LIVE MUSIC, WHAT THE KIDS WANT | CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN HIT STADIUM STATUS
LIVE REVIEW| CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN, PRINCIPALITY STADIUM, CARDIFF 01/08/2025 By Keira Knox
Friday night saw Indie icons Catfish and the Bottlemen dominate the Welsh landscape with their first ever stadium show at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. The band overcame all expectations and doubts by playing to a packed stadium, producing an unforgettable experience for their sceptical critics.
The atmosphere at the Principality Stadium on August 1st, was electric since no one knew what to anticipate from the performance. Nevertheless, the moment the gates were opened and tickets were checked, an overwhelming number of fans rushed into the stadium, their excitement contagious, hoping to catch a sight of the band.
The first of two outstanding support acts to hit the stage was DMA’s. The Australian band captivated the audience with their incredible talent. The audience was pumped up for what was to come after their legendary rendition of Cher’s ‘Believe’ got everyone singing along. They were a fantastic warmup act before the louder sounds came on thanks to their charisma onstage and the gentle rock vibes their song produced.
Scottish band Travis came on not long after. They were full of life and excitement; leader Fran Healy even dove into the throng to dance with the crowd members at one point. They expertly piqued the audience’s interest before finishing on their iconic song, ‘Why Does It Always Rain On Me?’ and ensuring that everyone was on their feet for the chorus. You would have thought they were the main attraction; they are, without a doubt, one of the most underappreciated live bands about.
As the crowd eagerly awaited the arrival of their favourite band, the atmosphere became electric. As the band emerged from the shadows and smoke, Van McCann commanded the attention of the stadiumgoers with a single gesture as the pulsating bassline of ‘Longshot’ kicked off their maiden stadium performance. Upon his command, the stadium was flooded with an ear-piercing cacophony that sent shivers down your spine. Catfish established their stadium-worthy credentials within the first few seconds of the concert.
From there on in, it was indie banger after indie banger. There was not a single flaw in this performance, especially considering the band’s previous struggles. Through his interactions with the audience, McCann appeared more cheerful than ever before as he celebrated his 33rd birthday. There was an overwhelming sense of joy throughout the entire performance.
It is difficult to choose just one highlight from this performance. As lead singer, Van McCann, looked over the audience as they sang along to the heartfelt acoustic rendition of ‘Hourglass,’ a favourite among fans; as they sang every word, he grinned at the crowd, and it appeared as though he was experiencing a “I’ve made it” moment as the band tackled their most ambitious performance to date. They seemed genuinely grateful to be there, and the audience clearly felt the same way.
It’s was an emotional affair, thinking back to 10 years ago where a young McCann dreamed of his band reaching stadium status in interviews, it’s safe to say he has achieved his dreams and so much more. The night was just breath-taking, and the Cardiff faithful will never forget it. Across a spectrum of numbers, The audience was moved to tears by a moving performance of ‘Heathrow,’ then they danced wildly to the guitar riffs of ‘Business’ moments later.
The band played one last song, ‘Cocoon’, which was fitting because the crowd went wild as they sung along with the band. Van McCann, then went on to sing the last chorus solo, highlighting the raucous throng that had been there all night.
Live music is exactly what the kids want, Friday night showed exactly why Catfish and the Bottlemen are a band more than worthy of stadium status. I sincerely hope this isn’t the last we see of the Welsh band, there are more than enough stadiums across the UK that are begging to be packed out with their presence.
