With over twenty headline acts scheduled to perform in Cardiff this summer, alongside packed listings at the city’s independent venues and Cardiff Music City Festival happening in the autumn, 2024 might just be Cardiff’s biggest year for music yet.
To celebrate we’ll be profiling some of the stories from this blockbuster year for live performances in the city; speaking to the fans, the bands and the behind-the-scenes talent about what makes Cardiff such a special place for live music.
For our latest feature, we speak to McFly and Sam Ryder superfan Phoebe about seeing them perform in Cardiff!
Phoebe, when did you become such a big fan of the McFly/Sam Ryder?
I’ve been a fan of McFly as long as I can remember. They were such a massive part of childhood, so much so I can’t actually remember a time when I wasn’t a fan. I remember dancing around in my bedroom to their debut single 5 Colours in Her Hair nonstop and making sure I learnt all the words at 5 years old. From there on, I’ve been a huge fan of their music and have enjoyed watching them grow and evolve as a band over the years. I’ve kept up with them, including their appearances on various TV shows, so I was super excited to finally see them live!
Like most people I became a fan of Sam Ryder when he completed in Eurovision, but I didn’t start listening to his music until his New Year’s Eve performance and I bought his album. I saw him live last year, which was an incredible experience, sometimes seeing people perform live makes you love their music even more because you have the memories of their concerts.
How many McFly/Sam Ryder concerts have you been to?
This is was my first McFly concert! I’ve been desperate to see them for years, but it never worked out. I thought I would never get the chance when they went on hiatus in 2016, which was around the time I started getting into concerts. Then I was supposed to see them but then the pandemic hit, but when the concert was postponed, I couldn’t make the new date. I’ve been waiting to see them ever since. This was my second time seeing Sam Ryder; I saw him last year in Swansea. It was the worst weather I’ve ever experienced at an outdoor concert!
What’s so special about a McFly/Sam Ryder show?
Seeing McFly for the first time is a childhood dream come true, and that's where the magic lies for me in this concert. McFly is one of the few bands I have loved continuously over the years, so it was incredibly special to finally see them live. McFly puts on an amazing show and has loads of fun on stage. The fact that Sam Ryder was supporting them was the cherry on top, booking the tickets was a no-brainer for me!
What’s different about seeing the McFly/Sam Ryder here in Cardiff?
It's just amazing to have concerts from such incredible artists on your doorstep. I do find that some artists forget about Wales which can be a bit frustrating. I’d never been to a concert at Alexandra Head before as well, so it was exciting to try a new venue. I love Cardiff Bay so it’s brilliant to have an outside venue there to see concerts.
