Ocean Colour Scene guitarist quits the band reveals the Birmingham Mail

Ocean Colour Scene guitarist Andy Bennett has revealed he is quitting the band. 

The Brummie indie rockers are about to embark on a national tour but Andy won’t be with them as he’s pursuing solo projects. 

The 36 year-old is keen to pursue a solo career, as he wants to sing as well as play the guitar. 

The split is amicable and bandmates Steve Cradock, Simon Fowler and Oscar Harrison will continue as a trio on the acoustic tour to celebrate their 25th anniversary, which comes to Symphony Hall on February 21. 

Andy joined the group 12 years ago in 2004 because Steve lived next door but one to his house in Damson Wood in Solihull. 

Now 36 and still living in Solihull, he remembers: “When I was eight and Steve was 17, he taught me to play the guitar. We were mates and I used to go round and watch the band rehearse. 

“Then when Damon Minchella, their original bass player, left he asked me to join the band. 

“I’m a lot younger than them. 

“I’m leaving the band for at least a year or so. Actually, I’m probably leaving for good, aren’t I? “I haven’t really spoken to them about it but I haven’t stormed out, it’s all very amicable. 

“I have solo projects I’m doing, I’m too busy with my own stuff. 

“I’ve just recorded the first single, Hole in the Road, and I’m making the video on February 16, when they’re on tour. 

“I’ll also be working on it on February 21 when Ocean Colour Scene play Symphony Hall. 

“I’ve been working under the Brum Beat record label and with Danny McCormack, Roy Wood’s musical director. I recorded it at his studio on his farm in Netherseal, just past Tamworth up the M42. 

“The video will be a bit psychedelic, like Sin City, in black and white with a splash of colour.” 

Ocean Colour Scene had hits with The Riverboat Song, The Day We Caught The Train and Travellers Tune and named their first album Moseley Shoals, in a nod to the Birmingham suburb where three of the band members were born. 

“I would definitely go to see them play Symphony Hall if I wasn’t busy making my video. I wish them all the best, I love them to bits,” says Andy. 

“We’ve all been doing solo stuff, to be honest. Oscar has joined The Beat, Steve has been playing with The Specials – they’re all gone ska! And Simon released his solo album Merrymouth. 

“That just leaves me to do something. I sing as well as play the guitar but I wasn’t getting to do that in Ocean Colour Scene. I’m happier doing this, where I can perform more.”