Alex James left his country house and Big Festival preparations to tour his Britpop Classical extravaganza.
It was such a feel good concert – especially for those who can remember the iconic tunes from the 90’s.
Three decades later, many of the songs have lost none of their charm.
Beginning with a montage video of artists highlighting their favourite Britpop moments, the full orchestra and Blur bassist took to the Southampton stage in front of the Guildhall and a beautiful solstice sunset.
The Riverboat Song by Ocean Colour Scene, best known as the TFI Friday theme, kicks off proceedings.
Special guest Saffron from Republica joins the party afterwards and by now the crowd are in full nostalgia mode and certainly ‘Ready to Go’, in the words of their biggest hit.
Other indie classics got their time in the sun – from Common People by Pulp, Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve, Alright by Supergrass and even Blur’s old ‘rivals’ Oasis get a nod as Alex confesses the Manchester scene was his favourite from back in the day.
Alex even plays homage to fellow bass player Peter Hook on ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart‘ (who is due to support OMD next week at the Southampton Summer Sessions – LINK HERE FOR TICKETS).
It’s all a bit of a blur by the end – Phil Daniels joins the fun to re-enact his classic cockney monologue from Parklife.
To add to the special guests, Reef singer Gary Stringer comes on board the nostalgia trip for his crowd pleaser ‘Place Your Hands‘.
The combination of Alex James on bass, the guest vocalists and the concert orchestra ensure the songs take on a new dimension.
Alex James recently said: “Somehow all of these songs mean more to people now than they did when they were first released.”
Although we all may not have our same youthful looks and energy from the 90’s glory days, I think he could be right. Nostalgia for days gone by remains special.
Tomorrow, Pete Tong brings his Ibiza Classics to the Southampton Summer Sessions – click the link below to buy your tickets: