Stornoway - New Theatre, Oxford, 12/3/2017

by Nick Dent-Robinson

published: 19 / 4 / 2017

Stornoway - New Theatre, Oxford, 12/3/2017

Nick Dent-Robinson watches critically acclaimed local indie-folk band Stornoway play an emotive final gig at the New Theatre in Oxford

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Stornaway, the indie-folk four piece, have enjoyed huge success including memorable performances at Glastonbury. But on a Sunday night in March, after eleven plus years together, they bowed out in style with a spectacular sell-out farewell gig at Oxford's New Theatre. The Oxford music legends played a final set that included cheery anthems, tender acoustic numbers and haunting ballads with frontman Brian Briggs, keyboardist Jon Ouin (the two first met at their university freshers' week) plus bandmates Oli and Rob Steadman clearly savouring every moment of this last performance. At the end there was a massive stage invasion as scores of fans joined their heroes on the stage. Brian had started the evening by telling the capacity crowd, “We want this to be a party tonight, not a wake. We want singing, dancing, heckling....and I might need you to cover me as I'm about to well up!” Highlights included 'Fuel Up', 'Farewell Appalachia', 'The Road You Didn't Take' and 'The End of the Movie'. 'The Great Procrastinator' was the first of their encores but the biggest cheers were for the final crowd-pleasing number, 'Zorbing' which was accompanied by the release of transparent beach balls. Thanking the band's loyal supporters, Brian singled out the parents of Oli and Rob whose home has remained the band's HQ and where they practised in the early days. “Back then we never dreamed we'd ever achieve what we have,” Brian said. “We'll always remember Oli and Rob's parents for their encouragement and practical support. And we are grateful to the local Oxford venues who gave us a chance in the early days before we progressed via Oxford Town Hall and the Sheldonian Theatre to Glastonbury, London and beyond. Thank you for all the memories which we'll treasure forever.” As will many Stornaway fans!