Cardiff

Did you know...?

1) Bohemian Rhapsody was recorded at the celebrated Rockfield Studios, Monmouth; as well as other British classics like The Stone Roses’ The Second Coming and Ash’s 1977.

2) Elvis Presley's family is legendarily supposed to be Welsh - the Welsh name Preseli, which is a range of hills in West Wales.

3) The Beatles performed their last ever British concert at The Capitol Theatre in 1965.

4) Velvet Underground main man John Cale is Welsh; the enigmatic artist was born John Davies Cale and his father was a coal miner in Garant.

5) Led Zeppelin stayed in a cottage near Machynlleth. The beauty of the area influenced them so much that they named their song, Bron-Yr-Aur, on Led Zeppelin III. 

Best places to see the big bands

Cardiff International Arena

The ‘CIA’ as it is locally known, is the largest venue in Cardiff and has recently played host to Travis and Busted, with big acts such as Duran Duran, Super Furry Animals and Blondie playing in future months. Mary Ann Street.

St David’s Hall

With over 450 performances a year, from classical music to rock/pop, from jazz to children's events, from dance to comedy, St David's Hall has something for everyone.  Recent concerts include Lemar, Chris Rea and Suzanne Vega. The Hayes. >> Find out more

Best places to see the bands of the moment

Cardiff University

The Coral, The Polyphonic Spree, Turin Brakes, The Doves, The Darkness, The Thrills, Athlete, Star Sailor and Electric Six have all graced the stage at this venue in the last 12 months. Park Place. >> Find out more

The Coal Exchange

Formerly the stock exchange for coal in Wales during the 19th century, this venue is steeped in history and still looks spectacular. Van Morrison’s favourite venue and recent concerts include the Eels, Jools Holland and PJ Harvey. Mount Stuart Square. >> Find out more

Best places to see the next big things

Barfly

The Barfly has a reputation for spotting talent at a young age, which makes this the place where you’re guaranteed to see bands on the rise. Recent gigs include The Darkness and local lads the LostProphets. Kingsway. >> Find out more

Clwb Ifor Bach

Also known as ‘the Welsh Club’, this venue has three floors and caters for anything from hip hop to skate-punk to folk.  Past guests include The Strokes, Coldplay, Roni Size and Elbow. Womanby Street. >> Find out more

Hip Hangouts

Journey’s

This pub is a completely independent music hangout on the outskirts of Cardiff and a favourite haunt for local bands. Featuring local DJs and scaled-down live performances six nights a week playing everything from electronica to country music. 12 Clifton Street, Roath. >> Find out more

Moloko

Moloko has a great vibe and one of the largest selections of flavoured and exotic vodkas in town, great music throughout the week, and a dance floor too for when you feel the urge to groove. Music styles vary throughout the week, from drum n’ bass, to funk and r’n’b. 7 Mill Lane.

Best clubs to rock out, move and groove

Metro’s

A popular place with students and there are always drink promotions of some kind. Goth, metal, grunge and rock are all catered for here; be as hot and sweaty as you like. Club Metropolitan, Bakers Row.

Bogiez at The Engine Rooms

‘Bogiez’ is a legendary night for Cardiff’s rockers and metal heads. Every second Saturday this is a great place to practice your air guitar moves. West Bute Street, Cardiff Bay. >> Find out more

Best record shops

Spillers Records

Officially the oldest record shop in the world! Established in 1894, Spillers is a favourite in the city, a great all rounder, small, independent, reasonably-priced, well-stocked and with a friendly staff. 36 The Hayes.

Catapult 100% Vinyl

A three-storey building in central Cardiff that provides 20 listening posts and caters for all styles of dance music, as well as a huge second-hand section. The friendly staff have a good working knowledge of the who's who, what, where and why of dance music. 22 High Street Arcade. >> Find out more

Find out more about Cardiff.