OCEAN COLOUR SCENE – LEICESTER O2 ACADEMY – LIVE REVIEW

26/02/2026

WITH SUPPORT FROM FORGOTTEN PHARAOHS

What a night, what an incredible crowd! Returning with OCS was an unforgettable ride, especially since I hadn’t teamed up with them since last July at Margate’s Dreamland, supporting the legendary Roger Daltrey. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing the stage with this band, and they still manage to surprise and impress. They were firing on all cylinders.

Simon Fowler’s vocals were as compelling as ever, delivering nostalgic tunes that felt like they came straight from the 90s. The setlist was unlike anything I’d seen before, featuring many lesser-known but equally captivating songs like Go To Sea, It’s My Shadow, Families, and Fleeting Minds. Craddock’s intricate guitarwork and unmistakable tone kept the audience in high spirits, even earning him a kiss on the head from Simon after a standout solo.

Raymondo, bassist Ray Meade, debuted a striking new look with his green sparkle Mustang, adding flair to an already electrifying night.

Despite the changes in the show, the band launched into their biggest hits with unstoppable energy—Travellers Tune, The Circle, Riverboat, and the emotionally charged Robin Hood, a true showcase of Simon and his guitar prowess.

The venue was packed with 1,500 devoted fans singing, screaming, clapping, and cheering—they were truly in the moment.

OCS is back and better than ever. I believe their renewed energy stems from the break they took, fueling their excitement to hit the stage again. With their 30-year Moseley Shoals tour coming this winter—their first arena tour—they promise an unforgettable night filled with nostalgia and the thrill of something new. No matter when you see them, they’ll deliver a night to remember, blending the timeless with the fresh, and leaving everyone eager for more.

Support on the night came from Forgotten Pharaohs who describe themselves as “From the beach fires of San Francisco, via the vistas of the Sierra Nevada to the Welsh mountain hideaways of ancient princes.”

The band is fronted by Christian Pattemore who cites himself as “the archetypal man out of place and time; a Laurel Canyon dreamer from 1973 materialised amidst the ancient landscapes of rural Wales.”