As welcome home shows go, this is definitely the one, and after a long wait to hear music, and see fans packing a huge venue, we knew tickets would be snapped up straight away.
In fact the tickets were, and so fast, that the guys have now added a second date. TICKETS HERE.
Unfortunately however, the dates were rescheduled because of COVID-19. There is some good news, all tickets are still valid, there has however been a change in the line up as Llandudno’s CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN can no longer play the dates due to ‘unforeseen practical issues‘.
With STEREOPHONICS headlining and SIR TOM JONES and in support, it really couldn’t be any more Wales – oh yes, the venue for the big shows is the home of rugby, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Fear not, the new support acts are incredible and a great start to what will be an awesome weekend.
FEEDER will now movie in to the Friday slot and GRUFF RHYS on the Saturday. A little bonus of BUZZARD BUZZARD BUZZARD who will also be supporting on both dates.
We know Stereophonics are bursting to play the stadium. It’s been a long while since they’ve been able to take to the stage back home.
Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones said of the now rescheduled dates…………..
“The Millennium Stadium is the place I saw my first gig with all my older brothers watching the Rolling Stones in 1989 at the old Arms Park. I was about 14. Then we headlined it in 2001 and 2003.
“After almost two years of being locked down and families all having their own stories of stress and pressure and loss I wanted to give something to the Welsh people to feel good about. Something we can celebrate – music and singing along. So, I asked some good friends. Tom a man who has shared a stage with literally everyone in show business, I’ve had some of the best nights of my life with him and I’m sure this will be another!
With unparalleled longevity and continued success, STEREOPHONICS are a band woven into the fabric of popular music. Kelly Jones continues to cement his place amongst the great British songwriters. Having achieved 6 number 1 albums, 10 top 10 albums, 23 Platinum Sales Awards, 8.5 million albums sold in the UK alone, 5 BRIT nominations and 1 BRIT Award win, and still headlining arenas and festivals to legions of dedicated fans, they stand as undeniable giants of the current music scene.
If you were at Swansea back then you know what we mean.
Here’s a couple of classics from STEREOPHONICS songbook……..
- FLY LIKE AN EAGLE
- DAKOTA
- THE BARTENDER AND THE THIEF
- HANDBAGS AND GLADRAGS
- FRIDAY I’M IN LOVE (Yes, that song and it is them – it’s awesome)
Obviously we’ll get to hear the crowd pleasers – wouldn’t be a STEREOPHONICS gig without them. But hopefully we’ll get some stuff from the new album Oochya! which is out now.
SIR TOM is no stranger to Stereophonic as they joined together for the single ‘Mama Told Me Not to Come’. 21 years ago now believe it or not.
Sir Tom said…….
“I’ve been good friends with Stereophonics for over 20 years, and was delighted to be asked by Kelly to join them for a very special show in a very special place. I can’t wait to be there to share a great night with you all.”
We’re all hoping for a bit of revival during Stereophonics set – it would be wrong not to really fellas.
With over 100 million record sales to his name, certain milestones loom large over the horizon – and with those milestones come certain expectations.
It’s hard to know where to begin with Tom, so it has to be his South Wales roots.
Thomas Jones Woodward was born in Pontypridd in 1940 to a father who worked the coal mines of the Rhondda Valley. After quitting school at 15, working a variety of manual jobs, singing in the clubs at night and marrying at 17, Tom went on to sign with Decca Records in London.
When you’ve enjoyed 36 top 40 hits spanning five decades, the word legend comes to mind. With a catalogue of sing-a-long hits such as It’s Not Unusual, What’s New Pussycat, Delilah, If I Only Knew and Sex Bomb, they all barely scratch the surface of a career in which also takes in networked prime time TV shows spanning over five decades both in America and the UK, countless Las Vegas residencies and a string of Grammy, Ivor Novello and Brit Awards.
But, after a period of upheaval which saw him come to terms with the loss of Linda, his wife of 59 years, and spend time in hospital with a bacterial infection, Tom’s instinct was not to reflect upon his legacy, but further extend it.
If you’ve never seen Tom live before this is definitely the place to catch him. His irresistible show traverses musical eras and genres, cuts across class divides and appeals to young and old, male and female, mainstream and cutting edge. Sir Tom has always been about the power of the song, the power of the voice.
And there could well be one sight you will see at this gig……
‘WE’LL KEEP A WELCOME’ gets to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th June. Originally the first date was sold out, but that may change as people return tickets they can no longer use. Tickets are £45, £65, £75, £85 (plus fees) and you can get yours HERE You can also get tickets for their tour dates from that link.