Photo By Andy Squire
I arrived at the MEN just in time to catch the end of the Courteeners set; I guess that’s what you get when you head to Manchester at the same time as thousands of Manchester United fans bound for Old Trafford.
Anyway, from what I saw of the lads from Manchester they were pretty good, as far as Indie bands go. I have heard a lot of hype around them, but to be honest, they are no different from your run-of-the-mill Indie kids, with big hair and tiny waists. Sounded pretty good though, it was a nice warm up.
Then there’s a break as a couple of hunky fellas climb up a tiny ladder to the roof of the MEN to mess about with the stage lights, I feel like I’ve stepped into the Cirque Du Soleil not a bloody Stereophonics show; my palms get all sweaty and I worry about the lights giving way and collapsing on those poor fans below.
But then my friend ushers me off to the bar and the lives of those lighting blokes are forgotten until I hear clapping and screaming and sprint back into the arena; not to find a massacre of bodies and lights, but a huge video of Kelly Jones and friends on the screens, which is assume is their ‘Introduction’.
My theory is confirmed as some bloke announces that we’re here to see the Stereophonics, yeah, as If I didn’t know mate… Anyway, on comes the boys and we’re live and kicking with Vegas Two Times much to everyone’s delight.
They clearly haven’t skimped on setup here with a massive rig of amps, guitars, a swanky drum kit and bloody huge walls of lights, which I think are supposed to come together to make a big picture if you’re looking from the front and not the side, like myself.
The set itself included all their biggest hits and, as Kelly Jones put it, “All their favourites from the 10 years they’re been doing this.†So no matter whether you’re a manic Stereophonics fan, enjoy a bit of Performance and Cocktails or a bit more prone to Language. Sex. Violence. Other? There was something in there for you - this is their Decade In The Sun tour after all.
There was the anthemic Pick A Part That’s New, and A Thousand Trees, the enigmatic Mr Writer, one of my favourites, More Life In A Tramps Vest as well as their latest release, You’re My Star. On top of that, their cover of Rod Stewart's Handbags And Gladrags made me shed a little tear for someone who once made that song pretty special. What a loser.
I was blown away at the power of Kelly Jones’ voice, I mean, I’ve always known he has a great voice; but live, it just leaves you speechless. You even feel guilty singing along to the songs when he is belting out each note with minimal effort, yet still making you go weak at the knees.
There’s no denying they are a bunch of good looking guys, and everywhere I looked I was surrounded by middle-aged women in leather jackets hoping to catch Kelly’s eye, the singleton next to me - who had had a few too many gin and tonics - was constantly texting the competition line for her chance to meet the boys. How cute.
It’s all about the drummer for me though, Javier Weyler did a great job of keeping time, and keeping focused on the task in hand when three stunning violin clad ladies joined him on his elevated platform to accompany the boys during a couple of songs.
After a hour and half they swanned off stage, leaving everyone wondering where Dakota and The Bartender And The Thief was; puzzled looks were exchanged, watches were checked, drinks were downed, and then they were back with four more songs - wonderful.
So as I headed back through the ghetto that is Manchester to my lovely car - and hoping that my cd player is still intact. And my wheels too for that matter - I realised that this is one of the greatest gigs I’ve probably ever been to in my life, and that’s no mean feat, as there have been a fair few.
As someone who claims to ‘despise Indie kids’ I think I’m a convert. Pass the gin.
Check out our gallery of the nights proceedings here.Check out our gallery of the nights proceedings here.
Have a look at our review of Best Of Stereophonics: Decade In The Sun if you couldn't make it to the gig
FemaleFirst - Ruth Harrison
Photos courtesy of Andy Squire