I had a few reservations about our seats tonight, sitting as we were in the row below the disabled area on the lower balcony. It really deters you from standing knowing they can't.
On with the review...
If Mock the Week had a music category, Dara might ask 'If Ten Tonnes is the answer, what is the question?'
I would say, 'What weight would I like dropped on the Stereophonics' support act to stop him playing?' He sang 'Baby I was born to lose'. Correct.
Next...
Stereophonics are like a Welsh Coldplay. They've been around for years doing their thing, with a charismatic frontman who crafts good tunes, plays multiple instruments and holds the audience in his sway. The band is tight and there's no messing about. They pump out hit after hit.
Tonight, Kelly's boys were in fine form. Despite the sound being a bit fuzzy at first, his voice was clear, filling the cavernous space with grace. With twenty-one years of songs, they have a great back catalogue of hits to pull from, mixing the old with the new. The staging was simple, using the walkway sparingly but to good effect. It was amazing to see the drummer rising from it still playing when he'd started at the back.
Playing for over two hours, they entertained us all and I for one rocked harder in my seat than a wheelchair-bound epileptic having a seizure.
Of course, no review would be complete without discussing the punters.
I now have greater tinnitus in my right ear thanks to the Whistler beside me. My response became almost Pavlovian, covering my ear every time he lifted his fingers to his mouth.
A Saturday night in Glasgow wouldn't be complete without one man so inebriated he needed to be poured into his seat. He lasted half the show then his wife helped him out. He paused to ogle at one lady, his face close enough to kiss her, but his brain was operating autonomically so he couldn't do anything more than stare before being moved on by her pals. He got a cheer when he dramatically failed to lift his foot high enough for the first step and slipped down the stairs. He needed assistance to get up. I doubt he'll remember anything about it.
In our row, we had Oompah Loompah in pearls and her pal Morticia in Red who really should have bought aisle seats given the numerous trips they made to get wine or get rid of wine. They danced like they were punching invisible gym bags to the beat of the drum while sloshing wine glass maracas. Class in a plastic glass as it were.
A good night. I'd love to see the band in a more intimate venue but for now, that's one more chalked off the bucket list.
Setlist
Chances Are
Caught by the Wind
C'est La Vie
More Life in a Tramp's Vest
I Wanna Get Lost With You
Cryin' in Your Beer
Have a Nice Day
All in One Night
Superman
Geronimo
Maybe Tomorrow
Stripped Set On B Stage
I Wouldn't Believe Your Radio
Handbags and Gladrags (Mike d’Abo cover)
Boy on a Bike (Acoustic)
Main Set Part 2
Mr. Writer
What's All the Fuss About?
Indian Summer
Graffiti on the Train
Sunny (Kelly on the piano)
Just Looking
Traffic (Kelly Acoustic Solo)
Local Boy in the Photograph
A Thousand Trees
The Bartender and the Thief (with segment of "Ace of Spades" by Motorhead)
Encore:
Mr and Mrs Smith
Taken a Tumble
Dakota
