The venue may look like it’s been ‘cunningly disguised as a series of newsagents’ (or so says The Bluetones’ frontman Mark Morriss).
But those stepping through the Olympia’s inconspicuous doors will find a Grade II listed venue full of old theatrical grandeur that, in its lifetime, has played host to circuses with performing animals, bingo nights, boxing matches and shows from the world’s biggest music acts, including (naturally) The Beatles.
Tonight’s celebration is a showcase of homegrown British music. Two local bands have been picked to kick the party off. RATS bring ska-punk tinged songs with raspy vocals and rapping.
Next up is The Real People, showcasing the best of a classic, Britrock back catalogue that makes clear why, in the early 90s, they were called upon to mentor two brothers and help hone their raw talent thus planting the seeds for one of the most successful music acts of the modern age, Oasis (leading to some tongue-in-cheek claims that really, Oasis are Liverpudlian).
The Bluetones may be the lone southerners on tonight’s bill but are given a warm northern welcome as they play through an hour of their biggest hits (reminding us that there are quite a few to choose from). Morriss regularly quips with the audience on the various influences of his songwriting and how their return to recent media prominence started with a copy of one of their early albums turning up on Bargain Hunt and being valued at the princely sum of £80.
As they work their way through a mix crowd-pleasers like ‘Bluetonic’, ‘Slight Return’ and Keep the Home Fires Burning’ plus newer songs, this could very well be their own headline show.
But the Olympia have packed their birthday bill further and it is Embrace who bring the night to a close, welcomed to the stage like conquering heroes and launching into the anthemic ‘All You Good People’ before ploughing through other well-loved songs, including ‘A Glorious Day’, the Coldplay-penned ‘Gravity’ and closing a four-song encore with ‘The Good Will Out’.
As is fitting for the venue’s birthday tonight has been packed with nostalgia and a celebration of great British music, with the audience singing themselves hoarse. And the future is looking pretty rosy for the Olympia with a packed line-up of variety, sports and music for 2025 and beyond including already sold-out shows from Supergrass and Future Islands, and a party to celebrate sister nightclub venue The Grafton.
Not bad for a place that apparently looks like it should sell scratchcards and newspapers.
For What’s On, visit www.liverpoololympia.co.uk/whats-on
Author: Lou Steggals
Attended: 26th April 2025