Liam Gallagher seems to be riding the crest of a wave at the moment, a number one album and sold out 30th anniversary Definitely Maybe tour dates in June. So it was with a sense of excitement and anticipation that we arrived at The Forum to see how the self titled chart topping album would translate live.
Solo troubadour Jake Bugg kicked off proceedings walking on stage to a welcome cheer and first track ‘Strange Creatures’. Still wearing his trademark plain black t-shirt his guitar technique is as good as ever was, as is his steadfast calmness, which when you are opening for two Manc heavyweights could weigh heavy on just one pair of shoulders. With classics such as ‘Trouble Town’, ‘Seen It All’ and set closer ‘Lightning Bolt’ he had nought to fear and must be counting his blessings having got the slot.
The past few years have seen Liam Gallagher’s star in its ascendancy. His various post Oasis incarnations never fail to draw a crowd and tonight is no different. This sold-out show the first of two London dates before heading on to Paris, Berlin, Milan, and Brooklyn.
The union of the former Oasis frontman and ex-The Stone Roses' guitarist surprised some but did not disappointed, with a number one album already under the belt tonight was the chance to showcase the music live. Backed by a formidable ensemble comprising Barrie Cadogan on bass, Joey Waronker on drums, and Chris Madden on keyboards, the stage was set. From the moment Gallagher stepped into the spotlight, with his trademark swagger, the crowd's chants of "Liam, Liam, Liam" reverberated through the venue.
Their first collaborative single ‘Just Another Rainbow’ was first on the setlist. Gallagher commanded the stage with the presence of a true rock icon while Squire's guitar work captivated the crowd.
"Hands up who wants the blues, just as well," Gallagher quipped before launching into an extended version of 'I'm a Wheel,' a masterclass in rock 'n' roll. It all looked like water off a duck’s back for the pair clearly relaxed and both enjoying the spotlight as vibrant, patterns danced across the stage, courtesy of the colourful visuals that accompanied the performance.
Throughout the night, Gallagher's raspy vocals soared above the cacophony of guitars and pounding drums ‘I'm So Bored’ and ‘Mars to Liverpool’ two highlights in the set. Ending on album opener ‘Raise Your Hands’ the band left the stage to wild applause as Gallagher threw his maracas and tambourine into the crowd.
For the encore they returned with a cover of The Rolling Stones' 'Jumpin' Jack Flash,' sending the crowd into a frenzy capping off a solid performance by a pair whose hearts are fully immersed in rock n roll. Having previously stated that no Oasis or Stone Roses songs would be entertained, an omission that would have guaranteed 5 star reviews across the board, no one expected this to be a long set and it was all wrapped up within an hour. With Liam Gallagher's ‘Definitely Maybe’ 30th anniversary tour shows in June we won’t have too long to wait for the real party to begin.
Liam Gallagher and John Squire Setlist Just Another Rainbow One Day at a Time I'm a Wheel Love You Forever Make It Up as You Go Along You're Not the Only One I'm So Bored Mars to Liverpool Mother Nature's Song Raise Your Hands
Encore: Jumpin' Jack Flash - The Rolling Stones
Jake Bugg Setlist Strange Creatures There's a Beast and We All Feed It Trouble Town Me and You Seen It All I Wrote the Book Taste It Slumville Sunrise Simple as This All Kinds of People Two Fingers Lightning Bolt
