A new year, a new venue, and a new format of gig. On this occasion, Hammy and I headed to The Apex in Bury St Edmunds to catch John Power’s one-man show, Cast, The La’s and Me. A first visit to The Apex, and it certainly impressed—modern, well-equipped, and with excellent sound quality throughout.
A Journey Through Liverpool and Indie Greatness
John Power’s story begins in Liverpool, and this show—part spoken word, part acoustic set—was as much a tribute to the city’s musical DNA as it was a look at his career. He opened by reflecting on his youth, the cultural backdrop of a tough yet vibrant Liverpool, and how music became the city’s natural language.
The first half of the night explored Power’s formative years and his time with The La’s, the band that birthed the evergreen indie anthem There She Goes. He spoke with a mix of warmth, wit, and wisdom, detailing life alongside frontman Lee Mavers, the chaos of recording sessions, and the cult-like status the band eventually earned.
A highlight came when Power confirmed a long-circulated rumour: the name Cast was indeed taken from the final lyric of Looking Glass, the closing track on The La’s only album. “The change is cast.” And so, a new chapter began.
Cast and the Britpop Years
The second half of the show delved into Power’s post-La’s journey with Cast, a band often overlooked in Britpop retrospectives but whose contributions were every bit as vital. While Oasis, Blur and Pulp continue to dominate the conversation, Cast’s catalogue—including All Change, Mother Nature Calls, and Magic Hour—stands shoulder to shoulder with the best of the era.
Hearing stripped-back versions of classics like Walkaway, Fine Time, Live the Dream and Sandstorm offered a unique perspective on the songs’ origins and lyrical meaning. Power was animated, humorous, and gracious throughout—his passion undiminished.
The show was more than a performance; it was part autobiography, part celebration. It felt like we were all guests at an intimate fireside session.
Steak, Stories and a Stunning Set
Hammy and I made a proper evening of it, with a pre-gig “all-you-can-eat” steak meal at Cheers Restaurant—which also gets a strong thumbs-up. Sadly, Neil missed out due to being detained in Birmingham (not at His Majesty’s pleasure, thankfully—just work).
For fans of indie music, especially those who came of age in the 90s, this tour is a must. Power’s storytelling alone makes it worthwhile, but it’s the music that lingers long after the lights come up. And don’t miss the upcoming All Change 30th anniversary dates—tickets for London are already secured!
