Stereophonics at the UEA Nick Rayns LCR, Norwich

Eastern Daily Press: Stereophonics in Norwich, May 15 2016Stereophonics in Norwich, May 15 2016 (Image: Archant)

Stereophonics

UEA Nick Rayns LCR, Norwich

What's in the water of the Cynon Valley? This part of Glamorgan brought forth the musical force that is The Stereophonics - and 24 years later Kelly's heroes are still belting it out as if freshmen on the rock scene.

What a night this was for Norwich and another belter for the UEA Students' Union.

Eastern Daily Press: Stereophonics in Norwich, May 15 2016Stereophonics in Norwich, May 15 2016 (Image: Archant)

And what a way to start the week.

Frontman Kelly Jones and his chums Richard, Adam and Jamie turned in an energy-sapping two-hour set in front of a sell-out 1,650 UEA crowd, a pleasant mix of students and Stereophonics fans from across the region.

The band is preparing for a busy summer, including the Isle of Wight Festival in June, so gigs like Norwich, with an appreciative 'close' audience, is a perfect warm up.

The Sterophonics transcend musical generations and one the band's unique gifts is to have brought back many to the world of rock when all seemed lost.

They are at the height of their game right now and rip through their hits from the beginning and tracks from albums which are celebrated the world over.

My favourites on a memorable night were Maybe Tomorrow, A Thousand Trees, Song for the Summer and the haunting Graffiti On The Train from the epic album of the same name.

This night will live long in the memory - Travis are on the same stage on Thursday - what a great week for Norwich music and all praise for the UEA crew for attracting such big names.

Nigel Pickover