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Scotsman
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Ocean Colour Scene return to Scotland for summer dates
The band will play at Queens Park in Glasgow on 29th June as part of the Summer Nights on The Southside series of concerts, before returning to play at Discovery Festival at Dundee's Slessor Gardens on 25th July. Joining Ocean Colour Scene as special guests in Glasgow will be Glasvegas, P.P. Arnold and Ben Walker, while The Fratellis, White Lies and Cammy Barnes will be the band's special guests in Dundee . After forming in Birmingham in 1989, Ocean Colour Scene firmly established themselves as one of the UK's biggest bands, enjoying nine successive Top 20 singles, including The Circle, Traveller's Tune, Hundred Mile High City, The Riverboat Song, Profit In Peace and The Day We Caught The Train from the Top 5 albums 'Moseley Shoals', 'Marchin' Already' and 'One From The Modern'. Currently enjoying an extensive run of summer shows and festival dates after their hugely successful tour in the spring - which included sold-out shows in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dunfermline - Ocean Colour Scene are on the form of their lives. 'I'm loving it,' says Simon Fowler, vocalist and primary songwriter in Ocean Colour Scene as he considers his band's ongoing tour of the UK and Ireland. 'When we started off in Leeds a few months ago we had 30 gigs ahead of us and I was like 'Jesus, how will my voice hold up?' Well, it's not only held up but I'm singing better than ever before. We sailed through those thirty gigs and now we've got a summer of festivals and touring ahead of us and – you know what? - this is as good as it gets. Ocean Colour Scene are playing as well as we ever have and the audiences are just fantastic.' 'The audiences have been incredible,' agrees guitarist Steve Cradock. 'We played to over 60,000 people over our April-May tour and the enthusiasm with which they welcome the band just fires us up. We love to play and when we have an audience who are singing along, well, it inspires us.' Fowler and Cradock speak with evident joy, having helmed Ocean Colour Scene (with drummer Oscar Harrison and a selection of side musicians) now for 35 years. 'We're veterans,' says Fowler, 'and we haven't issued a new album in twelve years so we really appreciate the fact that our fans still want to come and see us. Now I see teenagers in our audience – admittedly, they're mostly the kids of people who first came to see us when they were teenagers – but they seem to be digging us. We're obviously doing something right!' 'Everyone in the band seems to have stepped up a gear,' says Cradock. 'We're playing really well and this puts us in good stead for the summer festivals where you have huge audiences and really want to make an impression on them.' Steve then adds, 'There's a quiet confidence that allows us to deliver. A nice confidence. The band are in a good place right now and I think our audiences are responding to this.' 'We just played to 10,000 people in Birmingham,' says Fowler with an evident sense of disbelief. '10,000! And then two nights at Brixton Academy! I don't know how to explain why so many people are enthusiastic about coming out to see us. I think Oasis put something in the water! Bands are back!' He laughs then adds, 'Actually, our tour tickets went on sale before Oasis announced their reunion so I can't give them credit for this.' Mention of Oasis makes me enquire as to whether the summer of 2025 is feeling like the summer of 1996. 'It does,' says Cradock. 'It's like the form of indie rock that we all started out playing is back and popular again. The Oasis reunion is a good thing. Good for Noel and good for Liam and good for rock and roll.' 'The first time we saw Oasis play was at the Jug Of Ale in Moseley – I'd met Noel through Paul Weller and he mentioned that they'd be playing there and I told him 'that's like our office'. So we went along to see them and they certainly had something. They weren't famous yet but you could tell it wouldn't be long before they broke through. In the dressing room I got to meet Liam and I immediately thought 'you are the coolest guy I've ever met'. You know what? He still is. We went out on their first proper tour, playing support …' He pauses and laughs at the memory. 'Good times.' A friendship was forged on that tour and Ocean Colour Scene would support Oasis at their historic (and huge) Knebworth concerts in August 1996. 'It was an amazing event,' recalls Cradock. 'Things had been building towards it ever since the Stone Roses played Spike Island – which we all went to. The Roses opened up the genre. As did The La's, another fantastic band. Then Oasis arrived and suddenly indie was the new mainstream and there we all were having huge hit records. Amazing really.' He pauses to reflect on playing Knebworth then says, 'Excuse me if I sound blasé but I can't recall much about Knebworth as we were touring or recording solidly for two whole years and Knebworth was in the middle of that. I know we played to 125,000 people – Oasis's audience – and then the next night we played to 1000 people, our audience.' 'My knees were shaking,' says Fowler. 'I'd never been on stage in front of such a huge audience before. I borrowed a camcorder as we were about to go on stage and walked up to the front of the stage and filmed the audience and they gave me this huge cheer! I remember that and coming off stage 45 minutes later, but nothing else. It was a blur.' Where Oasis split bitterly for many years, Fowler and Cradock remain close friends and obviously enjoy each other's company. 'When I first met Steve he was playing bass,' says Fowler. 'Now he's one of Britain's greatest guitarists. I admire him so much because he's so focused on playing well and developing as a musician. It was his Dad who said to both of us 'you two need to form a band' and he was right. We've never looked back since then.' Cradock praises Fowler's skills as a singer and songwriter, noting that he's looking forward to Simon presenting the band with new songs at some point. 'I have about half a dozen decent songs right now,' notes Fowler, 'but that's not enough for an album. So I need to keep writing. It's not like the old days where I'd write two songs in a night because we were going into the studio in the morning.' Another change from the old days is this: Fowler no longer travels on the band's tour bus. 'No chance. I have a driver these days and sleep in a hotel. I like my comforts and being cooped up with a bunch of middle aged men – none of whom I fancy! (he laughs) – isn't my thing. And if I did go back on the bus I'd probably fall out of my bunk in the middle of the night. So, no thanks.' Ocean Colour Scene are one of Britain's most popular live bands, which is appropriate as the band now focus solely on touring the UK and Ireland. 'I'd quite like to play again in South America and Japan,' says Cradock, 'but it's not down to me. Our audience is here so it makes sense we play to them.' 'We once went to Australia and played to about 800 people,' says Fowler, 'and you know where they were all from? Britain! We might as well have just stayed at home and not flown that huge distance. And the US is just too tough – unless you have a hit single. We actually love touring Britain and Ireland, so it suits us that we concentrate on these islands.' When asked where there favourite place to play is both men answer 'Scotland.' They then add 'Ireland' with Fowler noting, 'I like everything about the Irish, the way they live, their humour, their music. It's a great place.' Cradock states, 'The further north we perform the audiences just get crazier. And I mean that in a good sense – they don't worry about the weather, they really come out to hear the band and have a good time.' He then says, 'Liverpool and Manchester are both magic music cities. There's something about Liverpudlian musicians, and not just the famous ones, they really have this mystical bent. I love it.' 'One of the joys of my life is getting to know this country inside out,' says Fowler. 'We tour all over and this means I get to stop where ever we are, look at the galleries and churches, go for a walk, get a taste of the place. I'm blessed that I have a job where I get paid to travel all over the UK. Really blessed.' Cradock spends even more time on the road than Fowler as he plays guitar in Paul Weller's band and, until the death of Terry Hall in 2022, was The Specials' guitarist. 'I was fortunate to be able to step into Roddy Radiation's boots and play with The Specials,' he says, 'such a great British band. And I love Paul. I grew up a fan of The Jam and The Style Council, so feel really blessed to have him as a mate and play in his band.' He then adds, 'I've just produced Paul's forthcoming album – my first time in the producer's seat with Paul and I really enjoyed the experience.' Ocean Colour Scene are a people's band and, as they prepare to play across Britain and Ireland, both Fowler and Cradock state they are looking forward to rock and rolling across the summer. 'I'm grateful to all the people who turn up to see us,' says Cradock. 'Being on stage is a joy,' says Fowler. On that note these happy, gracious men who helm one of the great British bands say goodbye and head off in their separate directions. Tickets for Ocean Colour Scene dates at Queens Park in Glasgow on 29th June and Slessor Gardens in Dundee on 25th July are available from 2 . Contributed Ocean Colour Scene lead singer Simon Fowler Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 3 . Contributed Ocean Colour Scene guitarist Steve Cradock Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 4 . Contributed Ocean Colour Scene (l-r): Ray Meade, Simon Fowler, Oscar Harrison and Steve Cradock Photo: Submitted Photo Sales
Scotsman
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Tattoo crowds set to ‘Boogie' with celebration of Scottish pop music this summer
The Massed Military Bands of the British Army will present a pop medley of Scottish pop classics on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Crowds at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are set to enjoy a medley of Scottish pop classics this summer performed by the Massed Military Bands of the British Army. As part of the brand's 75th anniversary celebrations, this year's Show The Heroes Who Made Us will feature fan favourites such as 'Yes Sir! I Can Boogie' and 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And with just 50 days to go before the Tattoo's opening weekend, fans can get their hands on exclusive tickets to this year's performance at its final dress rehearsal on Thursday 31 July 2025 with prices reduced by 50%. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Tickets go on sale at 10am on Thursday 12 June 2025 and are available online at or over the phone by calling 0131 225 1188. As Lead Service, the British Army will be part of an awe-inspiring showcase of music, dance, and precision performance that encapsulates 75 years of the Tattoo story. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Creative Director, Alan Lane said: 'Scottish culture has led the way for centuries. From Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations to the work of Ian Rankin and everything in between Scottish cultural thought sets the standard. Nowhere is that more true than the world of pop music. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'So for our 75th anniversary show it's exciting to include some of the best of Scottish pop music. 'Huge songs from The Fratellis through Simple Minds to Lewis Capaldi, all played by the best of Army musicians. This is one of the many moments in the Show where we combine our proud history with contemporary culture to create something fresh for our audience. I'd urge everyone to take advantage of these half-price tickets and make sure they're there in person to see the Show.' The full list of Scottish pop classics to ring out around the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade this year is: Chelsea Dagger - The Fratellis Don't You Forget About - Simple Minds For The Love Of A Princess - Braveheart I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - Proclaimers Someone You Loved - Lewis Capaldi Sweet Dreams - Eurythmics Thorn In My Side - Eurythmics Why Does it Always Rain on Me - Travis Yes Sir! I Can Boogie - Baccara Over 800 international performers will take the stage, representing the heroism and cultural richness of their countries through song and dance. Music will play a central role in the performance, featuring the famous songs of Scottish national treasures like Skipinnish, whose track 'Eagle's Wing', performed by The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo cast, will close the Show. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to witness The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at a discounted rate. Tickets for the Preview Night will be available from Thursday 12 June at 10am BST at or via phone at 0131 225 1188.
Scotsman
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Tattoo crowds set to ‘Boogie' with celebration of Scottish pop music this summer
The Massed Military Bands of the British Army will present a pop medley of Scottish pop classics on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Crowds at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are set to enjoy a medley of Scottish pop classics this summer performed by the Massed Military Bands of the British Army. As part of the brand's 75th anniversary celebrations, this year's Show The Heroes Who Made Us will feature fan favourites such as 'Yes Sir! I Can Boogie' and 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And with just 50 days to go before the Tattoo's opening weekend, fans can get their hands on exclusive tickets to this year's performance at its final dress rehearsal on Thursday 31 July 2025 with prices reduced by 50%. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Tickets go on sale at 10am on Thursday 12 June 2025 and are available online at or over the phone by calling 0131 225 1188. As Lead Service, the British Army will be part of an awe-inspiring showcase of music, dance, and precision performance that encapsulates 75 years of the Tattoo story. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Creative Director, Alan Lane said: 'Scottish culture has led the way for centuries. From Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations to the work of Ian Rankin and everything in between Scottish cultural thought sets the standard. Nowhere is that more true than the world of pop music. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'So for our 75th anniversary show it's exciting to include some of the best of Scottish pop music. 'Huge songs from The Fratellis through Simple Minds to Lewis Capaldi, all played by the best of Army musicians. This is one of the many moments in the Show where we combine our proud history with contemporary culture to create something fresh for our audience. I'd urge everyone to take advantage of these half-price tickets and make sure they're there in person to see the Show.' The full list of Scottish pop classics to ring out around the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade this year is: Chelsea Dagger - The Fratellis Don't You Forget About - Simple Minds For The Love Of A Princess - Braveheart I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - Proclaimers Someone You Loved - Lewis Capaldi Sweet Dreams - Eurythmics Thorn In My Side - Eurythmics Why Does it Always Rain on Me - Travis Yes Sir! I Can Boogie - Baccara Over 800 international performers will take the stage, representing the heroism and cultural richness of their countries through song and dance. Music will play a central role in the performance, featuring the famous songs of Scottish national treasures like Skipinnish, whose track 'Eagle's Wing', performed by The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo cast, will close the Show. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
The Courier
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Back Doune The Rabbit Hole to return in 2026 as bosses say Fratellis pulling out was 'completely out of their control'
Back Doune the Rabbit Hole will return in 2026. Organisers of the Stirlingshire music festival are banking on this year's revival to be a success, despite Saturday headliners The Fratellis suddenly pulling out. They cancelled their set, due to take place at the Cardross Estate event over the weekend of August 1-3, after third-party promoter Wannasee failed to pay them their deposit. Wannasee is currently entering liquidation, with several music festivals across England called off as a result. The Fratellis' replacement has yet to be announced, but Back Doune the Rabbit Hole bosses are keen to distance themselves from the debacle given the festival's history. Doune the Rabbit Hole ran for a decade before it was cancelled in 2023, owing £800,000 to performers and workers. Brian Harkin is behind the festival's 2025 return, along with Colin Black and Paul Aspey of Rock Artist Management. Brian told The Courier the news that The Fratellis had not been paid their deposit was a 'shock' and 'unexpected'. He confirmed the rest of the event is being run in-house, with a replacement headliner to be decided this week. Mr Harkin explained: 'We had been paying them [Wannasee] the deposits for the performers they had booked. 'Then we found out last week that it had not been done when the company went into administration.' Mr Harkin said: 'Obviously, the reason this has come as such a major blow is because of what has happened previously with the event. 'It was the last thing we needed. 'Everything had been going absolutely great. 'Everyone is really excited for the event to go ahead again. 'We have at all stages tried to reassure everyone that we are an experienced team in this business. 'What happens with external suppliers is completely out of our control to a degree. 'We didn't see this coming at all – nobody in the industry did.' The organisers have pledged their dedication to Back Doune the Rabbit Hole being a 'long-term event' and hope to give back to the local community. Brian added: 'This year was about getting the festival back on the map and being budget conscious in terms of what we were putting on, so we went for the four stages. 'Next year we'll have an introducing stage for up-and-coming Scottish bands.' A spokesperson for Wannasee said: 'To clarify, Wannasee Ltd has never held a shareholding or directorship in Back Doune the Rabbit Hole, nor has it ever had any ownership of the event. 'Wannasee Ltd is now in the process of entering liquidation following wider industry challenges affecting its own portfolio of events. 'We wish the team at Back Doune Ltd every success in delivering what we're sure will be a fantastic festival this summer.'
Daily Record
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Promoters blamed for The Fratellis cancelling Scots festival appearance set to enter liquidation
Third-party promoter Wannasee Ltd has confirmed it "is now in the process of entering liquidation" after being blamed for the band withdrawing from their headline slot. The third-party promoter blamed for The Fratellis withdrawing from their headline slot at the forthcoming Back Doune the Rabbit Hole festival is on the brink of liquidation. The 'Chelsea Dagger' hitmakers pulled out of their planned performance at the revamped festival this August, pointing to the failure of the promoters to "fulfil contractual obligations to pay deposits to confirm the band's appearance". Back Doune Ltd, the festival's organisers, pointed the finger at a third-party promoter, Wannasee Ltd, for the band's withdrawal. This week, Wannasee Ltd has confirmed its involvement in the festival's launch and indicated through a spokesperson that the company "is now in the process of entering liquidation". Despite the set back, Back Doune Ltd directors – Brian Harkin, Colin Black, and Paul Aspey – have stressed their commitment to proceed with the festival. They assured fans last week: "We know that is disappointing news. We feel it too. But we want to reassure you that this is not part of a wider problem with the event. Everything else is on track, and we are already working on a brilliant new Saturday night headliner." They added: "In the early planning stages, we brought in external support from several individuals to help with logistics, ticketing and artist bookings. Some of those individuals were affiliated with the Wannasee Group. "For many in the live events world, that name is now associated with a series of cancelled festivals and serious concerns about mismanagement. "We want to be really clear that these individuals were never directors or owners of Back Doune the Rabbit Hole. At the time, there were no obvious signs of the problems that later came to light at the other events they were involved with. "Like many others, we have had to deal with the consequences of how they operated, and that has included the cancellation of The Fratellis performance." Wannasee Ltd this week confirmed that it was involved in assisting with the launch of Back Doune the Rabbit Hole, adding that it was "working collaboratively with the team at Back Doune Ltd while they got the event up and running". A spokesperson for Wannasee Ltd said: "To clarify, Wannasee Ltd has never held a shareholding or directorship in Back Doune the Rabbit Hole, nor has it ever had any ownership of the event. "Wannasee Ltd is now in the process of entering liquidation following wider industry challenges affecting its own portfolio of events. "We wish the team at Back Doune Ltd every success in delivering what we're sure will be a fantastic festival this summer." Wannasee, known for promoting its own festivals, has had to cancel their events amid the company's difficulties. Back Doune the Rabbit Hole director Brian Harkin reflected on the festival's challenges last week, saying: "This has been a challenging moment, but our commitment to the festival and its future hasn't changed. "We took on Back Doune the Rabbit Hole because we believe in the power of independent music events and the community they bring together. "Being independent means we are able to stay true to our values and keep building something real, even when things get tough. "The rest of the lineup is solid, and we're focused on delivering the weekend we've promised. We're in this for the long haul, and doing everything we can to create a festival that our audience, artists, team and local community can be proud of." The eagerly anticipated event is set to take place at the Cardross Estate in Port of Menteith, Stirling, with the dates locked in for August 1-3. Top-billed names so far include The Zutons, who are set to headline Sunday, and Marc Almond leading Friday night's festivities, while attendees await the announcement of the Saturday headliner which will fill the spot left by The Fratellis. The line-up also boasts Scouting for Girls, The Feeling, Newton Faulkner, Skids, The Bay City Rollers and others. This year marks the inaugural edition of the revamped festival, taking the baton from its former entity, the Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival. Doune The Rabbit Hole had previously secured its spot as a highlight within Stirling's cultural agenda before encountering difficulties and inevitably folding. The festival was previously managed by Jamie Murray – who accumulated nearly £1million in debts, leaving only £2.38 in the company account to pay creditors. When Mr Murray closed the company behind the festival in 2022, numerous performers, staff and businesses were left unpaid. His father, the jailed Salmond blogger Craig Murray, assumed control over the 2023 festival under a new company, aiming to clear the debts owed by his son's former firm using profits generated by the festival. However, the event was scrapped a month prior to its scheduled date, leaving creditors in the dark.
