Music
11 Dec 23

Live report: Ocean Colour Scene feel the love at their sold-out 3Olympia Theatre headliner

Ocean Colour Scene at 3Olympia Theatre. Friday 8th of December 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Seven years on from their last 3Olympia show, The Birmingham outfit deliver a hit-packed set to their adoring Irish fans.

On the first of a two night-run at Dame Street's 3Olympia Theatre, the energy is high and the anticipation palpable. Britpop giants Ocean Colour Scene are renowned for their powerful live shows and dedicated fanbase, but choosing to walk on stage to The Pogues 'Fairytale of New York' on the day of Shane MacGowan's funeral tips the crowd over the edge – in the best way possible...

While Ocean Colour Scene haven't released an album since 2013's Painting, their setlist needs no padding. Packed with their incredible '90s anthems including 'Hundred Mile High City', 'Policemen & Pirates' and 'The Riverboat Song' the night is full of joyful singalong moments. The Birmingham band is revelling in the unbridled energy coming from their Irish audience.

Simon Fowler. Ocean Colour Scene at 3Olympia Theatre. Friday 8th of December 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

'One for the Road' is the perfect opener and its life-affirming lyrics hit even harder with the passing years. Simon Fowler is a powerhouse. At 58, his vocals are as raw and soulful as ever and with each song he shows his prowess as one of the greatest frontmen of his generation.

Steve Cradock. Ocean Colour Scene at 3Olympia Theatre. Friday 8th of December 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Steve Cradock's guitar playing is impeccable. The guitar hero is backed by his son Cass Cradock on keys, Glaswegian Raymond Meade on bass and the endlessly cool Oscar Harrison on drums. There's a reason why their third album Marchin' Already, went to No. 1 in the UK Albums Chart in 1997, displacing Oasis' Be Here Now.

While cynics may have liked to dismiss OCS as 'uncool', their soulful, rocking set of stellar hits and unparalleled grove, prove otherwise here tonight in Dublin.

Oscar Harrison. Ocean Colour Scene at 3Olympia Theatre. Friday 8th of December 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Fan-favourite 'The Circle' from their landmark 1996 album Moseley Shoals, is another highlight. 'Better Day' sees the crowd with hands in the air, shouting each lyric emphatically. Chants of 'OCS! OCS!' ring out in between songs. Tonight is a celebration of this brilliant band and their heartfelt songbook.

Ocean Colour Scene at 3Olympia Theatre. Friday 8th of December 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

With a celebrated harmonica solo, Fowler delivers a memorable performance of the 1999 classic, 'So Low'. The 3Olympia is on wheels... OCS end the night with a show stopping encore, featuring singalong staples 'Robin Hood', 'Profit in Peace' and their timeless hit, 'The Day We Caught the Train.'

Cheers to Ocean Colour Scene for ringing in the festive season in style!