Thousands braved day two of a red weather warning for heat in Cardiff to descend on the city’s castle to see McFly perform their biggest show in Wales so far.
Eurovision act Remember Monday were first up and within the first minute had to stop their set to call for medical attention for someone in the crowd. They were lovely about it, offering water and lucozade to the individual and then moving on to their second song.
The trio can sing really well and their live drummer and bassist were class but it’s not really the type of music I would listen to.
I always forget how good Twin Atlantic are and the Scots did not disappoint. They interacted well with the crowd, including some banter with a guy wearing a Brazil football shirt – Brazil had beaten Scotland recently – and some silky smooth rock music. It got me really excited for new album Separation from the Animals, which is set for release on October 2 through Dance To The Radio.
Twin Atlantic at Cardiff Castle. Picture: Lizi Birt
A rock classic singalong followed as the crowd waited for the main event – Mcfly. Credit must go to the lighting tech as they did not need to go so hard with the lights during Bohemian Rhapsody and across some of the other classics but it really added to the fun.
Then it was time, the opening notes to YMCA – McFly’s usual walk-on music – began and the crowd went wild.
The set was full of songs from across the band’s 23-year career, beginning with Where Did All the Guitars Go, and Land of the Bees from last album Power to Play, and the likes of One for the Radio and Corrupted.
McFly live at Cardiff Castle. Picture: Lizi Birt
Throughout the set, all four members were having the time of their lives – as they usually do on stage – and even when the sound cut out during I’ll be Ok, it didn’t phase them, and the crowd provided the volume by screaming it back to them.
The Star Girl kicks delighted the crowd before the slowed it down for Dougie to perform Transylvania – my personal favourite.
McFly live at Cardiff Castle. Picture: Lizi Birt
There was a teaser from album number eight – although Danny forgot the words to the amusement of everyone, before they played the first song they wrote – Room on the 3rd Floor.
A big singalong happened (well it was happening all night but even bigger for this section) for a medley of classic tracks such as Livin on a Prayer, What Makes You Beautiful, and I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).
There were jokes throughout the set, and lots of guitar solos.
Things did get emotional when they followed All About You with Shine a Light and Joel Oates was brought onto the stage to the delight of the crowd while he had the time of his life on stage with the band.
McFly live at Cardiff Castle. Picture: Lizi Birt
Danny got down to the barrier to get up close with the fans during Red, before the band went off for a ‘hydration break’ and came back to finish with Falling in Love, Forever’s Not Enough, and 5 Colours in Her Hair.
McFly have been doing this for 23 years now and I think that this show was the most humble they were, sounding genuine about appreciating the support and bewilderment at the fact people are turning out this many years later to see them, including kids who weren’t alive when they first started.
Following the end of 5 Colours, the band took their time to leave the stage, each taking time to say thank you to the crowd which was a lovely touch.
