AEG Presents announced today (Friday 2 May) the first artists to perform as part of Watford Colosseum’s reopening season beginning with a show from iconic band Ocean Colour Scene on 29 August...
Ocean Colour Scene’s rip-roaring live shows have long been one of the most extraordinary sights in modern rock. Having spent six years fine-tuning their sound, they lit up the Britpop party, chalking up three Top 5 albums- 1996’s Moseley Shoals, 1997’s Marchin’ Already and 1999’s One From The Modern and a run of nine successive Top 20 single’s including the immortal ‘The Riverboat Song’.
They are supported by the legendary P.P Arnold. Since she became London’s First Lady of Soul back in the 60’s, she is still going strong! She is one of the iconic faces of London's Swinging 60's. Arriving in England as an Ikette with The Ike & Tina Revue, PP was spotted by Mick Jagger who immediately convinced Andrew Loog Oldham to sign her to his Immediate record label.
The 40,000 square-foot venue, managed by AEG Presents - a division of AEG’s global sports, entertainment and venue operator family on behalf of Watford Borough Council will bring an unparalleled entertainment experience to the area with world class live music and entertainment. The venue can accommodate 2,345 people standing or 1,189 people seated.
Joining the reopening season with more to be announced in the coming months are:
Jake Bugg - 12 September
Fresh from a “wicked” and “inspiring” tour as special guest to Liam Gallagher & John Squire throughout the UK and Europe, Bugg is recharged and raring for what lays ahead – a testament to the tenacity shown on the album. The rattling blues of ‘Breakout’ tell that familiar tale of the kid “all mixed up and all alone, a prisoner in his own home” in a forgotten town but ultimately promises that “something’s gonna change”. There’s light at the end of ‘I Wrote The Book’ as he offers, “you’ve gotta live your life before you're dead and gone,” while the heartfelt ‘Keep On Moving’ is pretty self-explanatory. “Whatever’s thrown at you, you’re going to have things you regret, you’re going to have demons following you around, you’ve just gotta run with it,” ends Bugg. “You can’t let it hold you back.
The Stranglers – 13 September
Tour de force of British new-wave The Stranglers marked their 50th anniversary in 2024, and it has been full throttle ever since. First formed in 1974, The Stranglers no bullsh*t attitude was embraced by the punk movement of the late 70s. But their musicianship and menace transcended the genre, creating a sound unique to themselves. With their first three albums (Rattus Norvegicus, No More Heroes and Black and White) being released within an astonishing 13 months of each other, scoring hit singles with ‘Peaches’, ‘No More Heroes’ and ‘Walk On By’. Further success was to follow with ‘Always The Sun’, ‘Strange Little Girl’ and the mercurial ‘Golden Brown’, amongst many others, earning the group 24 top 40 singles in a career (so far) spanning six different decades.
David Essex – 26 September
David Essex is one of the few artistes to have achieved success in all areas of entertainment, as an Actor, Singer, Song Writer, Producer, Director and best-selling Author. He has 23 top thirty record hits to his name and three best-selling books. His West End theatre credits include, Jesus in “Godspell, Che in “Evita” Lord Byron in “Childe Byron” Tony Lumpkin in “She Stoops To Conquer” Reverend Shaw in “Footloose” Fletcher Christian in “Mutiny” George in “Aspects Of Love” Levi Lee in “All The Fun Of The Fair” Dressler in the recent tour of the black comedy “The Dishwashers” and “The Voice Of Humanity” in “War Of The Worlds”. Film credits include, “That’ll Be The Day” “Stardust” “Silver Dream Racer” “Traveller “The Guvnors’ and “Black Prince”
For all these shows Venue pre-sale is Thursday 8 May 10am and General On sale is Friday 9 May 10am. AXS is the official ticketing partner for these events, leveraging its industry-leading ticketing technology, AXS Mobile ID, to ensure a secure and convenient ticketing experience. To purchase tickets to events go to watfordcolosseum.co.uk/events
For updates and details on upcoming events visit watfordcolosseum.co.uk and sign up to the venue mailing list. For venue hire enquiries contact programming@watfordcolosseum.co.uk
Steve Homer, CEO AEG Presents UK said: “To be just a few months away from the very first show at Watford Colosseum is an exciting moment. Watford really deserves a venue of this calibre and we are looking forward to delivering artists and events that span all kinds of genres. We can build on the rich history of the space as a new era begins
Closed since 2020, Watford Colosseum will open with a revitalised look and a bold new direction. As part of Watford’s ambitious Town Hall Quarter redevelopment, the historic venue is undergoing an extensive restoration to return it to its original Art Deco splendour. First opened in 1938 as the Assembly Rooms for Watford Town Hall, this Grade II-listed landmark has long served as a cultural cornerstone for the town and the wider Hertfordshire community.
The refurbishment includes the installation of a brand-new stage, extensive upgrades to the bar areas and visitor facilities, and the reopening of the building’s iconic 1930s main entrance. The restoration prioritises sustainability and heritage preservation while delivering a best-in-class experience for fans and artists alike, all while honouring the venue’s distinctive architectural character.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: "With a legacy of hosting world-renowned artists such as Oasis, The Who, Robbie Williams, Luciano Pavarotti, and local favourites Gallows, Watford Colosseum is celebrated for its outstanding acoustics and rich history in live entertainment. Its return signals an exciting new era for performers, audiences, and the cultural life of the region."
The Colosseum is the newest addition to the AEG Presents UK mid-sized venue expansion and joins the portfolio which includes Eventim Apollo, indigo at The O2 and University of Wolverhampton at The Halls.
