Ocean Colour Scene to join Britpop’s 30th birthday celebrations in Birmingham

Ocean Colour Scene frontman Simon Fowler is to sing Britpop’s greatest hits, backed by a full concert orchestra, at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall.

The rock star, who was born in Meriden, will be joined by some of the era’s best-known singers as they celebrate the 30th anniversary of Britpop.

Among those in a star-studded line-up will be John Power (Cast / The La’s), Mike Chadwick (Levellers), Mark Morriss (The Bluetones), and Saffron (Republica).

Between them they are responsible for millions of sales with huge 90s hits including Ocean Colour Scene’s The Day We Caught the Train and The Riverboat Song.

Also expected on the setlist will be Cast’s Walkaway and Alright; There She Goes by The La’s, and Levellers hits What A Beautiful Day and One Way.

There’ll be space, too, for Slight Return and Cut Some Rug from The Bluetones back catalogue, and Republica hits Ready to Go and Drop Dead Gorgeous.

Simon, who worked as a journalist on the Sunday Mercury and Birmingham Post before finding rock fame, says: “I’m really looking forward to playing some of our hit songs with an orchestra at some of the country’s most beautiful venues and meeting up with faces from the past that we had great fun with”.

The Bluetones’ Mark Morriss agrees: “To have the opportunity to perform The Bluetones songs in this style, in these venues, is not something I ever dreamt would be possible. I absolutely cannot wait for these shows.”

The June 8, 2024 Symphony Hall show is one of just three being staged, with the other two dates at London’s Eventim Apollo (June 7) and Manchester Bridgewater Hall (June 9). Tickets go on general sale from 10am on Friday October 20. Buy yours here: B:Music Britpop concert at Symphony Hall