Packed Caird Hall rocked by Welsh music legends

Crowds queue long before sell-out Dundee concert...but it was worth it!

Hundreds of music fans queued in Dundee’s City Square last night to see Welsh legends Stereophonics.

Excited fans were all smiles before entering the Caird Hall to take in the rockers’ gig in Dundee.

Tickets to the gig sold out within minutes earlier this month.

Concerns had been raised over fans trying to gain entrance to the venue with tickets gained through third-party sites.

However, entrance to the venue appeared to pass without incident.

Among those waiting to see the band were family Steve, Joyce and Bruce Fleming.

They were joined by friends Dave Jamieson and Alistair Dutch.

While the revellers were keen on seeing the evening’s headline act, it was support band Fireroad they were most looking forward to seeing.

Music fan Steve said: “Fireroad are from a little village in Wales. They’re friends of Stereophonics.

“They deserve this, it’s been long overdue for them. “Stereophonics will be good, too. “Dundee needs to have more big bands.”

Stewart Owen, who queued up at seven o’clock in the morning for tickets after they went on sale, was lucky enough to meet ‘Phonics’ frontman Kelly Jones.

He said: “Kelly was really friendly and down to earth.

“I went down at three o’clock and they opened up the gates. There were already a few people down there by then.

“I’ve always admired the band, so thought I would go up and chance it and ask for a picture.

“Kelly was totally fine with it and took his time and signed stuff and stopped for pictures.

“This is the first time I have seen the band, so I’m really excited,” he added.

Busker Kevin Hughes also met the group and was all smiles after getting the autograph of Phonics bassist Richard Jones – who signed his guitar.

Kevin, 32, said: “I saw them when I was 19 at T In The Park.

“The Phonics and Manic Street Preachers were both playing and it ended up like a battle of the bands.

“It was amazing. I don’t have a ticket for tonight, but I’ve seen them quite a few times.

“You better believe it’s good to have them in Dundee.” More than 20 years after they first graced the stage in Dundee, Stereophonics rocked into the Caird Hall with a storming opening, which included hit songs Looks Like Chaplin, More Life in a Tramps Vest, Wanna Get Lost With You and their forthcoming single, Caught By The Wind, which Kelly introduced to the sell-out Dundee audience, telling them they were the first to hear it played live.

Have a Nice Day was followed by I Wouldn’t Believe Your Radio, where drummer Jamie came down to the front of the stage.

“Jamie’s parents met in Dundee,” Kelly announced, to cheers.

A medley of classic rock songs was followed by Mr Writer before new songs from forthcoming album Scream Above The Sounds, including brilliant current single All In One Night.

A storming end to the set included Indian Summer, Just Looking, Same Size Feet, Local Boy in the Photograph and encore song Dakota.

Some bands have an enduring quality; Stereophonics have that and much, much more.

Unlike some bands who feel the need to reinvent themselves, they keep doing what they do best: writing great tunes that strike a chord with their audience.

If this was a warm-up for their autumn tour, UK audiences are in for a massive treat.

Pictures: Kim Cessford. Putting on a great show: the Stereophonics on stage in the Caird Hall.

Fans queuing for the gig; and busker Kevin Hughes, who entertained the waiting crowd, and had his guitar signed by bassist Richard Jones.