ALL CHANGE’ 25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
Back in the summer of 1996, big things were happening for 16-year-old Master Forrest. Sure, I’d just left high school for the last time, nervously awaiting my GCSE results. However more important than that, I would be seeing three bands that had provided the soundtrack to my final, care free year at high school, whilst being there for cherished memories with friends and family that are still talked about today!
The albums were of course ‘(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?’ ‘Different Class’, and’ All Change’. The gigs were the historical Oasis Knebworth shows and followed a week later by V96 Festival, headlined by Pulp with Cast on the bill at both events.
Released in the autumn of 1995 with legendary producer John Leckie (who previously worked with The Stone Roses, Radiohead, and The Verve) behind the mixing desk, the album spawned top 20 hit singles ‘Finetime’,’ Alright’ ‘Sandstorm’, and Walkaway, with the latter pair smashing into the top 10. All Change went onto become the highest selling album on the Polydor label, which is all the more impressive when you consider the label had the likes of The Who and The Jam on their books.
The band will hit the road this summer with a series of gigs and festival dates which include a huge The Sign of the Times Festival on the 21st August, a huge headline show at Holmfirth Picturedome with support from rising stars Shambolics on the 26th August. In addition, and very fortunate for me, there is a show at my local venue Warrington Parr Hall on the 27th which precedes two more festival appearance at Stone Valley Festival Midlands on the 28th and the Victorious Festival on the 29th.
There are a hand full of dates in the autumn and then a full nationwide tour celebrating the 25th Anniversary of this seminal album’s release (I know it’s a bit late but we all know why that is don’t we!). The 16 date tour kicks off in Oxford on the 13th January, taking in Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds to name but a few, culminating in Hull on the 6th February.
The line up for the shows feature John Power – vocals/guitar, Liam ‘Skin’ Tyson – guitar and Keith O’Neill – drums, with Jay Lewis on bass duties. Power is undoubtedly the driving force behind the band and recently said ‘The All Change album will always be special to me and the band. It was our debut album. It captured all the energy and all our hopes and it was packed to the hilt with great songs. We’ll be playing it in its entirety on the All Change tour’.
I for one echo Power’s sentiment. Tunes like ‘Alright’, was a perfect anthem for my summer. ‘Sandstorm’ had a punch and swagger matching anything coming from the Gallagher boys at this time. For me, my personal highlight was seeing the band swagger on stage at V96, and kick straight into the guitar heavy ‘History’ and 60’s inspired ‘Promised Land’.
It’s a positive album filled with feel good anthems, youthful joy, exuberance, about having a laugh with your mates and staying true to yourself. Now some 25 years later, I’m sure each of us could do with a stroll down memory lane or even a chance introduce your kids to the band that helped shape your teenage years. For me I’ll be there for the Parr Hall gig, maybe not down the front as I was in 96 but loving it all the same.
Tickets available: http://www.castband.co.uk/tour
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