Ocean Colour Scene 
O2 Academy, Glasgow 
★★★★★

AFTER 35 years on the scene, to behold the Ocean Colour Scene “family” in Glasgow’s O2 Academy is a must for any self-respecting Mod. But the band’s appeal extends beyond their loyal Mod following. Even their line-up has been extended to include both Steve Craddock and Oscar Harrison’s sons. Two chips off the old blocks, and I wonder how long it will be before these talented young musicians give us their own One From The Modern. When they do, I will certainly have a listen.

Kula Shaker are supporting OCS on this British tour and their opening provides a great taste of the guitar-led, gripping vocal explosion that would follow as OCS led over 2,000 fans through their songs with stunning visual backdrops of some classy scooters and horrific images of the devastation caused by wars.  

Craddock is often seen playing with Paul Weller and PP Arnold — even Liam Gallagher — on songs like Carnation. But, like his band-mates, Craddock reckons that ordinary people are brought together in solidarity over many things.  

In a wee chat I had with him before the gig he stresses that it is class that unites us, although there is solidarity around football (he’s a Villa supporter) and music. He expresses his frustration with our “political elites” leaving him with “absolutely no faith in any of them.” He says: “For what they did during Covid and what they are doing now in Palestine they ought to be locked up in prison. They’ve just not got any kind of humanity.”  

Halfway through the concert Simon Fowler belts out Profit in Peace with his usual intensity. The Glasgow audience are equal to his passion and chant straight back at the band with a real sense of anti-war fervour as the anthem fills the venue with musical solidarity.

The band are playing throughout Britain this year and will make an appearence at many festivals over the summer.  

Do yourself, and your kids, your family, comrades, significant others or whoever, a favour. Go and see the full family of Ocean Colour Scene.  

On tour throughout Britain until August 31. For details see: www.oceancolourscene.com.