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Like many others, John Power has always found football and music deeply connected in his life.

Power, who first played guitar with The La’s in the 1980s before becoming the frontman of the Britpop band Cast in the mid-1990s, grew up surrounded by the atmosphere of Liverpool FC. His childhood was spent on the Kop, witnessing one of the most memorable eras in the club’s history.

The game has stayed with him ever since — from those youthful days on the terraces to engaging in friendly verbal duels with Liam and Noel Gallagher while touring decades later.

Reflecting on his early experiences, Power recalls the sight from the stands. “You’d look out onto this perfect vision of these heaving masses of people,” he tells FourFourTwo when asked about his memories of being on the Kop as a child.

“This was in the early ’70s — lots of big hair and denim around. It was still a real working-class crowd, with fans who worked in the docks, factories, and on building sites, all heading to the match together.”

He remembers the sound as vividly as the sight. “The singing had a massive impact on me — the sheer depth and scale of the choir. Anfield was my spiritual home, and I could feel the songs reverberate through my body.”

Power admits that things have changed in English football stadiums since then, and the matchday experience today doesn’t quite match what it was in the 1970s and 1980s. “Back then, people would take a breath and you could hear the bass notes and baritone,” he explains. “Fans were more skilled at singing in the ’70s and ’80s. I get annoyed when people just shout — that’s not singing. Sometimes I say, ‘Slow down, lads. Don’t force it — sing the song properly.’”

Another lasting part of his football upbringing is his strong belief in superstition. When asked if he’s superstitious, Power laughs, “Of course! I believe in something beyond logic to navigate this world and do what I do. I’ve personally changed the outcome of a game through my incantations and invocations. If I’d just sat quietly, Liverpool would have lost. I’d say most passionate fans are like that.”

He continues, “If you choose to believe only in reason, you should go into science. We channel certain energies. I don’t have a lucky charm or anything, but I believe in the frequency and energy of people. I’m superstitious — you need to believe in something, in a better world or a better version of yourself, otherwise you just get lost among the crowd.”

Power joined Oasis’ comeback tour last year, performing alongside Richard Ashcroft — a perfect setting for some friendly Liverpool-Manchester rivalry.

“I get a few messages from Liam and Noel about City — they had to endure tough times for many years,” he says. “Liverpool’s main rivalry has always been with United, and probably still is deep down, but now we love to have a go at City for several reasons. Richard supports United — you can’t be perfect, but there’s not much for him to boast about these days. We had great conversations on the tour — Richard, Liam, and Noel are all deep thinkers. I think I might need therapy now that it’s all over.”