REVIEW: Billy Ocean - Forest Live - Cannock Chase 24.6.26

There aren’t many artists approaching 80 years young who can still pull a sold-out audience, giving their all like age is just a number. Leslie Sebastian Charles aka Billy Ocean might just fit into that category. The Trinidad born singer / songwriter swooned through the Cannock Chase countryside with that ever present alluring smile to serenade a sweltering Wednesday night with all his much beloved hits.

Ocean’s set could be best described as sumptuous. His band hit all the notes consummately, whilst their chief glides across the stage with gentle grace, welcoming all the infatuation strewn his way, and rightly so. With millions of record sales confirming his fabled status Ocean is welcomed on the stage like a all-conquering returning hero, indeed a choral superhero to many, tracks such as Caribbean Queen, When The Going Gets Tough The Tough Get Going and the northern soul smash Red Light Spell Danger no doubt remind many of carefree days of the 80’s watching the weekly Top Of The Pops for his appearance.

Some of tonight’s more memorable junctures revolve around Ocean’s more soulful numbers. The Colour Of Love subtly enchants, Love Really Hurts Without You has everyone handing over their hearts to Ocean, whilst Suddenly does little but welcome a much enthused crowd sing-a-long. The cover of Bob Marley and The Wailers No Woman No Cry speaks to the mind and soul of the listener especially in these days of commotion, whilst Loverboy, Get Outta My Dreams Get Into My Car and new track Daylight endear the listeners to yet more smooth soul grooves. A delightful night in the picturesque countryside witnessing a true living musical champion.

Pic by Matt Mead

Billy Ocean can be found via his website