Long before THE STYLISTICS even stepped on stage, it was clear this was going to be a special night. The New Theatre was packed to the rafters, every seat taken and every aisle buzzing with anticipation. This was the opening night of their UK tour, and you could feel the sense of occasion in the air. Fans young and old, many dressed as if it were 1975 again, were there for one reason: to celebrate one of soul music’s most enduring groups.
When The Stylistics finally appeared, the roar that greeted them said everything. They didn’t need an elaborate entrance or gimmicks. Just the sight of those familiar faces and the first shimmering harmonies were enough to transport the crowd back decades. From the first note, they delivered exactly what everyone had come for, a journey through one of the richest back catalogues in soul and R&B.
They mixed in a few newer numbers, but it was the classics that drew the biggest cheers. Songs like You Make Me Feel Brand New, I’m Stone in Love with You, and Betcha by Golly, Wow turned the theatre into a full-throated singalong. Every chorus was met with the kind of audience participation that performers dream of. Cardiff crowds have never been shy, and this one was as warm and vocal as they come, singing every word like it was their own story.
The group might be in their seventies now, but you’d never know it from the sound. Their voices remain silky, rich, and effortless, blending together in that unmistakable Stylistics way. The harmonies were as smooth as ever, and the band behind them provided a crisp, soulful backdrop that let the vocals shine. There were moments when you could close your eyes and swear you were back in the 1970s, hearing these songs for the first time on the radio.
Between songs, the group took time to chat with the crowd, sharing stories and showing real appreciation for the warmth of the reception. There was humour, nostalgia, and above all a sense of gratitude, for the fans, for the music, and for the years they’ve been able to keep performing. The connection between artist and audience felt genuine and deep-rooted, built over decades of shared memories and timeless songs.
As the night drew to a close, they saved a few of their biggest hits for the finale, bringing the audience to their feet in a standing ovation that seemed to go on and on. It wasn’t just applause for a great performance; it was applause for a lifetime of music that has soundtracked so many lives.
The Stylistics continue their tour next Sunday, 9th November, at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. If last night’s performance is anything to go by, anyone lucky enough to have tickets is in for an unforgettable evening.
Fifty years on, The Stylistics still have that magic, and in Cardiff, they proved it’s as strong as ever.
