The iconic grounds of Cardiff Castle were transformed into a synth-pop sanctuary last night as the Pet Shop Boys brought their DREAMWORLD – The Greatest Hits Live tour to the Welsh capital. Organised by Depot Live, the event marked another stellar addition to a summer packed with musical highlights in the city.
Opening the evening was legendary DJ and Radio 1 favourite Dave Pearce, who took to the stage at 7pm. With decades of experience behind the decks, including his first international gig at the age of 17 in Mumbai. Pearce proved the perfect warm-up act. His energetic set spanned generations, delivering a crowd-pleasing mix of dance anthems that had fans of all ages on their feet. Known for his long-standing presence on Kiss 100 FM, and later his chart-topping dance compilation albums, Pearce set the tone for a nostalgic yet electric night ahead.
As dusk fell, the main event began. The Pet Shop Boys, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, took the stage with theatrical flair, opening with Suburbia to a rapturous crowd. Wearing futuristic silver masks and framed by stunning lighting effects and visual artwork, the duo immediately reminded fans why they remain one of the most influential acts in British pop history.
Formed in London in 1981, the Pet Shop Boys have sold over 100 million records and hold the title of the most successful duo in UK music history according to the 1999 Guinness Book of Records. Their career has been shaped by influences such as Soft Cell, OMD, Kraftwerk, Human League and Depeche Mode, all of which could be felt in their carefully curated setlist. From the euphoric Domino Dancing and New York City Boy to crowd favourites It’s A Sin and West End Girls, the show was a masterclass in pop performance.
Lowe said in 1986 in an Entertainment Tonight interview, that He doesn’t like Country and Western, ‘I don’t like rock music or rock and roll. I don’t like much really do I. But what I do like, I love passionately’. That was evident to see in their performance last night, in how they crafted their setlist with brilliant artwork and lighting effects to enhance their music.
Midway through the set, Tennant introduced Jealousy as the first song he and Lowe officially wrote and produced together, a touching moment for long-time fans. The pair kept the energy high throughout, with subtle costume changes and a poignant nod to current global affairs by displaying the Ukrainian flag before taking the stage.
Cardiff clearly holds a special place in their hearts. Lowe acknowledged that this was their second visit to the city as part of the Dreamworld tour and praised the beauty of the lit-up Castle Keep, a sentiment that was echoed by the enthusiastic crowd.
Venue & Facilities
Cardiff Castle proved once again to be an exceptional venue for live music. Entry was smooth and well-organised, and although the exit was naturally slower (as with most large events), the overall crowd management was efficient.
Facilities were well thought-out:
-
Bars: No long queues and typical music event pricing.
-
Toilets: Clean and easily accessible with minimal waiting time.
-
Food & Drink: A variety of vendors were on-site, from hot food stalls to a classic ice cream van.
-
Merchandise: A noticeable number of fans sported Pet Shop Boys t-shirts and hoodies, with official merchandise readily available.
-
Safety: Event staff were highly visible and approachable, ensuring a secure and enjoyable environment.
A quick note for future attendees, be sure to check the prohibited items list before heading out. Items such as umbrellas, outside food, and drink are not permitted and may be confiscated upon entry.
What’s Next?
Depot Live continues its summer series with Faithless set to perform on Friday, 1 August. Limited tickets are still available at www.depotlive.co.uk/faithless.
Last night was a celebration of timeless pop, masterful performance, and the magic of live music in one of Cardiff’s most iconic settings. The Pet Shop Boys didn’t just deliver a concert—they gave Cardiff a memory that will last for years to come.
