John Power: Cast The La’s and Me
Huntingdon Hall | 12th April 2026
From the comfort of his settee, bucket-hatted John Power regaled in conversational tones, the Sunday night throng sat in the darkened pews of Huntingdon Hall with his very personal story…
For many individuals, music started with the Beatles and for Liverpudlian John Power, the introduction to the start of musical career was no different. In the richest Scouse accent Power articulated in a linear format how he recalled hearing “Love me Do” on the family radio in his formative years. Before becoming aware Strawberry fields and Penny Lane formed the boundary markers in his Parish. For John Power there was no escaping the Beatles or their influence.
JP’s self-deprecating modesty offered a snapshot into the Community Project, whilst on the dole, that allowed a young budding musician to find his way into music. Admitting his limited talent on the guitar – and proving it on the night – we discovered how Power came to meet the founding member of the La’s: Mike Badger. With Power confessing in celebratory tones: “And he had a flat with furniture and everything.”
The La’s history of peaks and troughs, in the 80s, was explored with understated panache. The song writing conundrums and the time and frustration of trying to record with a seeming myriad producers and studios was presented with unfussy broad brushstrokes. The final exit from the band was just as understated for Power, leaving with a band name and a few ideas for the singer-songwriter’s next stage.
One can’t help but wonder if Power’s Irish-Liverpool background has gifted him the ability to tell a tale with warmth and humility?
Cast’s legacy of troughs and peaks, in the 90s, was presented with a sincerity that was beguiling. Confiding the songs were formed from the fragments of ideas the artist played a melody of “Sandstorm”, “Walkaway” and “Alright” on his acoustic as proof they started as just a chorus or a single verse. The instantly recognisable songs brought forth match-day whistles, positive cat-calls and cheers of familiarity. I love how the sound rolls around Huntingdon Hall.
John Power’s language is telling, clearly a liberal hippy at heart, the singer peppers his conversation with “vibes,” “spiritual,” and “frequency” – the man obviously has his own philosophical approach to life. Moreover, his inherent sense of humour, a suit of armour to protect him against the world.
Due to the linear format of the evening our raconteur ended on the reformed Cast supporting Oasis on their comeback tour last year. The moment the band discovered they were invited to join the Gallagher brothers was delivered with characteristic honesty: “The drummer was sick on my shoes.” I love how the laughter rolls around Huntingdon Hall.
With the fervour of an innocent John Timothy Power animatedly recalled how last year his eldest married, he joined Oasis on a world tour, his youngest joined him on tour and Cast brought out two albums…and Liverpool won the league. As Power enthused, “Honestly, if just one of those things happened in the year you would be happy!” And I couldn’t help but think: You deserve that Lad.
By: The Swilgate Scuttler