Alex James Britpop Classical Turns Sheffield into a Britpop Symphony to Remember
- Phil Wright
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Oval Hall, Sheffield - 21st March 2026
WORDS / IMAGES PHIL WRIGHT
Alex James has always been more than just the bassist of Blur—he’s been one of the defining figures of the Britpop movement, helping shape a sound that still resonates decades later. Seeing how that legacy has evolved into something like Alex James Britpop Classical, you really get a sense of the thought behind it. This isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s a carefully crafted celebration of British music, reimagined through orchestration, giving those iconic songs a whole new depth while keeping their original soul intact.
From the moment I walked into the Oval Hall at Sheffield City Hall on 21st March, there was a real buzz in the air. The place was packed, and it didn’t take long for that energy to spill over once DJ Dan from Propaganda kicked things off. Within minutes, everyone—including me—was up on their feet. His set was full of 80s and 90s anthems, and I loved how he got the crowd involved by asking for song requests via Instagram. Being in Sheffield, it was no surprise hearing tracks from Arctic Monkeys, Reverend and the Makers, Pulp, and The Human League—each one getting a huge reaction.
By the time the main show started, the atmosphere was already electric. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure how the whole classical-meets-Britpop concept would come together—but the second the orchestra struck up, any doubts disappeared. The opening medley of The Who, The Kinks, and The Beatles sounded incredible—rich, powerful, and completely absorbing live.
One of my personal highlights came when I recognised the opening riff of “Riverboat Song” by Ocean Colour Scene. I remember turning to the person next to me, already excited—and then Simon Fowler walked on stage. The place erupted. It was one of those moments where everything just clicks, and you realise you’re witnessing something special.
The surprises didn’t stop there. Saffron from Republica brought a real spark to the stage, and Gary Stringer from Reef absolutely blew me away—his voice live was phenomenal, especially during “Place Your Hands” , which had the whole crowd singing along.
What really stood out to me was how seamless the whole night felt. It was just hit after hit, but never in a way that felt rushed—each moment had room to breathe, and the orchestral arrangements gave everything a new emotional weight. I left the venue genuinely buzzing; it was one of the most feel-good gigs I’ve been to in a long time.
The best part is that Alex James Britpop Classical isn’t stopping anytime soon. The tour has already taken in iconic venues like the Royal Albert Hall and continues across the UK this summer, with upcoming shows at Lincoln Castle, Scarborough Open Air Theatre, The Piece Hall and Dreamland Margate. Tickets are available now via Ticketmaster:
If you get the chance, go—you won’t regret it. (full list of tour dates below)
SET LIST
(based on previous set lists)
Help!
(The Beatles cover)
Waterloo Sunset
(The Kinks cover)
Get It On
(T. Rex cover)
My Generation
(The Who cover)
The Riverboat Song
(Ocean Colour Scene cover) (with Simon Fowler)
Ready to Go
(Republica cover) (with Saffron)
Alright
(Supergrass cover)
Song 2 / Smells Like Teen Spirit
Fuckin' in the Bushes
Oasis cover)
Rock 'n' Roll Star
(Oasis cover)
I Wanna Be Adored
(The Stone Roses cover)
He's Gonna Step on You Again
(John Kongos cover)
Country House
(Blur Cover)
You and Me Song
(The Wannadies cover)
Girls & Boys
(Blur cover)
Place Your Hands
(Reef cover) (with Gary Stringer)
Love Will Tear Us Apart
(Joy Division cover)
Parklife
(Blur cover)
Bitter Sweet Symphony
(The Verve cover)
Creep
(Radiohead cover)
Disco 2000
(Pulp cover)
Common People
(Pulp cover)
Wonderwall
(Oasis cover)
Don't Look Back in Anger
(Oasis cover)
ENCORE
The Universal
(Blur cover)
TOUR DATES
13 June – Guildhall Square
18 June – Lincoln Castle
17 July – Scarborough Open Air Theatre
19 July – The Piece Hall
24 July – Dreamland Margate
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