BACK TO THE GRAFT AGAIN: CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN RETURN TO 32,000 FANS AT SEFTON PARK

CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN – LIVE REVIEW By Keira Knox

Last night at Liverpool’s Sefton Park, the multi-Platinum selling, BRIT Award-winning, arena-filling titans, Catfish and The Bottlemen completed their astounding live comeback; their first gig since 2021 and their biggest headline show to date. Over 32,000 lucky fans witnessed one of the biggest non-stadium outdoor concerts Liverpool ever hosted and one of the most unforgettable nights in the band’s history during the sold-out performance. I am writing this while still reeling after one of the greatest nights I have ever had at a show, and Catfish’s music is still swirling around my head—a comeback to remember.

The crowd was ferociously enthralled with The Beatles’ ‘Helter Skelter’ when Catfish took the stage, having been suitably warmed up by Sundara Karma and Liverpool-born outfit The Mysterines. In the minutes before this, I don’t think I have ever seen a crowd more fervently excited and nervous; we were all overcome with terror of the unknown. However, from the moment the band took the stage, it was going to be a night to remember. With Benji Blakeway by his side, Van McCann’s face exuded a sense of pride that made us know we were in for a treat. It seemed as though they had never left.

Launching into a thunderous round of applause with their Gold and Platinum selling hits ‘Longshot’ and ‘Kathleen,’ Van McCann (vocals, lead guitar) and Benji Blakeway (bass) kept the boisterous crowd shouting along with every word. The crowd exploded as soon as the beat dropped on “Go” for ‘Longshot,’ screaming in tandem with every word to McCann, whose incredible vocal prowess astounded the audience. ‘Kathleen’ ushered in the first of numerous mosh pits, fast-paced guitar riffs, and an indie classic that would make the audience burst into applause. It was amazing to see the sheer happiness and enthusiasm on everyone in the crowd. I genuinely hope Catfish and the Bottlemen understood how much the audience loved them that evening.

A firm fan favourite, ‘Soundcheck,’ led Van McCann to let the audience scream out the initial few notes, completely drowning out the band. Now it would not be a Catfish gig if there wasn’t an inflatable crocodile, the crowd were swarmed by these inflatable reptiles throughout this entire track. I can honestly say it was thrilling to witness 32,000 fans experience ‘Soundcheck’ live for the first time in three years, as the song has always had a strong connection with the fanbase. ‘Pacifier’ quickly ensued, with the band hitting those recognisable guitar notes as a flurry of red lights engulfed the stage. Despite their differences, the crowd—which included both newcomers and ardent supporters who had been there from the start—erupted in unison, with each person yelling the lyrics from the bottom of their hearts. It is a song that a lot of people identify with their teenage years; from across the park, there was a genuine sense of community. Unquestionably, Van McCann has a phenomenal stage presence. He sings with genuine emotion and exudes a fierce intensity, all while pacing the stage like a crazy man.

Even with ‘Twice,’ the band’s rather underappreciated single, the audience was totally engrossed. It is one of those songs that everyone can relate to and use in any circumstance. Call it underappreciated, but Sefton Park’s audience gave it the credit it deserved all along. One of my favourite moments was witnessing two young fans recite the track’s lyrics to one another as if they were having a heated argument. I utterly adore fan moments like that, it proves that no matter the time period the band have been away, they will always have a lasting impact on their fanbase.

‘Fallout’ had the audience ensnared. With this anthem, Van McCann had the crowd in the palm of his hand. The way in which he interacts with the crowd throughout their set is remarkable, it truly felt like we were the only people there. It is such a personal track but at the same time so uplifting and energetic. Never before have I witnessed a crowd this fervently engaged during a performance; it was an absolutely thrilling encounter, and the audience’s participation during ‘Fallout’ was nothing short of extraordinary. It is my sincere wish that Catfish and The Bottlemen, if anything, take away with them the affection and gratitude the audience felt for each and every individual member (both new and old).

‘Conversation,’ another incredibly overlooked song by The Bottlemen, proceeded in the same manner. With its much softer sound, the song truly helped the audience comprehend what was going on. The band’s return to the stage felt almost like a break in the setlist, giving us a chance to catch our breath. The ground shook to the sound of ‘Anything’s‘ deep bass tones and distinctive drumbeats. One more enduring fan favourite from ‘The Ride,’ the band’s second album. McCann’s amazement at the enormous volume of individuals who were still singing his words after such a long time was evident in his eyes. At this moment, the mosh pits were obviously in full swing, with most of the crowd attempting to get into one. Some people amongst the crowd were quite emotional (including myself), at one point we were convinced we would never see the band back on stage or get to hear our favourite songs live. It was such a surreal experience to see them grace the stage once more.

When Van McCann said, “Let’s hear you Liverpool, let’s have a dance yeah?” the crowd erupted into frenetic singing and dancing. Hands were in the air for ‘Business.’ At that gig, everyone experienced a genuine sense of unity, throwing their arms around one another and supporting a band that they hold so dearly. With its pulsating guitar riffs, ‘Sidetrack,’ had McCann and the rest of the audience head banging. It should go without saying that Catfish absolutely wowed the audience at their first performance after returning, playing hits from all three of their critically acclaimed albums.

The track ‘Homesick,’ from the band’s debut album ‘The Balcony,’ completely enthralled the audience. Right as the chorus beat dropped, McCann yelled, “Sefton Park, arms up!” and the crowd followed his lead, wildly flailing their arms while they enthusiastically sang along to this Catfish anthem. The crowd were completely engrossed in every lyric the band performed, latching on to every single word, mesmerised by the scene before them.

The track ‘2All’ truly united the audience. Van McCann gave the audience the go-ahead to sing the chorus aloud while he watched in awe as we memorised every line. To put it mildly, 32,000 fans singing so passionately to a lead vocalist who most people idolise was an incredible experience. It was an exceptionally beautiful moment within the set.

As soon as ‘Rango’s’ fast-paced guitar riffs kicked in, the audience jumped into action. The mosh pits were back, open and waiting for the chorus, along with the inflatable crocodiles. As Van McCann bounced about the stage with such excitement, the crowd burst into a frenzy, flares filling the sky and an unwavering amount of passion filled the park. I feel like ‘Outside‘ is one of those tracks that demands an undeniable passion from the audience, it is a timeless indie anthem. The crowd understood that assignment. The sheer instrumental skill displayed during this track was truly remarkable.

Even though the last three songs on the set list are pounding indie anthems, the audience was nonetheless filled with anxiety as we realised it was almost over. The tune, ‘Fluctuate’ caused the entire park to vibrate as the crowd jumped in time to the smashing drum rhythms, the ground trembling beneath us. The set ended with two of Catfish and The Bottlemen’s most well-known and beloved songs, in my opinion. With ‘7’ igniting the crowd into a frenzy with McCann yelling “Let’s hear you!” and telling them again to “Bring it up!” every one of the 32,000 people in attendance was belting out the song. Van McCann let go of the reins, letting his adoring audience close out the distinctive song. He watched in astonishment as we belted out the song’s lyrics, telling us over and over to do it again. The frontman watched on in amazement as he witnessed everyone sing together in a very moving moment.

Closing one of the best music events of the year was ‘Cocoon.’ A song that will live on forever, it deserves to be sung at the top of your lungs. When Van McCann yelled, “Right to the back, let me hear you, bring it up!” the audience understood exactly what they had to do. The audience really gave it their all for The Bottlemen, setting off flares, people diving across the crowd, and pints being hurled into the air. Catfish and The Bottlemen stood on stage and watched in amazement as the audience recited the chorus back to them to cap off the most amazing night. It was an incredibly moving moment.

With a wave of his hand and a kiss blown to the crowd, Van McCann and the band left the stage, closing what was one of their most memorable performances to date.

Catfish and the Bottlemen UK & IRE Live dates

19th July – Cardiff Castle, Cardiff (sold out)

20th July – Cardiff Castle, Cardiff (sold out)

23rd Aug – Leeds Festival

24th Aug – Royal Highland Showgrounds, Edinburgh (sold out)

25th Aug – Reading Festival

31st Aug – RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin (last tickets)

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