On tour to champion his robust fourth solo endeavour, Council Skies, Noel Gallagher graced Liverpool after a seven-year hiatus, leading his High Flying Birds ensemble consisting of Oasis regulars Chris Sharrock and the formidable Gem Archer. The stage, a vibrant living room with colourful flora, rugs, and lamps. Apart from simply housing musical instruments there is also a whimsical Pep Guardiola cardboard cut-out, accompanied by a Manchester City lightbox. Clearly the things that are close to the frontman’s heart. Home away from home.
The chief kicks off his set with an array of solo tracks from his latest album Council Skies, opening with the magnetic riff of Pretty Boy, one could argue that this is the closest Noel has come to the early demo days of Oasis — a no-brainer to get the crowd going. This energetic start paved the way for a highlight reel of his latest album, featuring standout tracks like Council Skies, Open the Door, See What You Find, We’re Gonna Get There in the End and Easy Now, with its emotive verses seamlessly transitioning into anthemic choruses, showcases Noel’s ability to infuse empathy into his finest compositions, this is the first real sing a long of the night. If I Had A Gun essentially gets the “Oasis treatment” from the crowd, Noel stepping back from the mic to let he masses sing the chorus back to him.
Noel deliberately reserves Oasis classics for later in the set, a courageous move in an industry prone to nostalgia. This decision, far from succumbing to the allure of the past, demonstrated artistic integrity and what is important to Noel, the now. Dead in the Water unfolds with Noel and his acoustic guitar, accompanied by the gentle cascade of piano keys, echoing powerfully through the expanse of the M&S Arena. A tender acoustic ballad that Noel should do more of in our reviewers humbled opinion, and something that might not be too far from fruition if mumblings are to be believed — only released a handful of years ago highlights the strength and consistency of Noel’s song writing, one of the finest to ever do it in the UK. This serves as the audience’s transition into the iconic territory of Oasis.
We start with Going Nowhere, a B-side most artists could only dream of writing. An overwhelming response as the audience shout back every word of the song in unison as if it were a sacred anthem. Songs like Live Forever, Little by Little and the theme song for the real Royal Family, Half the World Away produced a wave of mobile phones and people on each other’s shoulders, a collective celebration of the timeless resonance of Gallagher’s musical legacy.
In the current phase of his illustrious career, Noel Gallagher stands as a revered figure, widely recognised as a national treasure. His musical contributions have served as the soundtrack to countless lives, leaving an enduring emotional impact on individuals from all ages. A cultural icon whose influence extends far beyond the realm of music… cue football.
You know you’re truly beloved when you can rock up in Liverpool, project a giant image of Pep Guardiola on screen in the name of “giving thanks“, proclaim him “better than Father Christmas” and still have the crowd in the palm of your hand (once the boo’s subside). Tongue firmly in cheek he turns to ex-Zutons member and Liverpool fan Russell Pritchard encouraging him to join in with the jaunts and taunts before our Mod Santa kicks back into gear with AKA…What A Life which is consistently dedicated to Man City fans these days (sigh).
A transformed rendition of Live Forever, adorned with Noel’s signature mix of arrogance and sorrow, revealed a more profound essence. The crowd, unified and swaying, found its crescendo in the timeless chorus of Don’t Look Back In Anger, a poignant denouement to a splendid Thursday evening.
While an Oasis reunion remains elusive, Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds give the fans plenty to shout about and yearn for. A legend of the industry who follows the sound of his own beat. Performing Oasis classics for over three decades, Noel acknowledges the evolving ownership of these songs, emphasising the significant role played by the audience. Noel has commented in the past about how they’re no longer his, they’re the fans. Tonight, during Little by Little the penny dropped for us. Not one of Oasis’ strongest tracks but with the audience bursting at the seams to sing the chorus at the top of their lungs it becomes something so much more.
The enduring reaction from the audience is remarkable and touching. In this way, it’s undeniable that Noel Gallagher will live forever.
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds have announced a run of shows for the summer of 2024 and you can grab your tickets here.
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