The summer of music in Cardiff kicked off with a thunderous bang as drum and bass titans Chase & Status brought their electrifying live show to the Utilita Arena on 6th May. After seeing them in festivals outside and this show being indoors, the duo delivered the kind of performance that felt like a proper festival headline set, giving it absolutely everything and setting the bar high for the summer season ahead.
The evening began with 4AM Kru warming up the crowd with a solid opening set. Their big energy and eclectic electric beats had them dancing across the stage non-stop, showcasing infectious drumming skills and punk-rock-inspired dance moves that immediately raised the temperature in the arena. The only downside was the somewhat lacking lighting setup – if you were further back in the crowd, you missed out on seeing just how much energy these lads were putting into their performance through the smoke and dark.
Once the support act wrapped up, the stage crew began their work, and what had been hidden under a black cover during 4AM Kru’s set was dramatically revealed – a serious drum kit complete with a multitude of cymbals and an extra bass drum. This was our first hint that Chase & Status weren’t here to simply press play on their hits.
When Saul Milton and Will Kennard (the men behind Chase & Status) walked onto the stage alongside their MCs and a guitarist, it became immediately apparent that the drum and bass scene has a significant crossover with rock fans – something reflected in the diverse crowd that packed the arena.
The duo wasted no time, launching straight into “Smash TV” with a ball of fire shooting from all directions. What followed was 90 minutes of relentless energy as tunes came thick and fast, blending older classics with new material to absolute perfection. Fan favourites like “Liquor & Cigarettes,” “All Goes Wrong,” “Time,” and “Backbone” had the crowd bouncing, while early bangers such as “No Problem” provided nostalgic highs. They closed the set with the massive “Baddadan” before finishing with “End Credits,” leaving the audience breathless.
Throughout the show, flames and lasers shot across the stadium, bouncing off every corner of the Utilita Arena and creating a proper rave atmosphere. It was particularly refreshing to see parents and their kids all jumping together to the beats – a testament to Chase & Status’s cross-generational appeal.
While Saul and Will DJ’d firmly positioned behind their signature light-up ‘C’ and ‘S’, a rotating cast of talented MCs kept the night flowing and the energy levels maxed out, ensuring there wasn’t a single moment where the crowd’s enthusiasm dipped.
As the final beats faded and the confetti came down, the sweaty, smiling faces streaming towards the exits told the whole story – Chase & Status had delivered exactly what Cardiff needed to kick off what promises to be an unforgettable summer of music in the city.
