WHEN The Stereophonics play in Glasgow, it’s like welcoming old pals back into town.
The Welsh rockers have been performing in the city for more than two decades - and the love they receive from the Glasgow crowd doesn’t go unnoticed.
Feeding off that atmosphere, frontman Kelly Jones had a spring in his step as he kicked off the Hydro show on Wednesday night with C’est La Vie.
With the house lights up, Jones took in the magnitude of his adoring fans and beamed with a smile: “We have been coming to Glasgow now for about 24 years.
“As always Glasgow never disappoints.”
And this was something he proved by launching into an instantly recognisable set that delivered the best of their back catalogue alongside songs from new album Kind.
I Wanna Get Lost in You, Bust this Town and Geronimo were up next and sounded magnificent in the Hydro setting.
Part of the band’s charm is Jones’ raspy vocals which have the power to hold any size of audience.
From playing a solo show at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall last June to commanding the city’s biggest arena, his voice never loses its prowess.
Add to that the talent of fellow Phonics - bassist Richard Jones, guitarist Adam Zindani and drummer Jamie Morrison - and you have a force that’s unstoppable live.
The band’s new material also delivered especially the soulful Make Friends With the Morning - and it is easy to understand why.
From the whimsical to the serious lyrics, Jones has a formula that not only ensures songwriting success but makes the band relevant to new generations of fans.
Indian Summer and Handbags and Gladrags were both highlights during the set which lasted more than two hours.
While Just Looking and Dakota rounded off a night to remember.
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