Ocean Colour Scene 2025 Tour Review: Live at the Corn Exchange, Cambridge
If you were around in the Britpop heyday, chances are Ocean Colour Scene’s albums were somewhere in your CD rack. Decades later, the Birmingham boys are back on the road, lighting up venues across the UK including Cambridge on their much-anticipated 2025 tour, and proving they’ve still got exactly what made us fall in love with them the first time around.
Ocean Colour Scene at the iconic Corn Exchange in Cambridge
It’s a venue known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics—perfect for showcasing the band’s dynamic blend of soulful melodies and indie-rock energy. Ocean Colour Scene delivered an electric performance that not only captured the spirit of their celebrated past but also reaffirmed their relevance today.
Taking centre stage were the familiar faces fans have cherished for years: frontman Simon Fowler and guitar legend Steve Cradock. Both Fowler’s distinctive vocals and Cradock’s impeccable guitar work were in exceptional form, a reminder of their unshakeable chemistry and musical legacy.
The evening kicked off with the classic “The Circle,” immediately drawing the crowd into a nostalgic sing-along that set the tone for the night. It wasn’t long before other favourites like “You’ve Got It Bad” and “I Just Need Myself” had the audience enthusiastically joining in, echoing lyrics that have stood the test of time.
The Ocean Colour Scene setlist
Expertly curated for what was a mainly mature audience, balanced well-loved hits with deeper cuts. “Hundred Mile High City” was predictably explosive, while “Profit in Peace” resonated poignantly in today’s turbulent times, uniting the crowd in a moment of reflection. Slower tracks like “One for the Road” provided beautifully contemplative pauses, allowing the Corn Exchange audience moments to soak in the atmosphere fully.
In a particularly engaging moment, Fowler warmly interacted with the crowd, reminiscing about past tours and sharing stories behind some of their biggest songs. Meanwhile, Cradock’s guitar solos reminded everyone exactly why he’s considered one of the most talented musicians to emerge from the Britpop movement. Their effortless camaraderie on stage was genuinely uplifting to witness.
Capturing the night in stunning visuals was Norfolk-based photographer Lee Blanchflower from Blanc Creative. Known for his ability to bring live performances vividly to life, Blanchflower documented the event, perfectly capturing the raw energy and emotive highlights of Ocean Colour Scene’s performance. His presence added an extra dimension, giving fans something tangible to hold onto—a memory perfectly preserved in vibrant imagery.
Looking around, it was clear the audience spanned generations—from original Britpop enthusiasts to younger fans who have discovered Ocean Colour Scene through streaming playlists or their parents’ record collections. The band’s timeless appeal was evident; everyone there was united by a genuine passion for music that feels as vital now as it did when it first topped the charts.
As the night closed with an encore featuring crowd favourites like “The Day We Caught the Train,” the joy was palpable. Ocean Colour Scene had delivered exactly what their fans came for—nostalgia, musicianship, and a brilliant night out that no one wanted to end.
The 2025 tour continues to travel across the UK, reminding audiences why Ocean Colour Scene remains an essential part of British music history and, clearly, its future too.
Get ready for a summer like no other—because in 2025, it’s More than Just Music. The official professional concert, gig, festival and music photography sector of Blanc Creative has some big news. We’re taking you beyond the stage and into the heart of the action, capturing the raw energy, the unforgettable moments, and the electric atmosphere of some of the UK’s most iconic outdoor music events. With eleven Forest Live and Heritage Live concerts on our radar, our lenses will be trained on some seriously special international artists as they light up the summer with legendary performances. But this isn’t just about who’s on stage—it’s about the crowds, the connection, the late-night anthems under starlit skies, and the shared experience that lingers long after the final encore. From intimate woodland gigs to grand stately home backdrops, we’re bringing it all to life through our imagery. This summer, it’s not just about the music. It’s about the moments.
Love the images. Then why not hand over to our Portfolio and take a look at our epic gallery of Crispian Mills and Kula Shaker supporting the Ocean Colour Scene Tour 2025.
You’re really going to want to see these!
