After cancelling their performance at the Principality Stadium in 2022, fans feared it might be the end for Catfish and the Bottlemen. However, on Friday, they made a triumphant return to Cardiff Castle!
Friday was the warmest day we've had this year, and fans dressed in band merch were seen all around the city, buzzing with excitement for what promised to be a fantastic comeback. This gig, the first announced after releasing their recent single 'Showtime,' had fans eagerly competing for tickets. It was their second show since their comeback, following their performance at Sefton Park in Liverpool.
The evening kicked off with a set from 'The Big Moon.' Although I only caught the end of their performance, having seen them support other acts previously, I can attest to their ability to set a great tone for the night. Their lively and engaging presence on stage always manages to energise the crowd, making them an excellent choice to warm up the audience for the main event.
As Catfish and the Bottlemen took to the stage at Cardiff Castle, they were met with a huge applause. They opened with the fan-favourite 'Kathleen,' instantly getting the crowd’s hands in the air and setting a high-energy tone for the evening. This was followed by 'Soundcheck,' during which inflatable crocodiles sold at the merch stall bounced around the front of the stage, adding a playful touch to the vibrant atmosphere.
The mid-section of their set consisted of hits like 'Conversation,' 'Business,' and 'Homesick,' maintaining the momentum and keeping the audience fully engaged. My favourite moment was during '2all,' as it’s my favourite Catfish song, and hearing it live again alongside best friends was a nice experience. The energy throughout the set was exciting, with everyone singing along, hands in the air, and many fans perched on shoulders.
Despite a few moments where the energy from the stage dipped, the passionate and consistent atmosphere from the fans never waned. The band closed with an electrifying performance of 'Cocoon,' leaving the crowd on a high note. Although they delivered a familiar setlist, mirroring the one they performed in 2021, and didn't include their most recent single, the night was still enjoyable. Their set began around 9:15 and wrapped up just before 10:40, leaving many of us wishing for at least one or two more songs. The abrupt ending felt somewhat anticlimactic, especially given the high energy and enthusiasm bestowed on them by the crowd.
Overall, it was nice to see Catfish make their comeback, and it made me reminisce about my late teenage years. For extremely dedicated fans, this must have been a great night, but for me, it was the crowd's energy that truly made the evening memorable.