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Bridgend based alternative legends Funeral For a Friend take the stage once again after their 2019 reunion shows. The band reached a ‘natural end’ in 2015, playing a handful of shows the next year as a send off to fans.
After reuniting to play three shows in honour of a terminally ill fan the band decided to announce a headline tour for 2021. Due to the uncertain environment surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic the tour was rescheduled for February/ March 2022.
I attended the second night of the Cardiff shows, on the 1st of March after managing to find resale tickets. The tour consists of 12 shows across the United Kingdom with support from Static Dress and Holding Absence. Leeds based metal/ punk band Static Dress opened the evening with an intense and energy filled set. After just releasing new album ‘such.a.shame’ on February 24th they were able to showcase their talent and promote their new release.
The great stage presence of all members was also something to note. Then Cardiff rock band Holding Absence came on playing hits from their two album releases self titled and 2021 release ‘The Greatest Mistake of My Life’. Never failing to impress a crowd they performed some of their biggest tracks such as ‘Afterlife’ and ‘Like A Shadow’ whilst finishing their set with the heartbreaking ballad ‘Wilt’ throughout their roughly 40 minute set. The band paid their thanks to Funeral For A Friend multiple times throughout.
It was then time for the legendary Funeral For A Friend, performing songs that spanned their 20 year long career. Opening to 2005’s ‘All The Rage’ from iconic album ‘Hours’. Pretty much every song they played was a full crowd sing-a-long, for many of the fans in that room it would have been the first time seeing them since before their hiatus. Emotions were running high in unison throughout as tracks such as ‘Juneau’ and ‘Streetcar’. For me personally, it was a really great moment to be able to see the band who inspired all of my favourite artists live.
Bethan Stewart