Well known for his work as the guitarist and keyboardist for English Britpop-rock outfit Ocean Colour Scene (OCS), who had a number one album in 1997 (‘Marchin’ Already’) and are best known for their hit, ‘The Day We Caught the Train’, released in 1996, Andy Bennett is making a return to Britain after touring the world with his music.
Writing numerous hits for OCS, such as ‘Old Pair of Jeans’ from the ‘Saturday’ album, Bennett left the band to focus on his solo music, releasing his first album in 2016 entitled ‘Thinkin’ Drinkin’ Singin’’, which was met with majorly positive reception.
Prior to the release of this album, he unveiled his debut single, ‘Hole in the Road’, in October 2015, which was hastily followed by his next single, ‘Drift Away’, in July 2016.
From this album, the track ‘Fool No More’ was specifically praised by Flick of the Finger for being “the quintessential track on an album that is full of gems”.
Hailing from Leamington Spa, Bennett first broke through into the music scene as the guitarist in The Elements (formerly known as Sargent), a band that frequently supported Ocean Colour Scene in the Birmingham circuit, when their self-titled album hit number seven on the Indie Music Charts.
His solo music has a clear rock influence, with an infusion of folk-like guitar melodies, bringing a unique heart-warming sound to his powerful music.
Before he plays the iconic Middlesbrough venue, Andy is performing dates closer to his home soil earlier in June where he’ll be playing Birmingham, Smithfield and his hometown of Leamington Spa on the 9th, 16th and 17th of June respectively.
Closer to home, Andy frequently hosts open mic nights, celebrating the best and newest in his local area, supporting those in the grassroots scene.
Off the back of playing London last June, and various charity events closer to home, Andy’s new show in the Town Hall will broadcast his great musical skill, reminiscing on his old OCS days whilst introducing his own tracks, including his newest single, ‘Grace’, released last December, and songs from his 2016 album.
Performing some of his hits from his days with Ocean Colour Scene and the best of British Ballads, Andy’s show isn’t something to be missed for any music lover, so get down to Middlesbrough Town Hall on Friday 23rd June for this unmissable event.
Tickets, priced at £17.00 in advance, are available from middlesbroughtownhall.co.uk.
