Stereophonics at Finsbury Park

Welsh rockers Stereophonics are hitting north London’s Finsbury Park this Saturday night for a sold-out show. Touring their recently released album Make ’Em Laugh, Make ’Em Cry, Make ’Em Wait and armed with radio-friendly hits that everyone from Gen Z to your nan will recognise, there’s no shortage of songs to choose from.

Kelly Jones launches into the 2001 track Vegas Two Times to kick off the show – a swaggering, heavy number from their third studio album Just Enough Education to Perform. Tonight’s crowd is a melting pot of families and young people out for a good time, and the 45,000-capacity outdoor venue is well and truly packed, making it a struggle to get close enough to see anything on stage.

Jones’s voice manages to be smooth and gravelly all at the same time, making its mark on the group’s big hitters from the 1990s, especially Have a Nice Day and Just Looking. It has to be said, however, that there’s something missing in terms of stage presence, but his understated style suits the band’s no-frills appeal.

Superman, the second hit single from the formidable album Language. Sex. Violence. Other?, is another attitude-soaked crowd-pleaser – but the real highlight comes with 2003’s soulful, acoustic Maybe Tomorrow. It’s a departure from much of Stereophonics’s output, with a subtle Americana feel, and it brings out the best in Jones’s singing.

I Wouldn’t Believe Your Radio is slightly butchered by the introduction of a ukulele, which feels rather unnecessary. That said, it’s understandable they’d want to switch things up once in a while – this is material they’ve been playing for decades.

Just before the four-piece launch into Mr and Mrs Smith, Jones throws out a cheeky line: “Anyone here having an affair? Well, you’re on camera.” It’s met with an awkward silence. “This is a song about having an affair in hotel rooms. All fun and games until you lose two or three houses – then it’s shit,” the singer adds, before launching into the track. It’s not exactly something most people can relate to, but thanks for sharing.

As the evening draws to a close, the band crack out their noughties banger Dakota, and for one last time tonight, the park lights up with recognition. Stereophonics have a universal appeal, and while they’re not the greatest showmen, it’s not something that’s particularly demanded of them anyway – but next time, leave the ukulele at home.

Hannah Broughton
Photo: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Stereophonics’ website here.

Watch the video for Seems Like You Don’t Know Me here: