Review: Stereophonics, 02 Academy
The weather outside may have been a washout, but inside Birmingham's O2 Academy Stereophonics were on fire.
In an intimate gig the Welsh rockers, who are more used to performing in arenas and stadiums, delivered an early Christmas present to the crowd – a blistering set almost two hours long, featuring old favourites spanning 15 years as well as new material.
Okay, so officially it wasn't a present as everyone forked out for tickets, but judging by the buzz from the audience they weren't complaining.
Kelly Jones and co kicked off last night with The Bartender and the Thief and then A Thousand Trees and the crowd lapped them up straight away.
The gravel-throated frontman was on top form as he belted out hit after hit – from acoustic ballads to rockier numbers – and reminded us how good the band are live.
They also showcased some new tracks from next year's album Graffiti On A Train, including In a Moment, which takes on a slightly darker sound.
The crowd sang along with Jones as he dedicated Maybe Tomorrow to Stereophonics original drummer Stuart Cable, who died in 2010.
Crowd-pleasers also included More Life in a Tramp's Vest, Just Looking and Local Boy in the Photograph.
Fans were served a trio of an encore – the broody Violins and Tambourines from the upcoming new album, the beautiful Traffic and finally, a euphoric performance of the number one hit Dakota.
The crowd went home happy and no doubt already looking forward to that promising album.
Maria Cusine
