Last night, a childhood dream stepped off the vinyl and came to life in front of my eyes.
As a lifelong fan of Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds, an album that’s been spinning in my ears and etched into my imagination since I was young, I finally got to witness it live on stage at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena- and it absolutely blew me away.
I splashed out on the Gold VIP package so I was four rows back, neck straining as I looked up at the stage, but let me tell you, nothing can quite prepare you for hearing those iconic opening notes echo through an arena, that deep, ominous narrator’s voice dropping the fateful line: “No one would have believed…”
Goosebumps. Instant goosebumps.
Sound and Vision
The Spirit of Man tour didn’t just live up to my expectations – it launched them into orbit. From the moment the lights dimmed, I was transported into H.G. Wells’ alien apocalypse like never before. A 35-foot Martian Fighting Machine – complete with glowing eyes and actual flame cannons – towered above the stage, looming like it was ready to unleash devastation at any moment.
The 100-foot-wide panoramic screen bathed the crowd in cinematic visuals, perfectly synced with the live orchestra, actors, and band. It was a beautiful hybrid of theatre, concert, and full-blown sci-fi experience. Every detail, from the fiery explosions to the subtle lighting shifts during quieter moments, was perfectly tuned to the tone of each track.
Voices from Another World
I dreaded three things in the show.
Justin Heywood wasn’t on this tour, how would Forever Autumn sounds?
Phil Lynott’s performance as Nathaniel to me, is the best performance on the album
Brave New World, it’s never really been nailed. That bloke from the Kaiser Chiefs was close but just not quite right
So how was it?
Charlie Simpson (yes, from Busted!) absolutely nailed The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist. His take on Forever Autumn was deeply emotional – soft, haunting, and full of longing. As those autumn leaves gently fell from the rafters, I wasn’t the only one choking up.
Max George and Maisie Smith as Parson Nathaniel and Beth brought real emotional intensity. Their duet of The Spirit of Man was passionate and raw, bringing one of the most iconic moments of the album vividly to life. And Rou Reynolds as the Artilleryman? He brought a frantic, hopeful energy that was perfect for Brave New World. It was like watching a man unravel in real time.
And I have to shout out Nathan James as The Voice of Humanity. That man’s voice could sink (or save) ships. His take on Thunder Child gave me chills while looking like a wrestler from the 1990’s.
A Lifelong Journey Come Full Circle
For me, this wasn’t just a show – it was a moment decades in the making. Growing up, I used to lie back with my headphones on, getting completely lost in the original album. The haunting synths, the dramatic narration, the concept that music could tell a story so vividly – it was all formative. And to see it all come to life in such an immersive, updated format while still staying true to its roots? Magic.
One thing that shocked me though, was the appearance of Jeff Wayne. He looks very fragile and he was gripping on to the conductors frame for dear life at some moments.
If you’re even remotely a fan of the original album, or if you love live shows that push the limits of what’s possible on a stage, do not miss this tour. It’s theatre. It’s music. It’s sci-fi. It’s nostalgia. It’s a love letter to storytelling – and to the spirit of humanity.
Cardiff, thank you for hosting what I can only describe as one of the best nights of my life. I came in as a fan. I left completely re-obsessed.
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