Tonight marks a special occasion. It is both a time of celebration and remembrance in equal measure; it signals the end of an era, while at the same time opens new doors to a new and exciting future ahead of Aberdare’s Reaper In Sicily, who for this one-off show, are performing their début album “Islands” in its entirety for the first and last time. However it’s also the last show they shall be playing with Damon Miles, who is not only their drummer, but good friend too, and the event, despite feeling like a victory lap for this chapter of the bands career, is tinged with a sense of loss. Nevertheless, RIS aren't prepared to dwell in any sorrow; they are here to rock, and to help them they have enlisted the help of two superb support bands, making for one hell of a night.

First on stage, is a young band from Pontypridd by the name of CLEAR THE AUDITORIUM [8], who, with a brilliant blend of electronically infused dance-rock get things off to a flying start. Inspired by artists such as ENTER SHIKARI, front man Dafydd Richards looks like a seasoned veteran on stage, in control of the microphone whilst keeping in time with the samples and dub-infused beats. With songs such as “Outbreak” and “Eye For An Eye”, and new material off the forthcoming EP “The Final Broadcast” sounding tight, this band know how to get a party started, and do so in style.

Next up are special guests A WORLD DEFINED [7] who have travelled all the way from Derby for tonight’s show in The Moon Club, Cardiff, at the request of RIS. Having shared stages in the past, AWD duly obliged to be part of this commemorative occasion and played a great set, aided by the release of a brand new EP by the name of “In Absence”, this English five-piece won some new fans on their travels tonight with tracks such as “June” and “The Void” and are definitely welcome again.

Lastly then, and by no means least, it’s time for REAPER IN SICILY [8] to take the stage, and take this intimate crowd through a journey of nostalgia, from the intense build-up of tracks such as set-opener “The Prisoner” to anthems such as “Down But Not Out” and “Boys Will Be Boys”, the whole album goes down a storm (including the tracks front-man Rhys John Bernardo is personally unhappy with) and there isn't an unsatisfied face in the venue by the time they reach “Chuck Norris Got A Chainsaw”. The ten tracks aren't quite enough however, and the boys finish up with a final flurry of older songs, ending with “We Are The Show”. As far as special occasions go, given that all three bands on tonight’s bill are unsigned, makes this all the more monumental. The support for young up and coming bands right now is incredibly strong, and it’s heart-warming to see. As far as send-off's go, Damon couldn't ask for a better one and whatever both he and the band decide to do next, they have the unquestioned backing of many fans. “Islands” may officially be done and dusted now, but just like the first single, it’s all about “Horizons” again from here on in, and what’s beyond the next one. Only time will tell.

Photo courtesy of Menai Richards: http://yeahmenai.tumblr.com/

Save rock and roll; that is the mission, the primary goal of this current UK tour, which kicks off tonight in the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena. Does rock and roll really need saving though? Judging by the lengthy queue outside the venue (plus numerous side streets too) it seems rock and roll has a pretty healthy and committed following still…never the less, thousands of adoring fans are slowly being ushered indoors like cattle, full of excitement and ready to sing until their lungs give out.

The first support band tonight are a young Danish trio by the name of NEW POLITICS [6], who, with their blend of happy-go-lucky electronic infused pop rock, soon get this young crowd motivated into having a good time. Vocalist David Boyd putting on a very comfortable and confident display, engaging with the audience getting everyone to clap along with him, promoting several songs from their newest album, 2013’s “A Bad Girl In Harlem”. It’s enjoyable, even with a slightly muffled microphone sound but, you can overlook that seeing as everyone was having such a good time.

Next up we have THE PRETTY RECKLESS [6] who as special guests on this tour have a brand new album to promote themselves in the name of “Going To Hell”. Front woman Taylor Momsen and her band easily slotting the newer songs into their set list alongside classics of their first album like “Make Me Wanna Die”. Newer tracks such as the album’s title track and “Heaven Knows” being warmly received by the crowd, however with microphone issues pursuing, despite musically being fine, with plenty of attitude, the set seems to blend in together rather frequently and there’s little to differentiate a lot of the songs played tonight because of sound quality. They all seemed fairly similar, and the band weren't done justice tonight.

After all of that then, it’s come time for tonight’s headline band and the reason this arena is packed, Illinois icons and former emo heroes FALL OUT BOY [8] are here to do what they promised; to save rock and roll, and what a show they've put on to do it. Starting off with the massive single “Phoenix”, its hit after hit with this exuberant 4-piece, and the crowd are just lapping it up. Songs such as “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark…” and “Just One Yesterday” keeping the newer fans happy, and with a back catalogue of anthems including “Dance, Dance”, “Thnks Fr Th Mmrs” and “I Don’t Care” ensuring they've covered everything, even their massive rendition of MICHAEL JACKSON’s “Beat It” makes sure this is one to remember. At one point mid set, Patrick Stump, Pete Wentz and Joe Trohman venture into the middle of the arena to play a mini acoustic set on a smaller, secondary stage to the joy of many, many fans that weren't lucky enough to be down at the front. At the end of it all, and to close the show, they play “Save Rock And Roll” itself, an epic number that originally features one Mr. ELTON JOHN. It’s a huge soft rock ballad, and made all the more poignant with a huge screen displaying past legends such as JOHNNY CASH, KURT COBAIN, JIMMY HENDRIX and more, it’s powerful imagery with a clear message; don’t let rock and roll die, and to be quite frank, on tonight’s performance, (take away Pete Wentz own microphone quality issues) it would be an insult to let that happen. Rock and roll may not need a lot of saving right now, but, it’s comforting to know that the support is out there and ready to be called upon.