Review: The Human League At Cardiff Castle
On a sun-soaked evening in the heart of the capital, The Human League returned to Wales and turned the historic Cardiff Castle grounds into an ‘80s synthpop dream. The setting alone is special, but when you’re watching a band that helped define a generation (from the front row) it becomes truly unforgettable.
The Human League - Cardiff Castle
Support from Blancmange and Tom Bailey (of Thompson Twins) made the lineup feel like a perfectly curated time capsule. Each act delivered a set that took the crowd back to the heyday of analogue synths and experimental style, all equally brilliant, but it was The Human League who owned the night.
From the moment they walked on stage, the energy was undeniable. Phil Oakey, Susan Ann Sulley and Joanne Catherall delivered hit after hit with that signature flair: part robotic, part glam, and still impossibly cool. The visuals were sleek and futuristic, the harmonies tight, and the sound design felt faithful yet fresh, no frills, no gimmicks, just a masterclass in live electronic pop!
Naturally, Don’t You Want Me brought the house (or castle) down. The crowd sang every word like it was 1981 all over again, fists in the air under a sky slowly turning lavender. Watching it all unfold beside my mum (who’s been playing these tracks since I was a child) added a layer of emotion I didn’t expect. She knew every lyric, every look, and seeing her completely in her element was just magic.
The Human League - Cardiff Castle
What stood out, too, was the band’s own awe at the venue. Phil Oakey said performing at Cardiff Castle had been a career ambition - and you could feel how much it meant to them. That sincerity, coupled with their still-polished showmanship, made the night feel intimate despite the thousands packed in around us.
The encore, Together in Electric Dreams, was pure magic. As soon as the first notes hit, the entire castle lit up, phones in the air, voices united. It felt euphoric and emotional, the perfect closing track.
We’ve covered a lot of live music at Culture Cardiff, and this one really stayed with us. It wasn’t just nostalgic, it was timeless. A reminder that great pop is art, and great performance is legacy.
