Stereophonics @ UEA
Came with big expectations but didn’t disappoint at all
This was the most eagerly anticipated gig in our household for quite some time. I mean, Stereophonics playing just two dates as a warm up to some summer festivals, stadium and arena gigs, starting in Norwich then off to Cambridge? Lucky us.
It has been nine years since they last played in Norwich and we were not disappointed as they delivered a one hour and forty five minute set that moved through all of their albums including their first ever single, Local Boy In The Photograph, then they went onto Mr Writer, Thousand Trees, Superman, Just Looking, Maybe Tomorrow, Graffiti On The Train, Have A Nice Day and The Bartender and The Thief. Wow! What a back catalogue to have as they all get played during the quite sublime 23 song set. For the encore's close, the final song of the night was the traditional Dakota.
It was just one big singalong, as Kelly Jones gave the audience their slot at key moments during the evening to have their moment in the vocal spotlight. Even the band looked surprised at times at the volume that was emanating from around the LCR. It was spine tingling stuff.
24 years since they formed, and only Kelly and Richard Jones remain from the original line up. Stereophonics fans from back in the day will of course remember the much loved original drummer Stuart Cable who sadly died in 2010. He was a most amazing drummer and the backbone to the band's early edgy sound. But if Cable is looking down he will see that his sticks are in fine hands just now in Adam Zindani - he is another very accomplished drummer even if he looks rather bizarre in his leather shorts and t-shirt! Well, what do you expect from a drummer?
This was a gig that certainly came with big expectations but didn’t disappoint at all. It was absolutely amazing to have a band of their quality and standing at the LCR. This one will take some beating as far as gigs go for the remainder of 2016.
