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Stereophonics at O2 Arena

Stereophonics at O2 Arena | Live review
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Shot by Virginie Viche
Olivia Barker Shot by Virginie Viche

On a packed night at London’s O2, Stereophonics brought their 2025 tour to a close with the confidence of a band fully aware of their legacy. Greeted by an audience spanning generations, the Welsh rockers transformed the vast arena into an intimate yet electrifying space, setting the tone for a performance shaped both by nostalgia and enduring appeal.

The band opened with Vegas Two Times from their 2001 album Just Enough Education to Perform. The energy grew immediately, as thousands of voices joined in to fill the venue with a shared euphoria. Much to the crowd’s delight, the lighting and stage graphics were out of this world, emphasising the group’s relentless momentum. Every reaction and beat landed together, uniting the fans, who waved and clapped in synchrony.

The show featured many of their stadium anthems, from Dakota to Just Looking and Local Boy in the Photograph – all the iconic hit singles that defined their discography. Midway through the concert, Jones took a moment to reflect on some of the highlights of their career, including opening for David Bowie on his last tour, as well as the Rolling Stones.

As Maybe Tomorrow rang out, following a calm acoustic introduction, everyone rose from their seats and sang along. Its chart-topping status back in 2003 has stood the test of time, as the acclaimed song echoed mightily throughout the O2. Frontman Kelly Jones brought an element of emotional longing and heart to the performance, which clearly resonated with the audience. Further down the setlist, Mr Writer turned the mood more melancholic and evocative, while maintaining the collective energy.

Stereophonics moved seamlessly between songs drawn from across their career, with acoustic numbers sitting comfortably alongside heavier, grittier rock anthems – a balance that maintained momentum while allowing space for reflection. Representing a significant strand of British rock since the early 1990s, they are a must-see for any music lover who is into classic alternative rock that packs a punch.

Olivia Barker
Photos: Virginie Viche

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

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

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