What I really like is when someone calls me up mid-afternoon and says "I've got a ticket for a gig tionight but I can't go - do you want it?" Yes please matey, yes please.
Previously published on mINtSOUTH.com in February 2010
Words - Suzy Sims
(c) mINtSOUTH.com
STEREOPHONICS + TAPE THE RADIO @ PORTSMOUTH GUILDHALL 25/01/2010
I did a little bit of internet research to find out what other people think about Stereophonics, because for a lot who are frankly quite middle-of-the-road, they can be quite polarising. They rock. They are freakin’ awesome. They are the best band ever. They are dull. Predictable. Better than Snow Patrol (is this good or bad?). Their fans can’t spell ‘Wembly’.
It’s the first date of Stereophonics’ tour; a cosy warm up gig. They’ve sold out the SECC, the NIA, the O2, the MEN. Therefore it’s strange to find a handful of tickets still available on the door for a few lucky and hopeful fans who had been told this show was also sold out. The seat next to me was empty all night. It cost a whopping £30-odd squid to get into the Guildhall. Those on the guestlist have to pay at least a small sum for charity, which was a jolly decent thing to do.
First up come Tape The Radio. They warmed up the crowd almost as much as an ice cube shoved hastily down the pants. This band wear leather trousers – always a dubious sign of being rawk and roll. Their music is averagely plodding. They were aiming for dark, sultry and controlled, but it just came across as a dull roar; like a hefty helping of tinnitus, you’d shake your head slightly, but they were still there. It’s the kind of commercial rock which angers tutting trendy types. They were okay really, with harmless background music. Single Save A Life was a glimmer of interest in the murk, but you wouldn’t make a special trip to catch them play. I hoped the headliners had someone a bit more special in mind for their arena support.
Tape The Radio are what I feared Stereophonics would be like.
Tonight is a bit of a tasty treat for Stereophonics fans – the chance to get a lot closer than when the band play the O2, little specks upon the stage, while half the crowd struggle with vertigo and the rest queue 45 minutes for a drink. The queue’s not quite as big tonight, though Portsmouth Guildhall isn’t exactly known for its speedy bar service.
The band announced that they’re playing around with the setlist just before the start of the arena tour. They seem comfortable and are enjoying themselves. It’s good value as they cram a lot in, playing for well over an hour and a half.
It’s obvious that Stereophonics have truly earned their reputation as a fierce live band. With various releases watered down guitar-wise, it’s easy to lose track of the fact they are first and foremost, a rock band. Kelly Jones’ voice is impressively husky and he can really hold a tune while looking completely at ease onstage, surrounded by spotlights.
The crowd listened patiently for the first half but perk up slightly for the oldies and goodies – a charming Help Me, Pedal Pusher, Mr Writer, A Thousand Trees, She’s Alright, Innocent, Local Boy In The Photograph. I felt disappointed that a band as massive as Stereophonics couldn’t galvanise the crowd into moving. Everyone was so damn static. From upstairs, I was looking down into a sea of cameraphone lights. I wanted the band to do well. I wanted everyone to be having a great time. But atmosphere-wise, it was a little flat, and music-wise, I just don’t know enough of the band’s catalogue to fully throw myself into it. Some of it was a bit samey, but the band’s musicianship carried them though and I found myself impressed by their professionalism and enjoying the set.
The best moment was the end. No, I don’t mean it like that. The volume of applause and stamping for an encore showed the crowd were having a fantastic time. Then Dakota came on and the place burst open. People on the balcony finally got to their feet and danced. The number of hands waving in the standing area increased and a small moshpit formed to the right. There was even one crowdsurfer, and my, did he look pleased with himself. Everyone filed out chattering – they had a blistering time, and Stereophonics got to practise before their arena concerts. I found them to be much better than expected. Everyone’s a winner.
Stereophonics
Tape The Radio
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