As has become as time-honoured a tradition as the historic ground itself, or will be in the next few hundred years, perhaps, Cardiff Castle is becoming a hub for world-class shows over the summer. Here are seven key music acts to look out for, from Blondie to Hozier to Tom Jones.
BLONDIE
A driving force of punk and new wave since the late 70s, Blondie are a melting pot of influences and a true reflection of the eclectic New York City scene. Approaching their 50th anniversary, they also remain ‘down with the kids’ enough to have played Coachella in April, alongside special guest, the perennially cool Nile Rodgers. They’ll be the first big music show of the summer in the Castle, but certainly not the last…
Fri 16 June
Tickets: £55. Info: here
THE CHICKS
The trio formerly known as ‘Dixie’ aren’t your average country music songstresses, but their impeccable harmonies and poignant songwriting have amassed them a global audience. After making a stand against then-President Bush in the 2000s, the band made waves again with a recent name change, disassociating themselves from the word’s Confederate roots, and proving they can move with the times. Catch their show at Cardiff Castle at the end of June.
Tue 27 June
Tickets: £47.50. Info: here
STING
An artist whose distinctive voice and songwriting spans generations, from his days with The Police to his solo hits like Fields Of Gold, Sting’s music is almost beyond genre, helping him hold left a lasting cultural foothold to this day. By the sounds of it, he’ll mostly be playing tunes off his 2019 My Songs album at Cardiff Castle.
Sun 2 July
Tickets: £65. Info: here
THE CULT
This English band, led by the enigmatic Ian Astbury, have been a big name in the postpunk and hard rock scene since the 80s. Known for their blend of gothic atmosphere and hard-hitting anthems, The Cult’s 1985 hit She Sells Sanctuary made an appropriate appearance in the Russell Crowe-starring The Pope’s Exorcist; a great scene-setter for demonic 80s action.
Tue 4 July
Tickets: £45. Info: here
HOZIER
Storming the charts 10 years ago with Take Me To Church, Irish singer-songwriter Hozier is known for soulful vocals and poetic, politically-charged lyrics – perfect for an evening of music within the Castle walls. The aforementioned single is highly critical of the Catholic Church’s position on sexuality, while Nina Cried Power, from his second album, salutes the American civil rights movement and the power of protest music.
Thurs 6 July
Tickets: £40. Info: here
TOM JONES
Who’d have thought this Welsh powerhouse would be no stranger to bans, even in his twilight years? His 1968 crooner Delilah has been banned at the Principality due to its ‘violent’ implications. Previously, Jones was also barred from the village of Fochriw for 47 years. His crime? Poaching a chicken. Keep your fried wings close, Cardiff Castle…
Fri 21 July, Mon 24 July + Sat 5 Aug
Tickets: £82.50. Info: here
BEN HOWARD
From the introspective Keep Your Head Up to the ethereal Oats In The Water, London-born strummer Ben Howard’s music is defined by its raw and honest vulnerability, intricate guitar work and emotive vocals, which are sure to cast a spell over the Castle as the sun goes down.
Sun 23 July
Tickets: £42.50. Info: here
words HANNAH COLLINS
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