Verso Gig Reviews
The Setting: Audley End and Festival Vibes
There’s something timeless about spending a summer Saturday at a venue like Audley End House. Just an hour’s drive away, we arrived mid-afternoon, camping chairs in hand, ready for a laid-back day of music, beers, and sunshine. There’s always a shared camaraderie at these kinds of events—like-minded people gathered for the sheer love of music.
A special shoutout to Erin, a fellow reveller who captured a lovely photo of our group during “The Drugs Don’t Work.” You can find it in the gallery below.
Want to know more about Audley End and its rich heritage? Click here.
Tom Meighan – A Curious Opener
I’ll be honest—I didn’t know much about Tom Meighan beyond the headlines. Kasabian were never really my thing, and I only recognised Serge from that wonder goal on Soccer AM. So I went in with an open mind… and left unsure.
Musically, his band delivered. Tight instrumentals, decent sound. But Meighan’s stage presence felt off. Was it arrogance? Or just struggling with the shift from headliner to support act? His manner didn’t quite sit right with me, and while the crowd warmed to a few tracks, I couldn’t help but feel disconnected. Also, I waited eagerly for “I Predict a Riot”—before Hammy reminded me it was by Kaiser Chiefs. Whoops.
Ocean Colour Scene – Britpop Brilliance
For many of us, Ocean Colour Scene conjures up memories of the ’90s Britpop wave—especially the landmark albums “Moseley Shoals” and “Marchin’ Already.” Thankfully, their set was a nostalgia-heavy journey through those records.
They kicked things off with “The Riverboat Song,” forever etched in our memories thanks to Chris Evans and “TFI Friday.” From there, it was a masterclass in guitar-driven anthems. Steve Cradock’s virtuosity on guitar and harmonica, Simon Fowler’s distinctive vocals, and the tight rhythm section all reminded us why OCS were such a standout of the era.
By the time “The Day We Caught the Train” closed their set, the crowd was fully immersed—singing, swaying, and smiling from ear to ear.
Richard Ashcroft – A True Headliner
Then came the man himself. Ashcroft strolled onto the stage with the confidence of a frontman who’s done it all and still has more to give. Opening with “Hold On” from These People, he eased us in before hitting the crowd with emotional depth and Britpop excellence.
Classic Verve hits like “Sonnet,” “Space In Time,” and “Weeping Willow” melted into solo highlights like “Break The Night With Colour” and “Music Is Power.” His voice hasn’t aged a day—it was just as rich and captivating as it was during the Urban Hymns era.
A particularly touching moment came during “Velvet Morning,” and later, a jaw-dropping performance of “Song For Lovers.” Steve Wyreman on guitar deserves high praise—his subtle flourishes elevated the entire set.
And then the finale: “The Drugs Don’t Work,” “Lucky Man,” and, of course, “Bittersweet Symphony.” Despite some inexplicably early departures (who leaves before THAT?), Ashcroft’s performance was flawless—commanding, charismatic, and impossible to ignore.
He is, without doubt, the king of cool.
Summary
A picturesque setting, three solid performances, and a reminder of why we chase the live music buzz. While Tom Meighan didn’t quite win me over, Ocean Colour Scene and Richard Ashcroft delivered in spades. Throw in some good company, a few cold beers, and the historic backdrop of Audley End—and you’ve got one of those Saturdays you’ll be reminiscing about for years.
