Mike Skinner, you legend. The Streets brought their A Grand Don't Come for Free tour to Cardiff Castle and delivered what can only be described as a masterclass in live music. This was one of those acts always wanted to see but somehow always missed; three years after the band's last Cardiff show, catching it this time felt like finally righting a wrong.
For anyone who thinks The Streets are just Dry Your Eyes Mate or A Grand Don't Come for Free, the history says otherwise. Original Pirate Material arrived 24 years ago, followed by A Grand Don't Come for Free, The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living and two more records, before a 12-year wait ended with a new studio album in October 2023. This run of dates, though, was something special: the 2004 album was played in full, from start to finish, for the first time.
A 52-minute triumph
There were no gimmicks, no Welsh flags, no costumes and no Duolingo Welsh. Just a simple, supremely effective set, with Skinner and his ensemble delivering the record flawlessly. For 52 minutes they did not stop - no break, no breath, no chat with the audience. As the sun set over the castle, the sellout crowd was transfixed.
When the black curtain fell, the bus shelter from the 2004 album cover stood on stage. Skinner sat with a pint in hand and opened with It Was Supposed to Be So Easy, making it look, well, easy.
After the album's 52-minute run came a second set featuring Turn The Page and Who's Got The Bag, closing with Take Me As I Am. This part brought more interaction, with plenty of sweary hollers for Cardiff that are too rude to repeat.
Nostalgia done right
At times it felt more like a monologue or a play than a gig, but that is far from a criticism. Skinner laid his deepest thoughts and musings out for a few thousand people to share. Lyrics about The Bill, DVDs and Super Tennents may not mean much to the TikTok generation, but for the rest of us it was a welcome and very good dose of nostalgia.
Standout moments included Dry Your Eyes Mate - a love song like no other - and Never Went to Church. More than anything, watching Skinner nail every word without taking a breath was remarkable. Twenty years on, his memory has not faded; mine has, but his has not. Google reminds me this album sits in 1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. I am glad beyond words to have heard it live.
As the album drew to a close, a friend turned and said: "This is what live music is about." She was right. Skinner seemed to love it too, crowd surfing and all.
Tour dates and what's on at Cardiff Castle
The tour continues to Scarborough, Norwich, Birmingham and Sheffield. If you are in any of those places, or within 100 miles, buy a ticket - it will be worth every penny.
The TK Maxx presents Depot Live at Cardiff Castle 2026 series has 24 headliners. It continues on Saturday, August 1 with Sex Pistols and on Sunday with Two Door Cinema Club.
