There are some things that just never get old.
Although it is hard to believe that Oasis’ seminal album Definitely Maybe celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
Both a commercial and critical success, it was the fastest-ever selling debut in the UK on release, bringing anthems such as Live Forever and Cigarettes and Alcohol.
So, when Liam Gallagher announced the Definitely Maybe 30 Years arena tour for 2024, it was a gig not to be missed for fans of the all-conquering and massively influential debut album.
Just after 9pm, clips from Oasis’ heyday played on the huge screens along with magazine covers and newspaper headlines before the main man swaggered on stage and launched into Rock ‘n’ Roll Star.
Playing the album in full for the first time, Liam sang Up in the Sky and Digsy’s Dinner – tracks that have rarely, if ever, been performed since the mid-‘90s.
As well as the tracks from Definitely Maybe, some select B-sides from the era made the setlist.
Half the World Away was dedicated to brother Noel and the crowd erupted into cheers before launching into the first huge singalong of the night as the orchestra played.
He dedicated Shakermaker to ‘the main man at Manchester City, Sheikh Mansour', which received a more mixed reaction.
The stage was set to bring back all the nostalgia of that iconic 1994 album cover with a giant globe and pink flamingos.
Cigarettes and Alcohol sent the crowd into a frenzy as the packed 23,500-capacity arena sang every single word back.
In reference to Co-op Live’s delays in opening after teething troubles, Liam quipped: “This is a nice building, innit. Slagging it off and all that on GMTV a couple of weeks ago.”
Slide Away went down a treat for the ‘future lovebirds’ and the final encore to I am the Walrus saw a few pints thrown – a custom at Liam’s gigs although who would want to waste any drop of an £8.95 lager?
There did seem to be some big queues to get into the venue for last night’s show at around 8.30pm. Venue bosses do advise people to get in early with doors opening at 6.30pm and support acts Villanelle and Cast on before LG.
In fine voice and with a back catalogue of absolute classics, Liam’s homecoming gig was a triumphant one. A true rock and roll star who went all out on Saturday night to ensure Definitely Maybe lives forever in our hearts.
Manchester BIBLICAL vibes in that areana last night you all absolutely smashed it stay young LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) June 16, 2024
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He’s back at Manchester Co-op Live tonight (Sunday, June 16) before ending his tour there on Thursday, June 27 and Friday, June 28.
Visit cooplive.com/events/32/definitely-maybe-30-years/liam-gallagher for tickets and information.
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