
As one of the UK’s most enduring rock bands, Stereophonics continue to be a formidable force, and this show was a powerhouse performance from a band at the peak of their prowess, delivering pure rock ‘n’ roll energy from start to finish.
Words: Emma Harrison
Photo Credit: Robin Clewley
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Anthemic, incredible, and capable of filling arenas, Stereophonics stand out as one of the finest live bands in the UK, and their performance at the O2 Arena was filled with songs that delighted the audience.