Swansea's Biggest Gig Ever 🎸

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Good morning, Swansea!

26 years ago this summer, Swansea played host to a huge outdoor gig that would go down in local folklore. The sun was out, the beer was flowing, and for many it was a coming of age experience they would never forget.

This week, relive that heat-soaked day through photos and memories of the Stereophonics’ Morfa Stadium show in Swansea.

Catch you on Sunday!

Andrew.

A Gig Like No Other

On a blazing July Saturday in 1999, more than 50,000 people streamed into the grounds of Morfa Stadium (a part stand, part sports complex next to an athletics track might be a more accurate description) for what would become one of the biggest concerts Swansea has ever seen.

With two albums already behind them and a third on the way, Stereophonics were at the centre of the so-called “Cool Cymru” boom that put Welsh music on the national map. Bands like Catatonia and the Manic Street Preachers were filling arenas, and now it was Swansea’s turn to host a band well on the way to mega-stardom - a three-piece formed 30 miles away in Cwmaman, Aberdare.

Tickets cost just £19.50 (£30 in today’s money), and fans got a full bill including Reef, Gay Dad and AB/CD – an AC/DC tribute act – who all played before the main event.

Looking back, the concert felt like a farewell to the old Morfa ground itself, which the BBC described at the time as being “rocked to its very foundations.”. Within a few years it would be gone, replaced by the Liberty Stadium (a new home for Swansea FC), the Morfa Retail Park, and housing.

But for those who were there, that day still stands out: a boiling hot crowd, a band on the brink of global fame, and closing fireworks visible from as far as the Neath Valley.

Memories of the Day

We scoured dozens of Facebook posts to pick out some of the most vivid memories of those that attended the Stereophonics gig at Morfa…

“Blagged my way into the VIP stand by sticking someone else's wristband with chewing gum to my wrist. Sat next to Joe Calzaghe and had a kiss on the cheek from Melinda Messenger. Good times”. -Gareth Viggers

“I remember them showing Scott Gibbs scoring under the posts against England on the big screen, crowd went mental.” - Mike Bolt

“I was lucky enough to be working security in the 'Pit' that day and remember when they played 'Thousand Trees' and the whole arena were jumping as one! Hairs standing on the back of your neck moment!” - Mike Davies

“That was a great, great day. The sun was blazing and it felt like something there hadn't been in Swansea before and probably hasn't been since.” - Kevin Thomas

“I remember bouncing around in the back of a 4x4, sunburnt to hell & wrapped in a Welsh flag. Those were the days.” - Kate Alderman

“Still to this day there has never been a day like it in Swansea. I can remember sitting in castle square and wind street on a glorious day drinking outside the pubs were rammed! Then the journey over to the Morfa. A constant flow of people walking! A great day and the best of the phonics.” - Matthew Williams

“Great gig. Although no lights on trying to get back to the car park that has a massive ditch before it 😂 That bit was fun!” - Irene Crossmore

“Streakers running across the top of the portable toilets and me trying to cover my 15 year old daughter's face. Fab day.” - Janet Vingo.

A recording of Stereophonics’ Morfa Stadium show was later released on DVD and helps give a real sense of the occasion! It’s available to watch on YouTube.

Did you attend Stereophonics’ gig at Morfa Stadium? What were your memories? Leave a comment below or reply to this e-mail!

Catch you on Sunday!

Andrew.

Sources:

• Stereophonics on Facebook

• BBC Wales on Facebook

• All Things Welsh