Teddy Swims’ third Cardiff show to date is also his largest by an order of magnitude, with the Georgian greeted by a capacity crowd at Blackweir Fields. Fans have travelled from inside Wales and well beyond to show him love, and observing the variety of people in the crowd it’s evident his music – which flows between r’n’b, soul and pop, with more than a nod to rock and country to boot – resonates across generations.
Launching with 2024’s massive hit The Door, the crowd are instantly onside, and it’s not long before Teddy really starts to show us who he is. His voice, instantly recognisable, is naturally the main attraction, but it’s hard to look past his appearance: tattoos, piercings, an abundance of jewellery, gold nail varnish, sequinned trousers, a Balenciaga denim jacket and a bespoke microphone with a knuckleduster motif. All of which may infer a hardman image on first appearance – yet the emotional, humble manner in which Teddy presents himself to the audience shows otherwise. If ever the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” applied to anyone, it’s Teddy Swims.
Opening up to the field, we’re reminded by the singer that “love is love”, no matter the gender or skin colour, which segues into duet number Black & White. He talks about mental health – alluding to his own such struggles in the past, encouraging men to open up and talk to friends, and for people to be present for those friends (“be where your feet are”).
It might be Teddy’s name on the posters, but a moment in the spotlight is afforded to every member of his band Freak Freely, each of whom show us why they deserved to be on that stage. One of the evening’s highlights is a full-throttle rendition of Van Halen’s Jump, a showcase of his versatility and that of his musicians.
Reminiscent of a Prince, Lenny Kravitz and Terence Trent D’arby mashup – all in their prime, one should add – this is a show of pure electrifying talent, like witnessing a jam session between very talented friends. Certainly, it’s one of the most intimate-feeling experiences in the company of 35,000 other people.
The night draws to a close with Lose Control, arguably Teddy Swims’ best-known song, yet hearing it leaves you wanting more. An intriguing artist – and human – there’s more to this man than just an incredible voice: he’s an old soul with a heart full of love.
Teddy Swims, Blackweir Fields, Cardiff, Fri 26 June
words ANTONIA FELLOWES photos ZACK KINGSTON-BUTLER
