ocean colour scene tour cancelled

Ocean Colour Scene slam 'vile and vicious morons' after fight shuts down their Birmingham gig

Ocean Colour Scene had been playing an acoustic show at Birmingham Symphony Hall

• 09:07, 31 MAY 2022
• Updated 13:25, 31 MAY 2022

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Ocean Colour Scene have hit out at "vile and vicious morons" after their latest Birmingham show was cut short due to fighting in the audience. The band, from Solihull , had been playing at Birmingham Symphony Hall on May 29 as part of their latest tour.

But the band said a number fights had broke out during the show - and the venue staff eventually shut down the concert for the safety of fans. They added that the "handful" of people involved ruined the show for them and the rest of the fans.

In a statement on Twitter, Ocean Colour Scene said: "We would like to thank all our brilliant and loyal fans for making what should have been our favourite concert of the tour last night [May 29] in Birmingham.

Read more: Dad at Ocean Colour Scene gig speaks out after show 'ruined' by 'aggressive' fighting in crowd

"So what a disgrace that a handful of vile and vicious morons ruined the night for you and us. What made this worse was the fact that it was in one of Britain's most beautiful theatres on a Sunday evening.

"Also this nightmare took place in our home city that formed us and nurtured us. Again we thank you for your wonderful support for over 30 years.

"To the culprits - shame on you! Love, Simon and Oscar."

And in response to a follower asking them what had happened that night, the band responded: "Fighting broke out three times and the venue shut the show down during the encore as they were worried for the safety of people."

One fan said in response "Unfortunately I have seen this creeping in a lot over the last five or so years. Going to see bands like yourselves used to be a very enjoyable experience and always had a family feel. Such a shame as I love live music but things like this ruin it for everyone."

Another added: "There’s always got to be the ignoramus people that spoil it for everyone else." And another said: "Was a brilliant night until it kicked off.

"Loved the intimacy! Was hoping you were gonna do Robin Hood as an encore....gutted for it to have to finish early.

"Seen you so many times and never witnessed that before. Looking forward to the gig in August now."

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Ocean Colour Scene may not move many records as they did at the stature of their 'Moseley Shoals' distinction in the 90s, however they demonstrated Glasgow's Barrowlands simply why they keep on offering out venues here and there the nation as one of the best live acts around.

Their current tour is a festival of the fifteenth year since the arrival of that collection. The mediating years have seen the band's broad claim blur sort of as their mix of 60's style Rhythm n' Blues and Folk Rock has tumbled from design, and the takeoff of Damon Minchella from bass obligations, supplanted by Dan Sealey and Andy Bennett on bass and cadence guitar individually, may have been seen by a few as indicating the demise chime for the one-time Britpop top picks.

Notwithstanding, the change to a five-piece appears to have revived the imaginative squeezes inside the gathering, as prove by a come back to structure with a year ago collection discharge 'Saturday', and in light of their Barrowlands execution on Friday night, it surely hasn't hurt their live sound.

In the opening a large portion of the show, the band tore through the tracklisting to their 1996 fantastic 'Moseley Shoals' collection from beginning to end, guitarist Steve Cradock indicating from the opening riff of 'The Riverboat Song' through to a storming solo on collection closer 'Escape' simply why he is a standout amongst the most regarded musical artists around right now.

Specific highlights were the swarm satisfying 'The Day We Caught The Train' and 'You've Got It Bad', which offered a drum solo from Oscar Harrison that shook the establishments of the old dance hall. In the middle of times, the more melancholic style of 'Covering Your Pockets' 'It's My Shadow' and 'The Downstream' showcased frontman Simon Fowler's flexibility as both a vocalist and a musician.

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From the minute they came on with day tripper they were outstanding thats me seen them about 35 times my favourite is when Simon Fowler comes on with an encore by himself and sings Robin Hood my personal favourite track.Cant wait til they are back in Glasgow again maybe this time the Barrowlands.Thank you Simon Steve Oscar for a truly fabulous night.Ocs we are the mods

Absolutely brilliant show, rolling back the years with the boys. Even better than when I 1st saw them at the barrowlands 17 year ago. Can't wait for the next time, wish I was going London to tonight to see you again.

Brilliant gig as always.Super Venue too .Came over from Dublin to watch them.Martha and the Vandellas were excellent too got the crowd nicely warmed up for the main act .Loved OCS 'S new songs aswell

Absolutely rocking, place was jumping! Great play list and OCS so slick they made Glasgow's worst venue a great place to be last night. Almost as good as seeing them at Barrowlands!

Amazing night - fab venue - was perfect for them and really nice to see they enjoyed it.

Beautiful songs and set covering some of their very, strong back catalogue.

Absolutely outstanding gig, band played a blinder!!

Wasn't sure they would be in such a large venue. Gig was made even better due to fact I got on the guest list!

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The 25-date ‘An Evening With Simon and Oscar of Ocean Colour Scene’, begins on April 29 in Dundee and ends on June 2 in Cardiff

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Ocean Colour Scene singer Simon Fowler and drummer Oscar Harrison have announced an extensive acoustic tour for Spring 2022. Billed as ‘An Evening With Simon and Oscar of Ocean Colour Scene’, the 25-date UK tour begins on April 29 in Dundee and ends on June 2 in Cardiff.

Following Ocean Colour Scene’s sell-out UK tour in 2021, Simon and Oscar will play relatively intimate seated venues, creating the perfect stages for acoustic performances of all their big hits and anthems, including “The Riverboat Song”, “The Circle”, “Traveller’s Tune”, “Hundred Mile High City” and “The Day We Caught The Train.”

Simon Fowler describes the acoustic shows as, “A real tonic – a great chance to look the audience in the eye and interact with them on a more personal basis than ever before.”

These shows are the latest chapter in a remarkable career that’s seen OCS rise from Breton shirt-wearing Stone Roses disciples to one of Britpop’s biggest bands .

Forming 32 years ago, OCS spent six years fine-tuning their sound before lighting up the Britpop party with three Top 5 albums; 1996’s Moseley Shoals , 1997’s Marchin’ Already and 1999’s One From The Modern . The band has also achieved seventeen Top 40 singles, including a staggering run of nine successive Top 20 singles and a mantelpiece full of awards.

As with all the best groups, behind the swagger and style were great songs, with words and melodies that found their way into the public’s head and heart. It’s now time to hear these songs again, stripped back but every bit as resonant.

The full list of tour dates for ‘An Evening With Simon and Oscar of Ocean Colour Scene’ is as follows:

April 29: Dundee Fat Sam’s April 30: Aberdeen Lemon Tree May 1: Glasgow Oran Mor May 2: Edinburgh Liquid Rooms May 5: Stockton on Tees ARC May 6: Newark The Palace May 7: Stamford Corn Exchange May 8: Sheffield City Hall May 10: Whitley Bay Playhouse May 11: Buxton Opera House May 12: Corby The Core May 13: Bridlington Spa May 15: Southend Palace Theatre May 16: Bury St Edmunds The Apex May 17: London Union Chapel May 19: Ilkley Kings Hall May 20: Lytham-St-Annes Lowther Pavilion May 21: Manchester RNCM May 22: Burnley Mechanics May 24: Bristol St Georges May 26: Bexhill De La Warr Pavilion May 27: Harpenden Public Halls May 28: Shrewsbury Theatre Severn May 29: Birmingham Town Hall June 2: Cardiff The Globe.

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Ocean Colour Scene announce 2023 UK tour

"We are going to make it something special"

Ocean Colour Scene have announced that they will be hitting the road for a new UK tour later this year. Find dates and ticket details below.

• READ MORE: Does Rock ‘N’ Roll Kill Braincells?! – Ocean Colour Scene

The band will be performing a series of live performances in cities including Liverpool, Dublin, Glasgow and Norwich – as well as a show in London’s Eventim Apollo on December 16.

Set to kick off on August 18 with an opening concert in Margate, the tour will span until December 18, closing at the O2 Academy in Glasgow. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 9 am and will be available here .

The indie veterans – who consist of frontman Simon Fowler, guitarist Steve Cradock and drummer Oscar Harrison – have promised to roll through their greatest hits at the shows, including the singles ‘The Day We Caught The Train’, ‘The Riverboat Song’, ‘The Circle’ and ‘Traveller’s Tune’.

“This feels like the first proper tour Ocean Colour Scene have done in years,” said Cradock. “Last year we managed six dates because of the World Cup, and the year before COVID was still scaring people, so we are going to make it something special.”

Harrison agreed, and shared the band’s enthusiasm to conclude the tour in Glasgow: “Looking forward to seeing everyone on tour – and we’re very happy that the final night will take place in Glasgow, a city with whom Ocean Colour Scene has always had a very special relationship.”

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AUGUST 18 – Margate, Dreamland 20 – Bexhill-on-Sea, De La Warr Pavilion 24 – Halifax, Victoria Theatre DECEMBER 3 – Bournemouth, O2 Academy 4 – Bristol, Beacon 7 – Belfast, The Telegraph Building 8 – Dublin, 3Olympia Theatre 11 – Liverpool, University Mountford Hall 12– Sheffield, O2 Academy 14 – Norwich, UEA 15 – Wolverhampton, The Halls 16 – London, Eventim Apollo 18 – Glasgow, O2 Academy

Last year, frontman Simon Fowler opened up about being outed as gay by tabloids in the ‘90s . Speaking as part of NME ‘s Does Rock ‘N’ Roll Kill Braincells?! , he discussed how The Sun revealed his sexuality in 1998, shortly after the release of Ocean Colour Scene’s third album, ‘Marchin’ Already’.

“Looking back now, it seems absurd – and I don’t think anybody gave a toss even then,” he said. “In fact, when it happened, the first thing Liam Gallagher did was come up and kiss me on the lips! Everybody knew – apart from my parents. But now, I’ve been with my partner, Robert, for 34 years, and my parents have accepted him into the family.”

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Ocean Colour Scene announce ‘special’ UK tour for 2023 for their ‘best in the land’ fans

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Ocean Colour Scene have announced a 13-date UK tour they say will give fans ‘some proper pre-Christmas partying’.

Yes, it’s only March, but plan ahead we must with shows like this.

The Britpop-era band , formed in Solihull, West Midlands in 1989, will begin the two-leg tour on August 18 at Dreamland in Margate and end it at the O2 Academy in Glasgow on December 18.

The tour also includes a date at London ’s Eventim Apollo on December 16, as well as shows in Bristol, Sheffield, Liverpool and Halifax.

Frontman Simon Fowler, guitarist Steve Cradock and drummer Oscar Harrison will perform hits from their biggest albums, including The Riverboat Song and The Day We Caught The Train.

The band reached number one in 1997 with their third album Marchin’ Already and had five top 10 albums overall, as well as six top 10 singles and 17 top 40 singles.

Fowler said: ‘After starting with a short run of dates in the summer, it’s going to be great ending the year on the road with Ocean Colour Scene, playing all the hits and more for some proper pre-Christmas partying with our fans who are the best in the land.’

Guitarist Cradock said the shows felt like ‘the first proper tour Ocean Colour Scene have done in years’ .

He continued: ‘Last year we managed six dates because of the World Cup, and the year before Covid was still scaring people, so we are going to make it something special.

‘Roll up, roll up for the magical OCS Tour.’

Drummer Harrison added: ‘Looking forward to seeing everyone on tour – and we’re very happy that the final night will take place in Glasgow, a city with whom Ocean Colour Scene has always had a very special relationship.’

The band, formed in 1990, supported both Paul Weller and Oasis on tour in the first half of the decade – including one of the legendary Knebworth House concerts – before becoming international known in their own right.

Scottish musician Raymond Meade joined the permanent Ocean Colour Scene line-up in 2016, following the departures of both Dan Sealey and Andy Bennett.

Former bassist Damon Minchella split with the group previously in the early 2000s.

Ocean Colour Scenes released their last album of original songs in 2013 with Painting, and a 230-track career-spanning box set entitled Yesterday, Today 1992-2018 earlier this year.

Tickets go on general sale at 9am on Friday at http://www.oceancolourscene.com .

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• The Riverboat Song
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Ocean Colour Scene tour 2023: full list of dates and how to get tickets

The two-leg tour will run from August to December

• 10:59, 20 MAR 2023

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Indie-rock legends Ocean Colour Scene are performing in Liverpool as part of a thirteen-date UK tour for 2023.

Ocean Colour Scene frontman Simon Fowler, guitarist Steve Cradock and drummer Oscar Harrison will perform their biggest hits and anthems, including The Riverboat Song, The Circle and Traveller’s Tune. The two-leg tour begins on August 18 and ends on December 18.

The tour includes a date at Mountford Hall at the Liverpool Guild of Students. There will also be performances in London, Dublin and Glasgow.

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Formed in Birmingham in 1989, OCS spent six years fine-tuning their sound before lighting up the Britpop party with three Top 5 albums - Moseley Shoals, Marchin Already and One From The Modern.

The band has also achieved seventeen Top 40 singles, including a run of nine successive Top 20 singles and numerous awards. Honing their craft in the spirit of the soul, folk and blues greats who inspired them, Ocean Colour Scene’s will be performing at 13 shows across the UK and Ireland.

Speaking about the upcoming gigs, frontman Simon Fowler said: “After starting with a short run of dates in the summer, it’s going to be great ending the year on the road with Ocean Colour Scene, playing all the hits and more for some proper pre-Christmas partying with our fans who are the best in the land.”

Guitarist Steve Cradock added: “This feels like the first proper tour Ocean Colour Scene have done in years. Last year we managed six dates because of the World Cup, and the year before Covid was still scaring people, so we are going to make it something special. Roll up, roll up for the magical OCS Tour!”

Ocean Colour Scene UK tour 2023 dates

• August 18 - Margate Dreamland
• August 20 - Bexhill-on-Sea De La Warr Pavilion
• August 24 - Halifax Victoria Theatre
• December 3- Bournemouth O2 Academy
• December 4 - Bristol Beacon
• December 7 - Belfast The Telegraph Building
• December 8 - Dublin 3Olympia Theatre
• December 11 - Liverpool Mountford Hall
• December 12 - Sheffield O2 Academy
• December 14 - Norwich UEA
• December 15 - Wolverhampton The Halls
• December 16 - London Eventim Apollo
• December 18 - Glasgow O2 Academy

Ocean Colour Scheme will be performing on December 11 at Mountford Hall. Tickets go on general sale for all shows at 9am on Friday, March 24, available from www.oceancolourscene.com .

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INTERVIEW: Simon Fowler

Welcome to UK Music Reviews » INTERVIEW: Simon Fowler

Simon Fowler, (seen here on the right), an English singer, songwriter and acoustic guitarist, best known as the front man with Ocean Colour Scene, chats with Kevin Cooper about supporting Oasis on their 1996 (What’s The Story) Morning Glory Tour, the support that Ocean Colour Scene got from Paul Weller and Chris Evans, their first time on Top Of The Pops, and Simon and Oscars forthcoming intimate and acoustic tour of the UK.

Simon Fowler is an English singer, songwriter and acoustic guitarist, best known as the front man of Ocean Colour Scene.

Simon Fowler commenced his music career as the lead singer and songwriter for Birmingham band The Fanatics, which consisted of Simon Fowler (vocals and guitar), Damon Minchella (bass), Paul Wilkes (guitar) and Carolyn Bullock (drums). Future Ocean Colour Scene drummer and former Echo Base band member Oscar Harrison replaced Bullock on drums.

The Fanatics released one record in 1989 before splitting, and later that year Fowler, Minchella and Harrison teamed up with guitarist Steve Cradock to form Ocean Colour Scene. Originally signed to Phffiitt Records in 1990 they released their first single, Sway, during the indie era. When their record label was swallowed up by Phonogram, their eponymous debut album was remixed against the band’s wishes, which was largely deemed a failure.

With no real direction and no outlet for any new music, it was not until 1993 that things improved for them. Paul Weller invited the band to support him on some of his tour dates and they were suddenly in the public eye. Weller also asked Cradock to play guitar on one of his singles and asked Fowler to sing on his album, Wild Wood. With the money that Cradock made from touring with Weller, the band was able to keep afloat.

There were other supporters of Ocean Colour Scene such as Noel Gallagher, who heard a demo that they had made and invited the band to play with Oasis on their 1995 tour, which resulted in a record deal.

Moseley Shoals was released in 1996 and reached number two in the UK albums chart. Other albums followed such as Marchin’ Already in 1997, One From The Modern in 1999, Mechanical Wonder in 2001, A Hyperactive Workout For The Flying Squad in 2005 and On The Leyline in 2007, which continued their trend of releasing new material every two years.

Several live albums were also released as well as Saturday in 2010 and Painting in 2013.

In addition to being kept busy with Ocean Colour Scene, Fowler has toured with Oscar Harrison performing intimate acoustic tours for the past twenty years. They are touring the UK later this spring to celebrate twenty years of performing together.

Whilst busy preparing for their twenty five date tour, Simon Fowler took some time out to have a chat with Kevin Cooper and this is what he had to say.

Simon, good morning, how are you today?

I’m fine thanks Kevin, I’m just getting into my car with my dog Cooper (laughter). My partner and I have got a Cockapoo called Cooper (laughter).

Really (laughter).

Yes, he’s actually named after a new Australian lager (laughter). I found out when we were in Coopers Bar in Melbourne Airport, and they had a sign on the bar welcoming a new brand of Coopers saying, ‘welcome to the new edition to the family’ and I immediately thought, ‘that’s it, that’s his name’ (laughter).

I have got family who actually live out there in Alice Springs.

Blimey O’Reilly, they really are in the middle of nowhere.

Exactly, we have tried to visit them on no less than three times, and every time the trip has been cancelled because the runways in Alice Springs have been too hot for anything to land there (laughter).

Really (laughter) well that really does sound like Australia.

Anyway, before we move on to the more important things, let me firstly thank you for taking the time to speak to me today.

It’s alright and let me thank you for being interested in just what it is that we are currently up to.

And just how is life treating you at this moment in time?

Yes, life is treating me really well thank you for asking. More to the point how are you today?

Well, what can I say, I could complain but who would listen (laughter).

I know exactly what you are saying (laughter).

So, tell me, how did you manage to stay sane during lockdown?

You probably won’t believe this, but I am actually quite used to not doing a great deal (laughter). I used to just go and do some shopping for our elderly neighbours, who live in the village just outside Stratford-upon-Avon, so I got to know the shelves in Waitrose intimately.

I once spoke to Fish and I asked him what he hated about touring, and he said that every time that he was away on tour, his local Waitrose would move everything around so that he couldn’t find what it was that he wanted when he got home (laughter).

(Hysterical laughter) I know exactly what he means.

Right, joking apart, you and I have got to talk about An Evening with Simon and Oscar.

Yes, we have, haven’t we?

Are you looking forward to it?

Yes, I am, it will be really good although I have to be totally honest with you and say that something like twenty-five dates is rather daunting.

That’s right, with twenty-five UK dates you are certainly not pulling any punches.

I can’t remember the last time that we did a tour that big, but at least Oscar and I can sit down.

I have to tell you that I first saw you and Oscar at The Venue in Derby back in 2007.

Blimey, really, well that is a long time ago now. Having said that, Oscar and I have been doing this now for twenty years. The forthcoming tour is to mark the twentieth anniversary of Live On The Riverboat, which obviously we will be re-releasing, with a couple of new songs on it. The new songs were recorded in Glasgow, which seemed quite appropriate really.

You are doing your best for the independent record shops by releasing Live On The Riverboat for Record Store Day. How do you feel when you see an item on eBay five minutes after it has been sold for twenty pounds plus, now selling for a hundred pounds plus?

(Laughter) perhaps we shouldn’t sign them, or perhaps sign them with the wrong names (laughter).

Looking back, whose idea was it initially for you and Oscar to go out on the road together?

To be totally honest with you I can’t really remember. I think that the impetus was that we would do that when Steve (Cradock) was away on tour with Paul (Weller). Oscar and I found ourselves with all of this free time and so we thought ‘why don’t we go out and do our version of the songs’ and it all started from there really. I am more at home doing that because that is more of a reflection of how I originally wrote the songs. The only thing is that we won’t be playing Riverboat, simply because I can’t play it (laughter). I’m not joking either (laughter).

So, if Steve hadn’t had the relationship with Paul, could it have easily been Oscar and Steve?

I don’t know, I don’t think so. I don’t really think that Steve would want to put himself in the centre spot quite like that; he is Britain’s best side man, isn’t he really.

Steve is most certainly a gun for hire.

He most definitely is and I have to say that he is one of the best in the West.

You were recently quoted as saying, “this tour gives me a great chance to look the audience in the eye and interact with them.” Is that really how it makes you feel?

Well, yes, it is because it is more a sort of theatre set and we are obviously playing venues which are a lot smaller than the venues that we usually play. I have always regarded myself as being a semi-professional raconteur I suppose. There are always a lot of stories for me to tell, and to be honest, I quite like that. I recently watched a documentary about Noel (Gallagher) and he does very much a similar thing; he tells stories that are related to the songs and then plays them. As long as you don’t turn the show into too much of that, I really do feel that people enjoy that. I can actually remember seeing Billy Bragg years and years ago, and it was near to when he had first started. I think that it was somewhere in Birmingham, and he was such a brilliant raconteur, he really was naturally funny. I enjoyed the show enormously and I thought ‘what a great performer he is’.

There is a very thin dividing line between it being funny and it turning into a toilet break.

(Laughter) there is absolutely no danger of that because if I do start to go on a bit, Oscar starts playing the piano (laughter).

Do you prefer playing the more intimate venues?

To be honest, and this is not me sitting on the fence, I really do like both. They are both different experiences. I think that the best sort of venue for us as a band is something around a three thousand capacity. I really do like that. Before the pandemic, we played a gig up in Glasgow at The Hydro in front of fourteen thousand people. We managed to sell it out, but Jesus Christ and I think that it is like that for the audience as well, although nowadays you tend to have screens. I remember going back years ago seeing people at The NEC in Birmingham, and it really could be difficult to get any sort of atmosphere going there. The first band that I saw who managed to pull it off was U2. The atmosphere on that particular night was so good that we could have been at Croke Park to be honest. U2 really are that good at playing that type of show.

It’s funny that you mention The Hydro because everyone who I speak to about it really doesn’t have a good word to say about it. They tell me that it’s cold, it echoes and simply that it’s too big.

I have to say that it is pretty impressive when you stand on stage (laughter). I think that, from a punters point of view, I suspect that it is about as interesting as The NEC (laughter). The place that I have always heard that is truly awful, which we have never played, is The Alexandra Palace in London; I am told that the sound really is diabolical.

Whenever you come to Nottingham and play The Royal Concert Hall, we spoil you as it really does sound fantastic (laughter).

Well thank you for that Kevin (laughter).

Back in the day I always wanted to see Ocean Colour Scene and a friend of mine wanted to see Oasis. So, I got us a couple of tickets and we went hurtling across to the NEC only to find the car park deserted. A security guard came over and asked, “are you looking for Oasis” to which I replied “yes, that’s right, has it been cancelled?” to which he said, “no you daft bugger, they are on at the Birmingham Arena in the centre of town”. So, we hot footed it across Birmingham, took our seats, just in time for me to hear you announce to the audience “thank you very much, goodnight” (laughter).

(Hysterical laughter) I remember us supporting Oasis; in fact, I remember it quite well but obviously not quite as well as you do (laughter). Oh, dear me.

The last time that I photographed you was on Saturday 5th August 2017 when you played an After Race event at Doncaster Racecourse.

Oh god, I remember that. You would never have imagined that you were in Doncaster would you. It really is such a beautiful setting (laughter). I really do like those racecourse events. We have also played one of those at the Wolverhampton Racecourse. They really do have the very best back-stage facilities in the world. I really did enjoy those; they are really good.

I have to say that one of the best gigs I have seen was when you played here at Rock City a few years ago now. That was very up-close and personal.

It’s a strange venue isn’t it, Rock City, simply because it really isn’t very big.

The people who I speak to always refer to the lack of height when you are on stage and the fact that they cannot bring a decent lighting rig with them simply because it will not fit inside the venue.

Yes, that’s right; the ceilings are pretty low in there aren’t they. And being perfectly honest with you, the place is not one of my favourites (laughter).

I get shot down in flames whenever I say this, but you look at the musical heritage of places like Birmingham, London, Manchester and Liverpool and they all have produced some fantastic bands. However, when you look at poor old Nottingham, what do you find, Paper Lace and Jake bloody Bugg (laughter). That’s the extent of our musical heritage.

(Hysterical laughter) Billy Don’t Be A Hero and the song that they wrote for the Nottingham Forest division one champions (laughter).

You must be talking about We’ve Got The Whole World In Our Hands.

That’s it, that’s the one with Cloughie, O’Neil and Spider, that’s the one. I remember it well (laughter).

When Paper Lace first toured here in Nottingham back in 1974, hundreds of people would turn up expecting to see Carlos Santana. They had expected him to fly over from Miami to tour with Philip Wright and the rest of the boys. The only problem was that this was Carlo Paul Santanna (laughter).

Crikey, that would have been a show wouldn’t it (laughter).

(Laughter) swiftly moving on. The more albums you release, does it cause you a headache when you are trying to put together a set-list for a tour?

Well, with this set-list that Oscar and I are going to be playing we are going to base it upon the original performance of twenty years ago. With any other set-list when we tour, I have to say that at least half of it actually writes itself. We wouldn’t be able to leave the venues if we didn’t play certain songs (laughter). But yes, we now have a hell of a lot to choose from, that’s for sure.

Whenever you are putting a set-list together, for an acoustic tour, are there any crowd favourites that you feel don’t quite work?

As I said earlier, we don’t do The Riverboat; in fact, we don’t really do any of the electric guitar rock and roll stuff, simply because we can’t do them. Oscar and I don’t feel that we are able to do them justice. Apart from which, do we really want to play The Riverboat again (laughter). We have just finished playing it on the end of the year tour (laughter). I think that it’s good to be able to show a different side to us because people tend to think of us as that Brit Pop band who play The Riverboat and You’ve Got It Bad. I personally have always thought of us as being a folk-rock band really.

Will certain songs on the set-list change as the tour progresses?

They might do, it depends. If we don’t enjoy playing a song, then it will be a case of ‘let’s try something else’. I have been doing this long enough to basically know my way around the set (laughter).

Do you have a favourite Ocean Colour Scene song to sing acoustically?

Well, what can I say, Robin Hood is always good fun, and I can do that almost as a story. That is also one of those must do songs on the night. Also, I love playing The Circle as a ballad, rather than as it was recorded on the record.

I’m an old soulie at heart and I have to say that I really do love For Dancers Only.

Really, ah right, a Paul Weller song.

I think it’s fantastic.

Do you know what, someone was recently talking to me about that track, and I honestly had no idea that Paul and Graham (Coxon) had changed a few things around, and that the song had later developed onto This Old Town. So, what we had in fact was Paul Weller doing a cover of one of his own songs with Graham Coxon (laughter).

The title is actually taken from a Kent label compilation of old Northern Soul tracks.

Really, well, knowing Paul as I do, that makes sense doesn’t it.

So, who is the soulie in Ocean Colour Scene because there is also that connection with Moseley Shoals?

I have to say that we all like that sort of music. However, having said that, Steve is most probably the closest to that part of the band. As you know, we all lived in Moseley and to be honest, it was just a play on words that worked. In all honesty, it doesn’t really sound anything like Muscle Shoals music does it (laughter).

I can’t talk to you without mentioning Ocean Colour Scene, can I?

Of course not, go for it (laughter).

You formed the band back in 1989 some thirty-three years ago now. If someone had told you back then that you, Steve and Oscar would still be together, writing, recording and performing as Ocean Colour Scene, would you have laughed at them?

No, not at all. We all knew that we were in it for the long haul. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not sure about thirty-odd years, simply because we have all graduated from other bands, and to put it bluntly, we were the last four standing (laughter). Everyone else had packed it all in; gone off and got jobs. We all knew that we were all in it for good; we had all made that decision. I was a journalist, and I left my job, blimey, about two years before the band had even started in fact, in order to pursue music.

Do you think that what has helped you continue is the fact that the spine of the band, yourself, Steve and Oscar have never changed, and the fact that it has remained solid throughout all of those thirty-three years?

Yes, I do, I totally agree with you on that. I have to say that it really is a damned shame that we didn’t continue with the original four members, in my book. I look back at that as our purple patch really. Don’t get me wrong, the other people who have been in and out of the band, we have enjoyed working with them too and their company. That has also helped Ocean Colour Scene add different dimensions to the band. Now that we are no longer the original four-piece there are musically more options, but yes, I still rue the day that Damon (Minchella) and Ocean Colour Scene split.

Have you enjoyed the ride so far?

Yes, it’s been my life. So, I guess I have. I’m pretty happy and I’m pretty content. I’ve been with my partner for thirty-four years, we live in a nice place in Stratford, and we have got a dog called Cooper. What else could I want (laughter). We also have three pubs in the village (laughter).

Let me take you back to 1996, Knebworth and Oasis. How was it for you?

(Hysterical laughter) well, I can’t remember a great deal about it in all honesty. However, what I do remember is standing at the side of the stage, waiting to go on, being totally petrified. I looked over and Chris Cradock, Steve’s father who was our manager at the time, had what we used to call a cine camera (laughter). I said to him, “just what do I do with this” and he smiled and said, “you just press that button” (laughter). So, I grabbed it off him, walked up to the front of the stage, and filmed the audience, who all went absolutely mental. I thought to myself, ‘thank Christ for that’ (laughter). The next part that I can remember really is all the hands at the end of The Day We Caught The Train, and everyone singing the chorus. The rest of the gig is a total blur, a total blank.

Just how did Hundred Mile High City come to be on the soundtrack to the Guy Ritchie movie Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels?

I have absolutely no idea (laughter). I have absolutely no idea at all. I really don’t know to be honest (laughter). I actually thought that it was a bit of a farce, to be honest with you. That particular track was used so much; like Lust For Life was used at the start of Trainspotting wasn’t it. I think that it finally ended up with someone running into a car (laughter). They really were almost identical but thanks. They even used our song July when Lock Stock moved over and turned into a TV series. We actually made a video for the song with some of the cast from the TV series (laughter). I really don’t know just how those came about. Perhaps Guy Ritchie liked us; perhaps Madonna had turned him onto us (laughter).

You have mentioned Paul, just how much has he influenced you and the band?

It was Paul who gave the band some self-respect, that what we were doing just wasn’t pissing around, you know, and that we had the best hobby in the world. Apart from which, we really have had some fantastic fun with him over the years, dear me, we really have had some fun with Paul (laughter).

What would you say has been the highlight of your career so far?

Oh, Christ, I really wish that I could say going onto Top Of The Pops but it really was so incredibly boring (laughter). I guess that I would have to say something like Moseley Shoals just suddenly exploding and us becoming residents on the Chris Evans TV show TFI Friday, that really was great. It was Chris really who broke the band, without a shadow of a doubt. Ocean Colour Scene would most definitely not have happened without all of the help and support from Chris. On the subject of Chris, let me tell you that he is another good party guy (laughter). Chris and I actually became good friends, and I have to say that was lovely.

So, in answer to your question, perhaps it would have to be the very first time that we played at the Royal Albert Hall. That was funny because we got to the Albert Hall and our name was there above it. I just looked at it and thought, ‘oh bloody hell’ (laughter).

Taking you back to your time spent on Top Of The Pops, just how bad was it?

(Laughter) well, because we were the new boys, we had to get there at eight o’clock. The first sound check was at ten o’clock and then there was another one in the afternoon. Back in those days you did two sound checks before the show had started. However, what you have to remember is that the rest of the boys would be miming, whilst I was singing live (laughter). Everybody could get on the piss and enjoy themselves, whilst having a walk around the Eastenders set. Then, what did they do, they mixed the lead vocals far too high and made me look like a right twit (laughter).

What was the first record that you bought?

That’s easy, that was Yellow River by Christie.

Who did you first see performing live?

Oh Jesus Christ (laughter). Do you know what, I really don’t know. I really cannot remember.

Swiftly moving on, what was the last song or piece of music that made you cry?

(Laughter) I don’t usually cry at any sort of music to be totally honest with you. I know what, let’s be really pretentious and say Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B minor, which is also known as the Pathétique Symphony. I love that piece of music.

You mentioned earlier that you have just finished a big Ocean Colour Scene tour, are there any thoughts on a new studio album at this moment in time?

To be quite honest with you I think that I will just allow that to happen. At the moment, I am just concentrating on the forthcoming tour, and then I think that the band will be doing something towards the end of the year. I honestly don’t know at the moment but let’s just say maybe next year.

On that note Simon, let me once again thank you for taking the time to speak to me today, it’s been a pleasure.

Thanks a lot Kevin, I have enjoyed that so much, you take care and I hope to catch up with you when we get to The Palace in Newark.

INTERVIEW: Steve Cradock

GIG REVIEW: Ocean Colour Scene

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TOUR NEWS : OCEAN COLOUR SCENE TO PLAY UK TOUR DATES IN DECEMBER

photo credit – Brian Sweeney

Following on from their run of UK dates in the summer, Indie-rock legends Ocean Colour Scene are gearing up for the second leg of their UK tour in December 2023.

Frontman Simon Fowler , guitarist Steve Cradock and drummer Oscar Harrison will perform their biggest hits and anthems, including The Riverboat Song, The Circle, Traveller’s Tune, Hundred Mile High City and The Day We Caught The Train, at 14 dates starting in Bournemouth on 3 rd December and ending on New Year’s Eve in Cardiff. The tour also includes dates at London’s Eventim Apollo on 16 th December, two nights at the O2 Academy in Glasgow and, to end the tour, a New Year’s Eve show at Tramshed in Cardiff.

Formed in Birmingham in 1989, OCS spent six years fine-tuning their sound before lighting up the Britpop party with three Top 5 albums; 1996’s ‘Moseley Shoals’, 1997’s ‘Marchin’ Already’ and 1999’s ‘One From The Modern’. The band has also achieved seventeen Top 40 singles, including a staggering run of nine successive Top 20 singles and a mantelpiece full of awards.

As with all the best groups, behind the swagger and style were great songs, with words and melodies that found their way into the public’s hearts.

Honing their craft in the spirit of the soul, folk and blues greats who inspired them, Ocean Colour Scene’s celebrated live shows have cemented the relationship between the band and their fiercely loyal fanbase, with each concert serving as a communal outpouring of hope and joy, boasting the most life-affirming singalongs you’re likely to hear anywhere.

Speaking about the upcoming shows, Simon Fowler said, “After starting with a short run of dates in the summer, it’s going to be great ending the year on the road with Ocean Colour Scene, playing all the hits and more for some proper pre-Christmas partying with our fans who are the best in the land.”

  Guitarist Steve Cradock said, “This feels like the first proper tour Ocean Colour Scene have done in years. Last year we managed six dates because of the World Cup, and the year before Covid was still scaring people, so we are going to make it something special. Roll up, roll up for the magical OCS Tour!”

The full list of Ocean Colour Scene tour dates for December 2023 are as follows:

3 rd Dec             Bournemouth             O2 Academy

4 th Dec             Bristol                         Beacon

7 th Dec             Belfast                         The Telegraph Building

8 th Dec             Dublin                         3Olympia Theatre

9 th Dec             Dublin                         3Olympia Theatre

11 th Dec           Liverpool                    University Mountford Hall

12 th Dec           Sheffield                     O2 Academy

14 th Dec           Norwich                      UEA

15 th Dec           Wolverhampton          The Halls

16 th Dec           London                        Eventim Apollo

18 th Dec           Glasgow                      O2 Academy

19 th Dec           Glasgow                      O2 Academy

20 th Dec           Newcastle                   O2 City Hall

31 st Dec           Cardiff                        Tramshed

For tickets go to: www.oceancolourscene.com

Author: Admin_SMN

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Review: Ocean Colour Scene – nostalgia and new beginnings at Bristol Beacon (4/12/23)

Embellished by the excellent Steve Craddock’s short, chiming interludes of guitar, ‘One For The Road’ – from benchmark mid-90s album Moseley Shoals – is a relatively chilled out opener, and the satisfying rasp of 58 year old singer Simon Fowler remains in decent working order in his mid-song emoting “We both landed up as different fools”. ‘The Circle’ – the third single from Shoals – is archetypical of what made peak-OCS so successful in even the most competitive of eras for British guitar bands; Craddock’s euphoric guitar hook melding with Fowler’s adroit carrying of an anthemic and catchy melody.

Though some may be surprised that the band have continued to release albums (there’s been five since the turn of the century), there’s a heavy leaning toward the Shoals material. ‘The Downstream’, lead by pounding keyboard chords is soulful and ponderous, and in echoing ‘Wild Horses’, evident of the group’s significant 60s influence. There’s a non-musical nod to the sixties as Fowler, drawing attention to his harmonica holder, makes reference to Neil Young and delivers a passable Dylan impersonation.

The stage backdrop of a large screen playing a variety of videos is an effective accompaniment to the music. During ‘Traveller’s Tune’ – its chorus possibly lifted from AC/DC’s ‘It’s a Long Way to the Top’ – features charming footage from 70s dance halls. We also see the original music videos for some songs; the juxtaposition of the young men on screen and their present day older selves – that is, in the case of Fowler, Craddock and original drummer Oscar Harrison – is both poignant and befitting the nostalgia evoked by the tunes.

The primary joy of watching OCS live is possibly the opportunity to be in the same room as Craddock’s redoubtable finesse as a guitarist. ‘It’s My Shadow’ has him delivering an edifying guitar solo that later morphs into a muted outro part. During the dual acoustic guitars of ‘This Day Should Last Forever’, Craddock delivers a fine solo on his twelve string. Later, the slow blues of ‘Get Away’ – possibly an influence on Oasis tune ‘Fade In-Out’ – has Craddock on his knees negotiating his pedal board and spraying out intoxicating bursts of space echo.

All this is without mentioning ‘The Riverboat Song’, perhaps the ultimate showcase of Craddock’s guitar skills. The now iconic guitar riff, powerful blues licks and a riveting wah-wah infused solo takes an already strong tune to another level as Fowler allows the crowd to take over vocal duties.  

Fowler, as the band’s onstage spokesperson, merely injects a few clipped comments and observations between songs and doesn’t particularly react to a consistent barrage of inane heckles from the roughly 2,000 capacity crowd (“go on Stephen”, “we love you Simon”, “you’ve still got it, lads.”). However, the encore sees him at his most interactive. His addressing the top tier of the audience by asking “Can you see anything up there? Did you see any mistakes?” maybe alludes to his noticing signs of early tour rust. He then amusingly introduces ‘Robbin Hood’ as “about Craddock and me seeing Jesus for £2.50. Just say no, kids.” He then delivers bandmate intros – including Craddock’s son Cass on guitar and keys – and introduces ‘Profit In Peace’ as “more relevant each time we play it.” Video footage of war, bombs, protests and peace signs are a backdrop to the song’s central lament “So we gotta fight some more.”

‘The Day We Caught The Train’ is a fitting, crowd-pleasing finale and the “Oh-oh la-la” chorus perfect for an audience singalong. It’s a stark reminder of the band at the height of their 90s powers, but there’s clearly still enough in the tank to play host to fine musical evenings as this.

Scott Hammond

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The Government Takes On Ticketmaster

Explaining a case that could reshape the multibillion-dollar live entertainment industry..

Hosted by Sabrina Tavernise

Featuring David McCabe

Produced by Will Reid ,  Rob Szypko and Rachelle Bonja

Edited by Brendan Klinkenberg and Michael Benoist

Original music by Marion Lozano ,  Dan Powell and Will Reid

Engineered by Alyssa Moxley

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

Over recent years, few companies have provoked more anger among music fans than Ticketmaster. Last week, the Department of Justice announced it was taking the business to court.

David McCabe, who covers technology policy for The Times, explains how the case could reshape America’s multibillion-dollar live music industry.

On today’s episode

David McCabe , a technology policy correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading

The government is accusing Ticketmaster’s corporate parent, Live Nation Entertainment, of violating antitrust laws .

Here’s a guide to the emails at the heart of the government’s case .

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson, Nina Lassam and Nick Pitman.

David McCabe covers tech policy. He joined The Times from Axios in 2019. More about David McCabe

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