There is no better pleasure than walking into a lovely intimate venue and after purchasing a beverage heading straight to the front of the stage only five minutes before the main act. Such was my luck this particular evening.
The event was organised by Absolute Radio in aid of War Child and we had a truly heart warming speech detailing just how the money raised benefits children in war torn areas of the world. Two young refugees were on hand to tell their stories.
The young girl then introduced the band, sparking Kelly Jones and co. into gear with ‘Bar Tender and the Thief’ heralding their celebratory intentions. Wearing his trademark brown leather jacket Kelly had the crowd under his spell as the hits came thick and fast, ‘I Wanna Get Lost With You’, ‘C'est La Vie’, and ‘Superman’, all greeted with festive cheer.
It’s no wonder the Stereophonics are still going strong 23 years on. That voice still resonates, the songs still pack a punch and are delivered with a clarity rarely seen on a live stage. They seem to achieve studio quality while playing live.
The jacket comes off as ‘A Thousand Trees’ starts. ‘Mr Writer’ ‘Grafitti On The Train’ and ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ soon have everyone singing in unison.
Off stage for half a fag, then back for an a acoustic rendition of ‘Liberty’ before their long standing live closer ‘Dakota’.
It was an immense night of music for one of the worthiest of causes. Stereophonics still stand loud and proud making it all look so easy, if only it was.
www.absoluteradio.co.ukwww.warchild.org.uk