WORDS AND IMAGES DESH KAPUR
Tonight it was to the Co-Op Live Manchester for something special, Liam Gallagher‘s 30 years of Definitely Maybe Tour, the iconic album played from start to finish, plus a few extras thrown in for good luck, arriving early to avoid parking issues, grabbing a beer and sitting out side the very impressive arena, people watching under the cover of my shades it was a sight to behold, the young the old and everything in between, Men and Women, fathers and sons, sharing the love for a band that brought back rock and roll, Liam’s army of fans, parkas, bucket hats, Oasis t-shirts, dark shades and bandy walks it was a beautiful thing.
After entering the arena I was blown away, it was my first time here and it was impressive, really impressive, but before we were to get to the big man, we were going to be treated to a set by Gene Gallagher (Liam’s Son) band VILLANELLE, taking the stage with a swagger his dad would be proud of Gene and his band mate treated us to a crisp set of punchy indie punk rock, it will be very interesting to see the journey these lads take, there is something there, even if its not quite there yet.
Next Band up was Livepools finest Cast, who had supported Oasis on the original Definitely Maybe Tour 30 years ago, what a beautiful synergy that is, For me, Cast are one of the best bands to come out of the 90s Brit-pop era and the new album “ Love Is The Call “ see’s the band back at their brilliant best. Cast have been called ‘the Who of the 90s’ and Noel Gallagher compared watching a live set of Cast to a religious experience, high praise indeed and they deserve every word of it! Tonight’s set list is a brilliant mix of their best tracks and tracks from the new album playing Iconic, timeless, classics along with brand new fresh songs and they all sit alongside each other beautifully showcasing what an amazing songwriter John Power is.
And then it was time for Liam, with a clock at the back counting the years from the albums original release in 1994 to the present year, the stage adorned with oversized references to the iconic album cover and snippets of past glory flashing on the screen behind the stage,
From the moment Gallagher strode onto the stage, clad in his signature parka, the crowd erupted into a frenzy. The opening chords of “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” reverberated through the arena, instantly transporting the audience back to 1994. Gallagher’s voice, raw and unmistakable, carried the same defiant energy that has always set him apart.
The setlist was a masterclass in nostalgia, Each song was met with thunderous applause and passionate sing-alongs, with highlights including anthems like “Live Forever,” “Supersonic,” and “Cigarettes & Alcohol.” Gallagher and band were in top form, delivering tight, faithful renditions of the classic tracks while injecting them with a fresh vigour that kept the audience on their toes.
Between songs, Gallagher’s banter was as sharp as ever. He paid homage to Manchester, his voice tinged with genuine affection, and asked for the England Euro’s score, much to the delight of the crowd. His rapport with the audience was a testament to his enduring charisma and ability to connect with his fans.
There were so many standout moments on the night, too many to mention, to be honest, but the performance of “Slide Away.” was something else, The song’s love-tinged lyrics and soaring melody, created a poignant, almost reverent atmosphere within the arena. Fans swayed in unison, their voices merging with Gallagher’s in a powerful chorus that seemed to echo the very essence of the ’90s Britpop movement.
Gallagher also treated the audience to a few surprises, including an amazing rendition of “Half A World Away” originally sung by Noel and a cover of The Beatle’s “I Am The Walrus.”
The 1st encore concluded with the timeless “Live Forever,” before the band returned for “I Am The Walrus” a fitting end to a night steeped in nostalgia and celebration. but As the crowd roared and the final chords faded, Gallagher stood at the edge of the stage, basking in the adoration of his fans. It was a triumphant moment, a reminder of why he remains one of the true kings of rock and roll.
In sum, Liam Gallagher’s performance at Co-op Live was nothing short of electrifying a true tour de force, Co-op Live was transformed into a haven for Oasis fans, both old and new, for a celebration of an album that defined a generation. Gallagher delivered a performance that was as nostalgic as it was powerful. and for those in attendance, it was more than a concert; it was a journey back to a time when music had the power to change the world, if only for a fleeting moment.
Set List
1/ Rock ‘n’ Roll Star
2/ Columbia
3/ Shakermaker
4/ Up in the Sky
5/ Digsy’s Dinner
6/ Bring It On Down
7/ Cloudburst
8/ I Will Believe
9/ Half the World Away
10/ D’Yer Wanna Be a Spaceman?
11/ Fade Away
12/ Lock All the Doors
(Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds cover) (Oasis demo version)
13/ (It’s Good) To Be Free
14/ Whatever
15/ Cigarettes & Alcohol
16/ Married With Children
Encore:
17/ Supersonic
18/ Slide Away
19/ Live Forever
Encore 2:
20/ I Am the Walrus
(The Beatles cover)
FOLLOW LIAM GALLAGHER
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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
