On a cold February evening, Cardiff’s Utilita Arena was the place to be as Snow Patrol took the stage to celebrate and promote their latest album, "The Forest is the Path." The venue was packed to the rafters, with every seat sold out—leaving only Ticketmaster resale tickets available for the last-minute stragglers. The air was thick with anticipation.
The night began with a stellar opening performance by Nina Nesbitt, who brought her trademark acoustic style to the stage accompanied by a band. Her set was warm and engaging, with her mentioning a couple of tracks from her forthcoming album ‘Mountain Music (The Summit) which lands on 21st February.
When Snow Patrol finally took to the stage, the energy was electric. Knowing that they’d be drawing upon their extensive 8 album discography, this reviewer’s excitement levels rose even more as they launched into their set. Their latest album ‘The Forest is the Path’ landed just a few months ago and the room were keen to hear material from it played live for the first time.
One of the standout moments of the night was their performance of "Set the Fire to the Third Bar." While Martha Wainwright couldn't be there in person, she made a virtual appearance on the big video screens, her vocals were played out in a karaoke-style as Gary Lightbody sang his part live in the room. It was a touching homage, although it felt a bit like a high-stakes karaoke session.
As the evening progressed, Snow Patrol treated the audience to some of their biggest hits. "Run" had the entire arena singing along, with phones held high, illuminating the venue in a sea of light. During "Chasing Cars," the crowd’s enthusiasm was off the charts, with everyone raising their hands in the air as Gary called for participation. The joy on his face was unmistakable, a testament to the band's enduring love for the song.
Adding to the visual spectacle, the band released leaves from the roof which matched the tree on the video backdrop which formed part of the album artwork to their latest record.
The night wasn’t without its personal touches. Johnny, the guitarist, had recently trapped his hand in a door and had undergone emergency surgery. Despite the injury, he played a gig just a night after the operation, earning a well earned shout-out from Gary, who humorously noted that Johnny's hand looked "fucking gross." Gary then dedicated "Talk About Hope” to Johnny, adding a heartfelt moment to the set.
Gary also thanked Nina Nesbitt for her fantastic opening performance, showing the camaraderie and mutual respect between the artists.
While the night was filled with familiar faces and fan-favourite tracks, it was clear that the new Snow Patrol drummer was having the time of his life. His enthusiasm was infectious, adding an extra layer of energy to the already electrictrifying performance.
Snow Patrol's concert at Cardiff Utilita Arena was a night to remember. With a perfect blend of nostalgic hits and fresh tracks from their latest album, "The Forest is the Path”, the band proved once again why they have such a dedicated fan base. The crowd’s participation, the visual spectacles, and the heartfelt moments all contributed to an unforgettable evening. It's clear that Snow Patrol still love what they do, and their passion shines through in every note they play.
Words and Pics by Julian Baird.
