Catfish and the Bottlemen's Sefton Park gig taught me one thing

4 days ago

Liverpool Echo

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Catfish and the Bottlemens Sefton Park gig taught me one thing

Catfish are back and truly better than ever

Catfish and the Bottlemen took to the stage last night after a three-year hiatus in front of a roaring crowd of 32,000 fans.

As part of the In The Park festival, which will see Jamie Webster perform tonight, the band put on an epic show which could be heard from miles away. Supported by The Mysterines and Sundara Karma, Catfish and the Bottlemen managed to light up even the dullest of grey summer skies with a truly energetic performance.

Despite the band coming on slightly late, almost instantly, the atmosphere was electric as lead singer Van McCann took to the stage. Everything from the lighting to the way he could control the crowd almost gave him an almost omnipresent feel.

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The show kicked off with ‘Longshot’, along with ‘Kathleen’ to really get the crowd going. Hits such as ‘Pacifier’ and ‘Homesick’ also made the setlist, all performed with oomph and passion as expected.

Fans of all ages sang together, clutching onto drinks and managing to stay dry after a recent downpour. Van McCann was up to his usual rock star tricks, dragging his guitar across the floor with his new long locks covering his face.

It was hard to believe that the band had even been on a hiatus, with crisp vocals and perfect sound to match. The highlight for me, though, had to be the last two songs, ‘7’ and ‘Cocoon’.

Leadsinger Van McCann knew how to control the crowd (Image: Iain Watts/Liverpool ECHO)

Van McCann got the Liverpool crowd to sing along to ‘7’, which really highlighted the fact that the city was the best place for their huge comeback show. All the fans came together to create an absolutely buzzing atmosphere, which was truly unforgettable to say the least.

Repeating the pre-chorus, the Liverpool crowd chanted: "And I'd beg you, but you know I'm never home. And I'd love you, but I need another year alone". The singalong truly magnified that we are the best city for gigs like this, come rain or shine.

Finishing the show on their iconic hit ‘Cocoon’, Catfish and the Bottlemen’s epic return was everything I expected and more. Last night’s show will be followed by three huge open air shows in Cardiff and Edinburgh, and a return to the Reading & Leeds festival main stage.

Ending the show, Van McCann said: “Liverpool, we love you to bits.” It's safe to say that the band truly are back, and better than ever.