21 July 2024 (gig)
23 July 2024
Amidst the historic grandeur of Warwick Castle, 14,000 music enthusiasts gathered on a perfect summer evening to witness an unforgettable night of rock history. With the castle’s ancient walls bathed in the glow of the setting sun, the atmosphere was electric, promising an evening filled with nostalgia, rock anthems, and musical mastery. Where else would I rather be on a Sunday evening?
As we approached the venue just in time for gates opening, queues of people, many of which were wearing Oasis t-shirts, were buzzing to witness what was about to come. After entering, a slow steeped slope lead your eyes down to a large stage, tree lined on each side, with plenty of facilities to boot.
As the evening kicked off, the crowd was treated to an eclectic mix of genres, starting with The Waeve. The collaboration between Graham Coxon of Blur and Rose Elinor Dougall of The Pipettes brought a unique mix of art-rock and synth-led melodies. Their set, featuring tracks from their sophomore album, was a bold choice, blending glacial synth-led laments and driving indie rock. Songs like "Can I Call You" and "Kill Me Again" showcased their artistic range and were warmly received by the early arrivers, dispelling any notions of lingering Britpop rivalries. The duo's chemistry was palpable, and their performance set a high bar for the night, performing with confidence and joy in abundance.
Next up, Johnny Marr took the stage, immediately igniting the crowd with his boundless energy and rock star poses. As the iconic guitarist and co-founder of The Smiths, Marr has carved out a successful solo career, renowned for his energetic performances and timeless hits. Opening with "Armatopia," he set the tone for a set filled with singalong moments and nostalgic trips back to The Smiths' heyday. "Panic" sparked the first mass singalong of the evening, while solo tracks like "Generate Generate" and "Spirit Power and Soul" demonstrated his continued relevance in the music scene. Highlights included "This Charming Man," "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want," and a poignant rendition of "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out," which had the audience swaying and singing, along with the famous ‘Johnny f**king Marr’ chant, celebrating Marr's genius.
As dusk settled over Warwick Castle, the anticipation reached its peak for Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. The bucket hats had all taken their place ready for what was to follow. Fronted by former Oasis lead guitarist and songwriter Noel Gallagher, the band has been captivating audiences with their blend of rock and alternative music since 2010. They are currently on their "Council Skies" tour, promoting their latest album of the same name.
Gallagher’s set was a triumphant celebration of his illustrious career, featuring a mix of new tracks and beloved anthems. Opening with "Pretty Boy" from the latest album, Council Skies, the band immediately captivated the crowd with Gallagher’s signature sound – a blend of soaring melodies and poignant lyrics. This was followed by a mix of new tracks and beloved anthems, each song echoing through the castle grounds with powerful resonance. "You Know We Can’t Go Back" and "AKA…What a Life!" demonstrated Gallagher’s knack for crafting timeless rock melodies. The Oasis section of the set was a particular highlight, featuring classics such as "The Masterplan," "Whatever," and "Live Forever." The latter, slowed down and laden with emotion, encapsulated the essence of Gallagher’s songwriting prowess – a blend of rock-solid confidence and underlying melancholy.
The encore was a perfect climax to the evening. "Stand By Me", “Live Forever” and "Don’t Look Back In Anger" were met with rapturous applause and mass singalongs, cementing the night as a memorable celebration of rock music. Gallagher’s charismatic stage presence, combined with his witty banter – including a humorous quip about post-concert behaviour – left the crowd smiling and satisfied.
The evening at Warwick Castle was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of musical legends and their enduring legacy. As the final notes faded and the crowd dispersed, it was clear that this event had set a high bar for future live music experiences at Warwick Castle. For fans of rock music, this was a night to remember, filled with timeless anthems and unforgettable moments. The success of this event leaves us eagerly anticipating the next installment in this historic venue.
Photo Credit: Russ Fujak
