Stereophonics, Blossoms, Finn Forster - Live Review

Stereophonics Deliver a Sun-Soaked Masterclass at Finsbury Park

Finsbury Park on a hot Friday is a special kind of magic, and it was the perfect setting for a masterclass in rock and roll. As 45,000 fans of all ages basked in a glorious 27-degree heat, Welsh titans Stereophonics delivered a triumphant headline performance, capping off a perfect day of live music with special guests Blossoms and rising star Finn Forster.

The day kicked off with Finn Forster, who was tasked with opening the huge stage to the early arrivals. For a new artist, he looked completely at home, his confident stage presence and engaging indie-folk sound winning over the crowd with ease. It was a polished and impressive start to the day’s proceedings. A large crowd were already in to see him perform, after John Kennedy had spent a few hours spinning indie classics from days gone by.

Next up, special guests Blossoms brought their signature brand of sun-drenched indie-pop to the party. Frontman Tom Ogden, clad in a summery yellow flared trousers, is a master of feel-good charm, leading the band through a set packed with hits like Charlemagne and Your Girlfriend. Their performance was a joyous, smile-inducing affair that culminated in the wonderfully absurd arrival of a giant fiberglass gorilla for their track Gary. It was the perfect warm-up for the main event.

As the sun began to dip, the Welsh rock titans took to the stage amidst roaring jets of fire, launching straight into Vegas Two Times. The energy was immediate and immense. Kelly Jones’s voice, as distinctive and powerful as ever, was simply immaculate, soaring across the park with a raw, emotional edge that has defined the band for decades.

The set was a journey through a truly phenomenal career. From the summer anthem I Wanna Get Lost With You to the driving rock of The Bartender and the Thief, every song was a reminder of the band's incredible back catalogue. Before launching into Have a Nice Day, Kelly Jones paused, sharing a genuinely touching story. He spoke of being in this very park 30 years prior, watching Neil Young & Pearl Jam, and dreaming that one day it would be him on that stage. The heartfelt anecdote was met with a huge, appreciative roar from the crowd.

The encore began with a beautiful, intimate shift. Jones returned to the stage alone, armed with just an acoustic guitar, to deliver stunning solo renditions of Step on My Old Size Nines and their iconic cover of Handbags and Gladrags. The band then rejoined him for a powerful version of Traffic before launching into a surprise, un-setlisted performance of A Thousand Trees - a raw, powerful treat for the long-time fans that went down incredibly well where I was stood!

The night, of course, had to end with Dakota. Its iconic opening riff sent a final wave of pure euphoria across the 45,000-strong crowd, a mass singalong that felt like a truly special, unifying moment.

And for fans left wanting more, the band had perfect timing, announcing a brand new UK arena tour for this December.

From start to finish, this was a day of pure, unadulterated rock and roll joy. Stereophonics proved once again that they are not just survivors, but masters of their craft, delivering a show filled with passion, precision, and timeless anthems. A truly unforgettable night.

Stereophonics UK Live Dates:

• December 4 – Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
• December 6 – Newcastle Utilita Arena
• December 7 – Sheffield Utilita Arena
• December 9 – Aberdeen P&J Live
• December 10 – Glasgow OVO Hydro
• December 12 – Manchester Co-Op Live
• December 13 – Birmingham Utilita Arena
• December 16 – Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
• December 18 – London - The O2