Domingo 7 Mar 2010, 11:17
Sat 6 Mar – Stereophonics, Hip parade
We should start by stating that I would consider myself quite a fan of Stereophonics, despite the majority of their audience being twice my age, and I went along to tonight’s gig with high expectations.
The NIA tonight, is completely sold out meaning no spare seats can be seen and on the floor things looked to be getting quite cramped.
The support band for tonight’s proceedings were Scottish pop band Hip Parade in what I believe to be their first arena outing. With a typical four man set up the music on offer echoed the sounds of fellow Scots Franz Ferdinand in my opinion. They don’t really create the impact that is essential to engage an arena sized audience meaning I won’t rush out to download or buy their songs, although saying that I’m sure they would be great in smaller venues headlining.
Stereophonics take to stage at 8.45 without any real big fanfare to a huge applause. Opening with new song Innocent, sets the mark for tonight’s performance as the band promise to perform both new and old songs to the delight of fans alike. The lighting rig for tonight’s show is magnificent and really makes the visual side of the show much more captivating. Obviously a well oiled machine, singer Kelly Jones’s voice never seems to falter through the show with the audience lending a hand on songs such as Traffic and Have a Nice Day. Kelly gives smiles of contentment to band mates throughout the show, showing that for the band the spark of enjoyment is still there and doesn’t highlight the fact that they have become bored with touring just yet. But how could you really, with songs such as Dakota and Just Looking which really are escapist songs for those listening to forget about woe’s and troubles and just have a good time. Ending the main part of the set with first single Local Boy In The Photograph the band the stage to a proud crowd who seem sure that they are right to support such a committed and successful band . Returning for a 3 song encore, the band looked obviously chuffed with the stage of euphoria that the crowd are left in and are sure to return time and time again.