Sterophonics

Storm clouds loom ominously over Dublin, giving the afternoon a more dramatic feel than it warrants. Outside on Dame Street, there is a heavy police presence, eerily reminiscent of last May Day weekend.

Inside the confines of Dublin Castle, however, the atmosphere is much more jovial – amid the burger vans, festival hats and flag waving, there is a delightfully beery, romantic atmosphere, and this crowd knows that the main fare on offer this evening will be imbued with the true spirit of rock ’n’ roll.

The music of the Stereophonics has often been described as bleary-eyed dad-rock, and that isn’t too far off the mark: the new single ‘Madame Helga’, for example, is a fail-safe tune with a touch of Led Zeppelin. But they do know how to deliver a powerful live performance.

Apart from the screaming of the crowd (the variety often reserved for Westlife concerts, mostly high-pitched girlie stuff, aimed at Kelly, naturally), the spirit of a true rock show is tangible. The sound is mercifully loud and ‘geetar-y’, and amply fills the courtyard.

‘The Local Boy In The Photograph’ is a snapshot of the band’s glory hour, before their music was rendered too familiar by incessant radio airplay. ‘Just Looking’ is greeted with a massive cheer, and this moment in itself softens the cough of even the most purse-lipped of critics.

It’s an early enough finish – a considerate gesture given that most of the crowd either have to relieve babysitters or get up for double maths in the morning. Whatever their post-gig activities, they retire safe in the knowledge that they have been in the company of true rock giants.

Metaphorically speaking, of course.