A palpable buzz was felt around the packed area, with the crowd eagerly awaiting the moment that Stereophonics would take the stage. The venue erupted as the iconic opening beats of "Vegas Two Times" sung out. The band, backed by an impressive light and graphics show, looked at home in front of the 15,000-strong crowd, as they effortlessly smashed out hit after hit. "I Wanna Get Lost With You" was followed by the fan favourite "Have a Nice Day," with the crowd becoming 15,000 backing singers, singing loud enough, I’m sure, to be heard all the way across town in Pigeon Park. Then came the first song off the newest album: "There’s always gonna be something." This was prefaced by a pep talk from the frontman himself, encouraging the crowd to leave their worries at the venue door, live in the moment, and enjoy the show. This is an upbeat and catchy song that is bound to get stuck in your head, with a message of not letting the troubles of the 21st century get you down.
The setlist was a perfect selection from the impressive catalogue of songs from the band's incredible 33 years of being together. From the 1999 hit "Pick a Part That’s New" to the 2019 hit "Fly Like An Eagle," the crowd were treated to a seamless and curated setlist. Kelly Jones, the ultimate frontman, commands the crowd in a Freddie Mercury-style call-and-response, and with guitar solos that would impress Hendrix himself. Bandmates Adam Zindani on lead guitar, who was playing a home show, Richard Jones on bass, and Jamie Morrison on drums, gave their all to every moment of the show.
A particular highlight was an intimate moment between the crowd and Kelly as he sat on a stool, ukulele in hand, recounting the early days of the band as they made their way twice a week to the rehearsal hall in their village, with instruments in a squeaky-wheeled trolley. His message was of gratitude and thanks for having had the career and opportunities they have had as a band over the past three decades, reminiscing about times with Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, and more. The message to young aspiring fans in the crowd was ‘all you need is a f****** trolley!’ This beautiful moment was bookended by a ukulele-led rendition of "I Wouldn’t Believe Your Radio."
Another top highlight of the show was the epic drum solo at the end of the ever-popular "Mr and Mrs Smith" by Jamie ‘Pop’ Morrison. The other band members moved aside to give their talented bandmate his moment, as he proved why he is the drummer in one of the "UK’s Top most played rock acts of the 21st century" (according to NME, 2025).
After an hour and 45 minutes of pure energy, the final notes of "Bartender and the Thief" rang out, and the band left the stage for a well-earned breather before the encore. The crowd, eager for more, were stomping and shouting for the band to reappear, and they soon obliged. We were treated to a three-song encore consisting of "100 MPH," "C’est La Vie," and "Dakota." This encore even got the seated crowd around the edge of the arena up and dancing, with the excitement and energy in the arena, who can blame them!
A moment to shout out to the support act, Finn Forester and his band, who instantly won over the room with their impressive vocals and music. He has definitely won a spot on my ‘must see again’ list. It is always great to see emerging artists at shows like this, learning the ropes from the very best.
This was my second time seeing Stereophonics, and honestly, they never fail to impress me.
Not just with their impressive backlog of songs, which is peppered with hit after hit, but with their musical talent, humility and ability to get a crowd, on a wet and cold Wednesday night in Birmingham leaving their worries at the door. Stereophonics, you made us feel like the one.
Don’t miss your chance to see them on their current tour, as they return to Birmingham for a second show on 13th December.
