I have been so excited to cover this gig. The last time I saw The Hives was at Reading Festival 2012/2014, so it’s been a while. They did have a break and now they’re back with the latest album ‘The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons’. As expected, they came on stage and shook the Great Hall to the ground. They walked out to ‘Bogus Operandi’, which is from their new album, and a personal favourite of mine. They have not changed one bit and I’m so glad. They were throwing themselves across the stage and into the crowd, who were CRAZY for them. They have a real dedicated fanbase, which is so heartwarming. They clearly haven’t lost their touch.

They had banter with the crowd, chanting “WALES” and “THE HIVES” back and forth – it was like a comedy show and a gig rolled into one. They played songs off all albums especially their most known ‘Hate To Say I Told You So’, ‘Walk Idiot Walk’, ‘Tick Tick Boom’ and ‘Come On!’.

It was such a fun gig and did not disappoint. They’ve been a staple band and I’ve listened to them throughout my childhood. It was a pleasure to see them after so long, and hopefully they’ll come back to Cardiff again!

Photos & Review by Kern Hollie