Is it sheer morbid curiosity or are there really this many genuine country fans in Cardiff? I fear it may be the former as a jam packed Tramshed in Cardiff welcomes a bonafide Hollywood superstar to its stage in the form of Kiefer Sutherland. I’m sure he’s aware of this though and is probably chomping at the bit to woo said crowd with his country chops, but before all that there’s the small matter of Twinnie, who’s opening tonight’s show. Now if Twinnie looks familiar, that’s because she (much like tonight’s headliner) started out on the screen, most famously over in the UK, on Hollyoaks. But judging by tonight’s energetic performance, we should all be getting to know her a lot more for her voice in the future. Twinnie plays classic country, with a distinct pop feel, but it’s her wonderful voice that is the focal point of her performance and it should carry her far.
Striding onstage to a rapturous welcome, the first few minutes sees quite an awestruck crowd, just seemingly gazing at the Lost Boys star, but Sutherland, complete with Stetson takes us through a set of enjoyable country rock. Backed by a full band, he rocks his way through tracks like “Rebel Wind” and “Faded Pair of Blue Jeans” while utilising a nifty looking colour changing riser, just in case there was any doubt about who the star was here. There’s dancing to be done as Kiefer and the boys roll out a perfect cover of Tom Petty’s “Honey Bee” and the Young Guns star genuinely looks in his element as the crowd are slowly warming to his music. You’ve got to remember, this isn’t a role for him, Sutherland is a legitimate cattle ranch owner-a cowboy if you will and this music in his blood. His latest video “Something You Love” gets a good response from the crowd as pockets of dancing breaks out and then an encore containing the Bob Dylan classic “Knocking On Heavens Door” and “All She Wrote” marks the end of a triumphant night for the star. As the fans move out onto a miserable night in Cardiff, Mr Sutherland can be happy in the knowledge that he has successfully converted the majority of tonight’s audience into fans, not just of his movies, but fans of his music.