The Charlatans take to the stage to a massive roar from their adoring crowd. They have a backdrop of graphics that change with each song and a great light show to show off these marvellous musicians – especially the wonder of Tim Burgess’ “dad dancing”. Is it just that he knows we all adore him, whatever he does, or has he actually become a caricature of himself? Either way his dancing is mesmerizing in its uniqueness.
At one point the back screen shows the band from back in the 90s. Looking at the difference from the young lads’ faces to the older gentlemen on stage is quite aging. Many of us have followed the band for over 30 years and some of these songs have been with us for all that time, so bring back various memories.
The set is a good mixture of new (We Are Love, Deeper and Deeper) and old songs; including all the classics that we want to hear: North Country Boy, Just When You’re Thinking, Weirdo. The night ends with Sproston Green which is when the crowd really gets rowdy. It is an epic song though and it’s hard not to get caught up in the sheer enjoyment, although some of us maybe regretted it as the lady by the barrier got a split lip. She carries on bouncing whilst another lady shields her, we’re all still bouncing. Perhaps some of the audience are sprung back into their youthful vibrance. What a fabulous set from an amazing band who really have withstood the test of time.
Reviewed on 5 May 2026 | Image: Dod Morrison
