WORDS AND IMAGES DESH KAPUR
On the first night of their two-night residency at the iconic O2 Apollo in Manchester, Liam Gallagher and John Squire played all the songs from their self-titled debut album, just as they had promised. Those hoping to hear some Oasis or Stone Roses were left disappointed, and there were a few such people in the audience.
The only downside was that the show only lasted for 55 minutes, including a cover of the Rolling Stones‘ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.”
But before the main event we were going to treated to a set from Jake Bugg. He strolled on to the stage dressed in black, said his hello’s and picked up his acoustic guitar and launched into ‘Strange Creatures’, “There’s a Beast And We All Feed It ” and “Trouble Town” and any worries about living up to expectations were gone, that was followed by ‘Me And You’, and the brilliant “ Seen It All’, ‘I Wrote The Book’. and an already packed out Apollo was mesmerised, singing along when they knew the words, which to be honest was pretty much every song. Jake Bugg’s voice filled the venue perfectly, note perfect, his guitar so comfortable in his hands playing hook after hook, switching up tempos and slowing them down at will. a perfect way to start the evening.
SET LIST
1/ Strange Creatures
2/ There’s a Beast And We All Feed It
3/ Trouble Town
4/ Me And You
5/ Seen It All
6/ I Wrote The Book
7/ Taste It
8/ Slumville Sunrise
9/ Simple As This
10/ All Kinds Of People
11/ Two Fingers
12/ Lightning Bolt
Backed by session musicians and greeted with chants of “LIAM! LIAM!” as they walked onto the stage, the two iconic rock ‘n’ roll heroes looked relaxed. Liam brought his iconic swagger, while John quietly showcased his masterful guitar skills.
With a quick “Manchester, let’s fucking do this!” from Liam, they launched into the first single of the album, “Just Another Rainbow,” and the crowd, already familiar with the track, sang and shouted along.
Liam strutted, postured, and shook his tambourine and maracas, while Squire had eyes only for his guitar. With limited banter between songs, they worked their way through the album, playing “One Day at a Time,” “I’m a Wheel,” and “Love You Forever.” “Make It Up as You Go Along” provided another chorus sing-along moment, with Liam snarling “Thank you for the thoughts and prayers, and fuck you too!” as the entire Apollo became his backing singers/shouters.
They played “You’re Not the Only One” and “I’m So Bored” before the biggest mass sing-along of the night took place during the brilliant “Mars to Liverpool.”
The set was brought to an end with “Mother Nature’s Song” and “Raise Your Hands,” followed by an encore of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.”
Overall, it was amazing to see such icons on stage together, and it should feel special. Liam Gallagher and John Squire are two era-defining musicians, and in such an intimate venue, what was not to love? However, something about the lack of connection on stage between the two of them left me feeling like there was something missing.
Despite this, it is a great album, and it sounded great live with all it’s swirling psychedelia. Hopefully, I will get to see the duo play live again in the summer, but this time at a festival, lying in the sun with a really cold beer in my hand and thousands of people singing “and fuck you too.”
Set List
1/ Just Another Rainbow
2/ One Day at a Time
3/ I’m a Wheel
4/ Love You Forever
5/ Make It Up as You Go Along
6/ You’re Not the Only One
7/ I’m So Bored
8/ Mars to Liverpool
9/ Mother Nature’s Song
10/ Raise Your Hands
Encore
11/ Jumpin’ Jack Flash (The Rolling Stones cover)
FOLLOW LIAM GALLAGHER
FOLLOW JOHN SQUIRE
FOLLOW JAKE BUGG
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
