live music
live review
PAUL WELLER
Cardiff Castle, Thurs 24 July
words ANTONIA LEVAY photos KAREN FISHER
The Modfather returned to Wales on another beautiful sunny day in the city.
Cardiff was teeming with fans of all ages – well, mainly men in their midforties with questionable haircuts, but ones who were all clearly enjoying
what the capital has to offer before their idol was welcomed to the stage in
the beautiful setting of Cardiff Castle grounds.
The by-now-sweaty Newport indie rockers The Hearts kicked off proceedings
whilst most fans were still in the pubs, but they got on with it and did
themselves proud with a rousing set. Second on, alt-folk types The Rails,
featuring lead singer Kami Thompson (daughter of Richard Thompson),
gave an ethereal performance, in glorious sunshine perfect for the occasion.
Weller and crew presently emerged, beginning with Sunflower and looking
the consumnate Modboy from that iconic haircut downwards. The eight
thousand punters packed into Cardiff Castle erupted.
With such a repertoire in Weller’s catalogue, it was only just that he
proceeded to launch into solo favourites, Jam classics and even some Style
Council numbers. From The Floorboards Up, Friday Street and Come On;
Wake Up The Nation, Fast Car/Slow Traffic and Let’s Go... replete with
fans crooning along, Weller’s oeuvre felt like the sound of a generation.
The Changingman and You Do Something To Me (a personal favourite)
prompted singalongs and flowing tears.
As the closing chords of A Town Called Malice brought seismic appreciation
from the throng, the trip down memory lane came to an end. The crowd left
sated and happy, a memorable night having been had by all.
Glanusk Park Estate, Brecon
Beacons. £159/£135 NUS/£85
13-17-year-olds/£5 5-12-yearolds. Info info@
thegreenmanfestival.co.uk.
Main stage: Mercury Rev, The
War On Drugs, Sharon Van
Etten, Hamilton Leithauser,
Neko Case, Angel Olsen,
Mutual Benefit, Zachary
Cale and Georgia Ruth. Far
Out stage: Slint, Panda Bear,
I Break Horses, Fat White
Family, Ought, Woman’s Hour,
The Pooh Sticks, We Are
Catchers and Sons Of Noel &
Adrian. Walled Garden: East
India Youth, Jeffrey Lewis &
The Jrams, Frank Fairfield,
Farao, My Sad Captains, H
Hawkline, Julie Byrne, Famy
and Eaves.