Courteeners - Live Review

The Courteeners Deliver an Unforgettable Night at the Utilita Arena Birmingham

On Saturday night, Birmingham’s 15k+ capacity Utilita Arena became the beating heart of indie music as The Courteeners stormed the stage, delivering a performance that left their devoted fans elated. With the crowd already electrified by stellar sets from Mystery Jets and DMA’S (check out our review here), the Mancunian heroes brought a show that will be etched in the memories of those in attendance. This was to be the last night of the 'Pink Cactus Cafe' tour, which has seen the band hit Glasgow, London, Cardiff, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham.

The night began on a nostalgic high as Oasis’ "What's the Story (Morning Glory)" boomed through the arena, setting the tone for an evening steeped in indie heritage. When Liam Fray and his bandmates—Daniel "Conan" Moores (guitar), Michael Campbell (drums), Mark Cuppello (bass) and Elina Lin on keys took the stage, they launched straight into "Sweet Surrender," a stirring opener that showcased their knack for combining soaring melodies with lyrical introspection.

The setlist was a perfect mix of fan favorites and deeper cuts. "Are You in Love With a Notion?" had the crowd bellowing every word, while "Pink Cactus Café" and "Solitude of the Night Bus" demonstrated the band’s ability to craft songs that balance poetic storytelling with anthemic choruses. The energy hit fever pitch during "The 17th" and "Modern Love," before the first set closed on a high with "Hanging Off Your Cloud."

Liam Fray’s acoustic interlude was a standout moment of the night, bringing an intimate touch to the arena. His heartfelt rendition of Labi Siffre’s "It Must Be Love" was a masterstroke, blending a touch of soulful nostalgia with his signature charm. Fan favorites "Please Don’t" and "Smiths Disco" followed, turning the massive venue into an intimate singalong as the audience hung on every word.

But it was the encore that truly brought the house down. DMA’s joined The Courteeners for "The Beginning of the End," a collaborative moment that felt like the perfect passing of the indie torch. "Not Nineteen Forever" whipped the crowd into a frenzy—fans spilled out into the aisles, bouncing and screaming the lyrics with unrestrained joy. The night concluded with the euphoric "What Took You So Long?," an emphatic reminder of why The Courteeners remain one of Britain’s most cherished bands.

Throughout the evening, frontman Liam Fray was on top form, clearly moved by the energy of the Birmingham crowd. At one point, he beamed, "F****ng hell, Birmingham—you’ve made a Mancunian very happy," a sentiment echoed by the ecstatic sea of fans who sang and danced their hearts out.

With their powerful set, razor-sharp performances, and a connection with the crowd that was nothing short of magical, The Courteeners reaffirmed their status as indie royalty. The Utilita Arena - rich in history and famed for hosting world-class acts - was the perfect stage for a band that continues to grow in stature and ambition. It was a night of unity, nostalgia, and celebration, proving that indie music is alive, well, and thriving in the hands of bands like The Courteeners.