The Wombats

The Wombats at Cardiff Castle: A Historic Night of Indie Anthems

Prepare for an unforgettable evening as Liverpool’s indie rock titans, The Wombats, descend upon the majestic Cardiff Castle on Saturday, 25 July 2026. This is no ordinary gig; it’s a chance to witness a band at the zenith of their powers, delivering their signature infectious energy and anthemic tracks within the breathtaking, historic surrounds of one of Wales’ most iconic landmarks. Imagine the roar of the crowd echoing against ancient stone walls, illuminated by stage lights as Matthew “Murph” Murphy, Daniel Haggis, and Tord Øverland-Knudsen unleash a barrage of beloved hits. The Wombats are renowned for their electrifying live shows, and performing amidst the grandeur of Cardiff Castle promises to elevate their already legendary stage presence to an entirely new level. This is an event where indie music history meets ancient heritage, creating a truly unique and unmissable experience for fans old and new.

About The Wombats

Since bursting onto the scene in 2003, The Wombats have carved a distinctive niche in the global indie rock landscape, becoming synonymous with infectiously catchy melodies, razor-sharp lyrics, and an unwavering commitment to electrifying live performances. Hailing from Liverpool, the trio – comprising frontman and guitarist Matthew “Murph” Murphy, drummer Daniel Haggis, and bassist/keyboardist Tord Øverland-Knudsen – quickly garnered a devoted following with their debut album, The Wombats Present… A Guide to Love, Loss & Desperation, released in 2007. This album, featuring enduring fan favourites like “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” and “Moving to New York,” showcased their knack for crafting energetic, emotionally resonant anthems that resonated with a generation.

Over their illustrious career, The Wombats have consistently evolved, proving their ability to adapt while staying true to their core sound. Their sophomore effort, This Modern Glitch (2011), saw them further refine their songwriting, delivering tracks such as the anthemic “Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves)” and the introspective “Jump into the Fog.” Subsequent releases, including Glitterbug (2015) with its chart-topping single “Greek Tragedy,” and Beautiful People Will Ruin Our Lives (2018), which featured the critically acclaimed “Cheetah Tongue,” have demonstrated their enduring creative prowess. Their most recent album, Fix Yourself, Not the World (2022), marked a triumphant return, solidifying their status as a vital force in contemporary indie music with tracks like “If You Ever Leave, I’m Coming With You.” Across their discography, The Wombats are celebrated for their ability to blend euphoria and melancholy, their songs often exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and the absurdities of modern life with a uniquely witty and relatable perspective. Their live shows are a testament to this, consistently lauded for their high-octane energy, crowd interaction, and the sheer joy that permeates every performance.

Venue Information

Cardiff Castle stands as a magnificent testament to centuries of Welsh history, its ancient walls and striking Victorian Gothic architecture providing a truly unparalleled backdrop for live music. Located in the heart of Cardiff, this historic fortress has witnessed the ebb and flow of time, from Roman occupation to medieval power struggles and aristocratic grandeur. Today, it offers a unique and atmospheric setting that transcends the typical concert venue, transforming the grounds into an open-air amphitheatre where history and contemporary culture collide. The majestic presence of the Norman Keep and the opulence of the Cardiff Castle apartments provide a visually stunning contrast to the vibrant energy of a live music performance. For a comprehensive understanding of the facilities, accessibility information, and historical context of this extraordinary venue, please refer to our dedicated venue guide.

What to Expect

Get ready for a sonic explosion of pure Wombats brilliance! When Murph, Tord, and Dan hit the stage at Cardiff Castle, you can anticipate a setlist that masterfully navigates their extensive and beloved catalogue. Expect to be swept away by the infectious energy of their earliest hits, with “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” and “Moving to New York” guaranteed to ignite the crowd into a joyous singalong. The anthemic power of “Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves)” will undoubtedly fill the castle grounds, while the poignant beauty of “Greek Tragedy” will provide a moment of collective emotional resonance. Tracks from their latest album, Fix Yourself, Not the World, such as the high-energy “If You Ever Leave, I’m Coming With You,” will undoubtedly feature, showcasing their continued ability to deliver fresh, exciting material.

The Wombats are celebrated for their dynamic and interactive performance style. Murph is a captivating frontman, effortlessly engaging with the audience, his energy infectious and his stage presence commanding. Expect witty banter, genuine enthusiasm, and a palpable connection with the crowd that makes every fan feel like part of the show. Tord and Dan provide the formidable rhythmic backbone, their drumming and basslines driving the songs with relentless precision and power, while Tord’s keyboard contributions add those signature synth layers that define The Wombats’ sound. The setlist will be a carefully curated journey through their career, offering a perfect blend of their most iconic anthems and more recent fan favourites. While the exact duration of the performance can vary, The Wombats typically deliver a full-throttle show lasting in excess of 90 minutes, packed with enough energy and singalong moments to leave you buzzing long after the final encore. Prepare for a night of unadulterated indie rock euphoria, amplified by the historic grandeur of Cardiff Castle.

FAQs

Q1: Will The Wombats be playing songs from all of their albums? Absolutely! The Wombats are renowned for their comprehensive setlists that delve deep into their impressive back catalogue. Fans can expect a thrilling journey through their entire discography, from the anthemic singles of their debut, A Guide to Love, Loss & Desperation, right through to the infectious tracks from their latest album, Fix Yourself, Not the World. They pride themselves on honouring their most beloved hits while also showcasing their continued artistic evolution.

Q2: What is The Wombats’ typical live performance style? The Wombats are synonymous with electrifying live shows. Expect a high-energy performance driven by Matthew “Murph” Murphy’s charismatic frontman antics, Tord Øverland-Knudsen’s infectious energy on bass and synths, and Daniel Haggis’s powerful drumming. They are known for their crowd interaction, witty banter, and creating an atmosphere of pure indie rock euphoria. It’s a truly engaging and exhilarating experience from start to finish.

Q3: Are there any specific fan-favourite songs that are guaranteed to be played? While setlists can always have a surprise or two, it’s virtually a guarantee that iconic anthems like “Let’s Dance to Joy Division,” “Moving to New York,” “Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves),” and “Greek Tragedy” will feature prominently. These are the songs that have defined their career and are consistently met with rapturous applause and mass singalongs. You can also expect to hear powerful tracks from their more recent albums.

Q4: Will there be any merchandise available for purchase at the event? Yes, typically The Wombats have a wide range of merchandise available at their live shows, including t-shirts, hoodies, vinyl records, and accessories. It’s always a great opportunity to grab some exclusive Wombats memorabilia to commemorate the night. Merchandise stalls are usually located within the venue grounds.

Q5: Can I request a song from The Wombats during the show? While the band loves engaging with their fans, directly requesting a song from the audience during the performance is generally not feasible due to the structured nature of their setlists. However, your enthusiastic singing and cheering for your favourite tracks will undoubtedly be appreciated and felt by the band.

Q6: What is The Wombats’ approach to stage production and visuals during their live sets? The Wombats often incorporate dynamic stage production to enhance their live performances. While the exact setup for Cardiff Castle may vary, expect effective lighting designs that complement the energy of their music and create a captivating visual spectacle. Their focus is primarily on delivering an incredible musical performance, with visuals serving to amplify the overall concert experience.