By Dylan Bryant (Music Editor)

It’s not often I rate a band highly enough to see them twice on the same tour, but The Lightning Seeds definitely pass that test.

The Lightning Seeds, most likely known amongst the masses for composing Three Lions as the official England song for Euro 96, have released an intoxicating new album, See You in the Stars and with it, have just completed a 14 date UK tour.

I was lucky enough to see them at both the London and Brighton dates of the tour for two incredible shows filled to the brim with laughter, dancing and most importantly – a substantial set list of sing-along pop hits!

Even more excited than myself, was my dad who instantly started listing off his favourite hits – Lucky You and The Life Of Riley; when I told him I was taking him as my plus 1, justifying his invite!

Although I’m sure it’ll be hard to escape the huge anthem (Three Lions) with the World Cup having kicked off and England securing a convincing 6-2 win over Iran in their first game, the song is only a slither of what frontman Ian Broudie has to offer.

In thirty-three years as a recording artist, Ian Broudie, the man who is The Lightning Seeds, has enjoyed an abundance of success. This includes selling over a million copies of Jollification, the 1994 album that’s platinum success was spearheaded by the era-capturing single Change.

The new album, See You in the Stars serves up a healthy dose of pop songs that are both musically and emotionally uplifting, and this energy was transferred brilliantly into the live set.

Contrary to London’s freezing weather and Brighton’s windy seafront, the set kicked off with Sunshine. Drenched in hope and armed with a catchy pop hook, this track has everything you’d expect, with Ian Broudie doing what he does best, creating brilliant pop anthems. The crowd were instantly on their feet at both shows and the feel-good warmth of the song was matched by Broudie’s iconic voice powering through the positive instrumental.

This energy didn’t drop with some of the bands biggest hits Change and Lucky You being played early doors to the crowds delight. Voices filled the room as fans sang along to every lyric.

A personal highlight of mine was when the band played Emily Smiles. Co-written with Terry Hall of The Specials, this track is effortlessly reminiscent of fan favourite Lucky You. The glorious introduction was wonderfully received with chants of “yeah” matching the pounding drumbeat. Again, the track then establishes itself as yet another kind of perfect pop rock song that Ian Broudie tends to deliver.

The live performance and consistency over the two shows highlights Ian Broudie’s incredible ability as a songwriter and performer and cements him up there with some of Brit Pops best. 

The set was closed both nights with Three Lions – a perfect warm up for the world cup and leaving the crowd in high spirits.

Overall, two incredible performances from a man and band whose catalogue of music is nothing short of exceptional.

I left both shows feeling extremely happy, and in response to the title of one of the bands biggest hits Lucky You – I’d say lucky me! Sorry, I had to!

See You in the Stars Released 14th October via BMG.

Setlist:

Sunshine

Ready or Not

Change

All I Want

Lucky You

Perfect

Great To Be Alive

Feeling Lazy

Sense

What If…

Waiting for Today to Happen

You Showed Me (The Byrds cover)

Telling Tales

Losing You

Emily Smiles

Whole Wide World (Wreckless Eric cover)

Sugar Coated Iceberg

Pure

The Life of Riley

Encore:

Marvellous

Three Lions

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