WHEN asked what it was like supporting Oasis in the heady days of Britpop, Ocean Colour Scene’s Simon Fowler chuckles and says: “I can’t remember.”

This year will mark the 25th anniversary of the Birmingham band, which shot to fame following the release of their second album Moseley Shoals in 1996.

Aside from the group responsible for indie hits The Riverboat Song and The Day We Caught the Train, Simon formed three piece band Merrymouth, who will appear at The Met, Bury, on Friday, May 16.

They are on tour in support of Wenlock Hill — the follow-up to their critically acclaimed self-titled debut album, Merrymouth – which will be released through Navigator Records on May 5.

Simon said: “We’re releasing our second album, it’s myself and Dan Sealey, bass player with Ocean Colour Scene, and Adam Barry who is keyboard, accordion player and singer.

“It’s more of an acoustic thing really, it’s not really folky.

“I started doing it about three years ago.

“Ocean Colour Scene had a bit of a hiatus so we could do something else.

“The album is out before the concert, if people are interested they can get the album and get to know the songs.

“We might do one or two oldish B sides, we’re not going to be doing Riverboat Song.”

It was after hearing Ocean Colour Scene’s demo tape that Noel Gallagher invited the band to play with Oasis on their 1995 tour.

The band signed with MCA Records and, with the explosion of the Britpop scene, their music became nationally and internationally known, landing them five top 10 albums and six top 10 singles.

Although the details of those ‘90s days may be hazy, Simon remembers: “We did have a lot of fun.”

While Simon may be enjoying making music with Merrymouth, with Ocean Colour Scene’s other members Steve Cradock and Oscar Harrison also keeping busy with their own projects, it does not signal the end for the band affectionately known as OCS.

The 48-year-old said: “We might do one or two gigs this year. It’s our 25th anniversary this year.

“I feel quite proud. I don’t feel too old. It’s quite an achievement.”

Away from the bands and Simon, who worked as a journalist at the Birmingham Post before his music career took off, prefers to live a quieter life.

He said: “I live in Stratford-upon-Avon. I don’t really lead much of a showbiz lifestyle.

“I live in a village and go to the village pub.

“Steve might bump into people, he’s friends with Paul Weller.

“I went to see Noel (Gallagher) last year, that was really nice.”

Merrymouth will be at The Met, Bury at 8pm on Friday, May 16. Tickets cost £15, call 0161 761 2216.