There are some concerts that become more than just another night of live music. Billy Ocean’s performance at TK Maxx presents Depot Live at Cardiff Castle was one of those occasions, combining nostalgia, exceptional musicianship and a heartfelt tribute to one of Wales’ greatest musical icons.
Set against the backdrop of another glorious summer evening in the grounds of Cardiff Castle, the atmosphere was already building long before the headline act took to the stage.
For me personally, this was a concert I had been looking forward to for some time. It was my first opportunity to see both Billy Ocean and Marti Pellow perform live. Their music has been the soundtrack to different stages of my life, from my teenage years through to adulthood, so seeing them both on the same bill, in my home city, felt like the perfect combination. I love live music, I love a bit of nostalgia, and Cardiff Castle remains one of the country’s best outdoor venues.
The evening began with rising Welsh DJ Katie Owen, who got the crowd warmed up while also paying tribute to the late Bonnie Tyler. Given Bonnie’s immense contribution to Welsh music, it felt like a fitting way to open the evening and set the tone for what became a celebration not only of live music but also of musical legacy.
Marti Pellow was first to take to the stage, delivering a set packed with favourites from his Wet Wet Wet days alongside a few surprises. Wishing I Was Lucky, Sweet Little Mystery, Goodnight Girl, Angel Eyes, Temptation and Love Is All Around all prompted huge singalongs from the Cardiff crowd.
I have to admit, I was probably there as much for Marti as I was for Billy. Like many people of a certain age, I had something of a teenage crush on him, and it’s fair to say he still has the same charisma on stage today. Dressed in a striking red shirt, he looked completely at home in front of the Cardiff audience. One of my personal highlights was his version of David Bowie’s Let’s Dance, while Love Is All Around remains one of those songs whose lyrics still get me every time.
Marti also spoke warmly about feeling he was “among his own”, referring to the shared Celtic connection between his native Scotland and Wales, something that clearly resonated with the audience.
One moment that really stood out came when he paused to acknowledge the British Sign Language interpreters working at the side of the stage. Rather than simply thanking them, he walked across to embrace them with a hug, something I’ve never seen an artist do before. It was a lovely gesture and a reminder of the important role they play in making live music accessible.
His set also included an emotional tribute to Bonnie Tyler. Speaking about having met her over the years, he described her as a beautiful lady who represented Wales so proudly throughout her remarkable career. He dedicated Goodnight Girl to her memory, creating one of the evening’s most touching moments.
The tributes didn’t end there. During the interval before Billy Ocean appeared, Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart rang out across Cardiff Castle. Almost instinctively, thousands of people joined together to sing every word. It wasn’t planned or prompted, but it became one of those memorable festival moments where an entire audience comes together to celebrate someone whose music has touched generations.
Then it was time for the main event.
Billy Ocean walked on stage in a crisp white suite and tie, wearing the biggest smile imaginable, immediately reminding everyone why he remains one of Britain’s most loved performers. At 76 years of age, and currently receiving rave reviews across his 2026 tour, his voice remains remarkably strong.
Supported by an exceptional live band and superb backing singers, including his daughter Cherie, Billy delivered hit after hit throughout a career spanning more than four decades.
Opening with One World, he quickly moved into favourites including Love Really Hurts Without You, Nights (Feel Like Getting Down), Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car, Suddenly and Loverboy.
One of the biggest moments of the night came during Red Light Spells Danger, with thousands of voices joining together in one huge singalong. Looking around the castle grounds, everyone seemed to be smiling, dancing or singing. It was impossible not to get caught up in the atmosphere.
The evening continued with The Colour of Love and a heartfelt cover of No Woman, No Cry before building towards a fantastic finale featuring When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going, Daylight and, of course, Caribbean Queen.
Billy also took the opportunity to perform a brand new song from his forthcoming album. Judging by the reception it received from the Cardiff audience, it certainly suggests there’s plenty more still to come from him.
Away from the performances themselves, Depot Live once again proved why it has become one of Cardiff’s standout summer events. Entry and exit from the venue were well managed, bar queues remained refreshingly short throughout the evening and there was plenty of food available, from burgers and pizza to chicken, hot dogs and ice cream. Water refill stations were available, although understandably they attracted longer queues in the evening heat. Security staff were visible throughout the venue and merchandise stalls were busy all night.
Billy Ocean’s concert was far more than simply a greatest hits performance. It was an evening built around timeless songs, outstanding musicianship, shared memories and genuine emotion. Add in Marti Pellow’s brilliant support set and the heartfelt tributes to Bonnie Tyler, and it became a night that those inside Cardiff Castle are unlikely to forget anytime soon.
Depot Live continues at Cardiff Castle on Friday with Bastille, before another packed programme of artists arrives throughout the rest of the summer.
