Stereophonics are 30 years and 9 #1 albums into their recording career, and they are showing no signs of slowing up. Having spent a large proportion of 2025 on the road to mark the release of their 13th studio album, Make 'Em Laugh, Make 'Em Cry, and Make 'Em Wait, the group is opening their set of December dates in the UK at Birmingham's Utilita Arena— a show that sold out so quickly that they have had to add a second date later in the month. With 15,000 fans all excitedly anticipating a trip through their back catalogue, it is clear that there will be a united sense of euphoria throughout the show.

Having spent a large portion of the year on the road opening for Stereophonics, upcoming talent Finn Forster enjoys a rather extended opening set to warm the crowd up ahead of the Cwmaman crew's arrival centre stage. With a voice that is reminiscent of Paolo Nutini and a very likeable presence, Forster is a confident performer that effortlessly gains the attention of the audience. While some of his songs could benefit from a bit more energy, there are some truly captivating anthems that capture the audience's full attention. With real potential, he is certainly a name to watch out for.

Stereophonics take the stage after a brief intermission and perform a two-hour set without any low points. Slick, professional, but at times very personal, Kelly Jones is the epitome of a perfect frontman. He knows when to work the crowd and when to just sing, although it is in the subtle interactions with his bandmates that the band's true playful nature is revealed.

Opening with Vegas Two Times, the band's setlist takes in key cuts from throughout their career, and while it is a reminder of just how many hits the group have had, there are some key moments that really see the audience explode. The set is filled with all the thrills, ranging from the epic singalong, Maybe Tomorrow, to the explosive nostalgia of Local Boy In The Photograph, and including the stripped-back ukulele opening of I Wouldn't Believe Your Radio.

Closing their initial set with the anthemic The Bartender And The Thief, the band return with a trio of 100MPH, C'est La Vie, and their natural closer, Dakota, for a thrilling end to the night. While many concerts see audience members slowly filter out to get home before the rush, Stereophonics held their audience captivated until the very last moment.