Welsh rock legends Stereophonics brought their 2025 tour ‘The Sky’s Edge’ to Sheffield, delivering a night filled with nostalgia, stadium-sized energy and timeless anthems.
Following a hugely successful summer of outdoor shows, the band arrived at the Utilita Arena armed with hits from across their 30-year career.
Despite being three decades in, they remain impressively current, still releasing bangers that resonate with old fans and new.
Their 13th studio album, Make ’Em Laugh, Make ’Em Cry, Make ’Em Wait, debuted at the top spot earlier this year, marking their ninth official number one album – a feat that few guitar bands can claim in today’s landscape.
One of the most striking aspects of the night was the diversity in the crowd.
Generations stood side by side, families and fans of all ages united by the voice of Kelly Jones, whose raw, unmistakable tone remains as powerful as ever. Every song felt like a shared memory.
The setlist was stacked with classics: ‘Bartender and the Thief’, ‘Just Looking’, and ‘Local Boy in the Photograph’ hit just as hard as they did in the late ’90s.
The band’s musical tightness and stage presence ensured that these tracks didn’t just spark nostalgia; they felt alive, urgent and fresh.
And then came ‘Dakota’. Hearing it live remains one of rock’s greatest live experiences, and Sheffield agreed.
As soon as the opening riff hit, the entire arena erupted into a mass sing-along.
The finale delivered bursts of colour, giant balloons cascading from above and a spectacle that perfectly matched the emotion of the song.
More than a closer, ‘Dakota’ became a reminder of personal memories – where
you were, who you were with, and the first time you heard it.
Stereophonics weren’t just ticking off yet another big gig, they were cementing a legacy with a set that balanced reflection, celebration and pure rock energy. Once again, they proved why they matter so much to so many.
Even after all this time, their sound still hits hard, their storytelling still resonates, and their connection with fans remains undeniable. Long live the ‘Phonics.
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Featured Images — Audio North/The Manc Group
