Manchester Vibes in the Area
On Thursday, (June 27th) I headed back up to Manchester, to its newest venue the Co-Op Live. To see one of the cities most famous sons, Liam Gallagher. On the penultimate night of his latest tour. A tour that is celebrating the 30th year anniversary of the album that propelled him and his older brother Noel to the world. Definitely Maybe’ the debut album by Oasis.
After being warmed up by Villanelle, a band fronted by Liams son Gene. Followed by Britpop heroes Cast. Liam walked out on stage alongside Oasis guitarist Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs and the rest of his band.
Launching straight away into ‘Rock n Roll Star’. Since going solo Liam has opened virtually every live show with this, and with the song being the opening track of ‘Definitely Maybe’ why change it now!
‘Columbia’ followed keeping up the fast start, having a full band on stage really upped the ante of this one. It became a snarling affair away from the almost melodic plod found with the studio version. ‘Shakermaker’ followed and was one of the highlights of the night. A song I was looking forward to hearing live and I was not disappointed. Liam was in fine form.
A few more album tracks followed ‘Up in the Sky’ was a real highlight, a hidden gem in the Oasis discography, ‘Digsy’s Dinner’ received a good reception, and a good outing of the chorus. ‘Bring it On Down’ is Oasis at their punk best and you can tell that Liam was enjoying singing this one. The crowd were to.
Some really old songs were getting a run out on the tour. Songs that Oasis didn’t play live very often. ‘Cloudburst’ and ‘I Will Believe’ got a run out in the middle of the set, until this tour these songs must have only been played a handful of times . However that didn’t stop Liam effortlessly adding them to his set.
Things slowed down with Liam taking vocals on two Noel sung B-Sides. ‘Half the World Away’ came first, a song that has been sung by Noel at virtually every solo show. Was now being sung by his younger brother. I have to say he did well, that song is one of the most well loved Oasis songs, and he did it justice.
‘D’Yer Wanna Be a Spaceman’ followed and it made for an interesting change of pace, and Liams softer voice.
Two more b-sides came next with the punk of ‘Fade Away’ and the brilliant ‘It’s Good to be Free’. The later being one of the best songs Oasis ever released, and Liam sung it well like it was 1994.
‘Whatever’ came next complete with a sing along from the Manchester crowd as well as a string along. Where people sung along with the string sections. In true Mancunian fashion. Liam knew his audience and even chucked on a little extra, with a few lines from The Beatles Octopuses Garden.
The main set ended with ‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’ and ‘Married With Children’ two of the albums best songs. ‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’ in particular was one to remember with the whole room shaking. The later track was brilliant too. With the acoustic ballad being reworked into something more dark and menacing.
The first of two encores begun with Oasis first single ‘Supersonic’ once those drums kick in. Every took position. Those on stage and us in the crowd knew what we needed to do. It’s one of those call to arms moments. For those who were there at the time, and for those too young to unite. It was quite the moment.
‘Slide Away’ followed which was dedicated to a couple on the front row. I still believe that it’s the best Oasis song. Liams vocal is impeccable and Noel’s songwriting excels.
‘Live Forever’ was the final Oasis song played and it made for a brilliant end. I’ve heard it before but never being done by a full band. It was special. This was the song that made many fall in love with the band. Including myself. For many people it’s the crowning jewel in their discography. Some believe they never got better than that. On Thursday night I found myself agreeing with them.
Ending the night though was ‘I Am the Walrus. Just as Oasis used to do. The first time Liam has done it on his solo tours though.
The odds on an Oasis reunion have been slashed again this week following the completion of this tour by Liam. Will it happen? Who knows. The appetite is there. The crowds for both brothers are getting younger, those songs, those albums mean the world to people.
The worlds not had a band like them since, and it’s easy to see why whenever one of them tours tickets sell.
This tour was the closet we’ve got to an Oasis reunion. Hearing that album in full in Manchester with two of the original Oasis line up isn’t quite a reunion but it’s dam near close.
Thank you for reading