Friday 25th April 2025 – Alberts Shed, SHREWSBURY
Saturday 26th April 2025 – Lost Horizon, BRISTOL
Former Amsterdam frontman Ian Prowse marks 20 years of the stirring hit ‘Does This Train Stop On Merseyside?‘ An emotional pop track journeying through Merseyside’s history – Liverpool’s part in the slave trade, James Bulger, the Hillsborough disaster.
Merseyside legend Ian Prowse’s musical journey began in 1991 with indie outfit Pele. Signed to Polydor, the band swiftly scored a Number 1 hit in South Africa with Megalomania. Their relentless touring built a devoted cult following, with multiple triumphant UK headline tours. Pele also shared the stage with The Pogues and Del Amitri on their sold-out 1992 tours, while their first four singles secured coveted spots on the BBC Radio 1 playlist.
In 1999, Ian formed Amsterdam, and although the new millennium started quietly for the band, everything changed in 2005. Their seminal track Does This Train Stop on Merseyside? famously moved John Peel to tears each time he played it. The song was later covered by folk icon Christy Moore, soaring to Number 1 in the Irish album charts. Amsterdam signed with London indie label Beat Crazy, landing their debut single in the UK Top 40 at No. 32.
In recent years, Ian has sold out the 100 Club and shared stages with Elvis Costello, The Wonder Stuff, The Blow Monkeys, and Damien Dempsey, further cementing his reputation. He counts The Stranglers’ Jean-Jacques Burnel, the late Janice Long, presenter Gary Crowley, Mick Jones, and comedian Chris Addison among his biggest admirers.
Dubbed the Scouse Springsteen, Ian’s electrifying live performances have set alight festivals such as Reading, Glastonbury, Beautiful Days, and Kendal Calling. Now, he’s taking his explosive six-piece band back on the road to celebrate his most iconic song – a tour not to be missed.
Listen to the 2025 version of Does This Train Stop On Merseyside? on bandcamp.