Liam Gallagher brings the Definitely Maybe 30 tour to Glasgow for the first of 2 sold-out nights at the OVO Hydro for a party that bridges the generations.
Oasis’ seminal debut, Definitely Maybe was one of the definitive albums of what was to be christened Britpop and in turn become an integral part of the music tapestry for an entire generation. In the intervening decades since, that generation have all grown up and started families, many of whom are here tonight, it’s a real family affair. This leads very nicely to the opening act, Villanelle, fronted by one Gene Gallagher.
It was a brave choice given the inevitable cries of nepotism from the media, but what father wouldn’t want to give his son a wee leg-up? So the big question is were they worthy of such a prestigious platform? They’re still very much in their infancy as a band but they get a fantastic reception from the rapidly filling arena with their psychedelic indie rock striking all the right chords. Look forward to hearing more from this band and pretty sure it was a proud dad moment.
In case it had escaped anyone’s notice, there was a very large football shaped elephant in the room tonight. When these dates were announced it was a facepalm moment for many as the date clashed with Scotland’s second game in the European Championships. So it’s either a testament to the loyalty of Liam’s fanbase (or the lack of faith in the nation’s footballing prowess) that tonight’s show still sold out in no time.
The View had the unenviable task of coming on stage just as the big game kicked off. Kyle Falconer was his usual bundle of energy, running through a real crowd pleasing set until the miracle happened – Scotland had scored! (technically, Switzerland scored but in the wrong goal! – Ed). Cue a passionate rendition of Flower of Scotland that will live long in the memory!
The massive screens on stage switched to displaying 2024 and so began the countdown back to 1994 and a chance to relive the glory days of Oasis and their seminal debut. I was lucky enough to see Oasis in 1994 and it was a raw and raucous affair. They were yet to go stratospheric but the sneering arrogance was there to back up the talent that was unquestioned.
As the countdown finally takes us back to DM-day, the stage lights up, a set based around the iconic album sleeve – a globe, palm trees and flamingos plu backing singers and a string section, it’s clearly this is going to be a much more polished production than back in those heady days of 94.
If one song personifies Liam Gallagher it’s got to be Rock ’n’ Roll Star, just as it was a statement of intent on the album, it places a marker of the intensity for the rest of the show. Standing at the mic stand, hands clasped behind his back in his trademark style, Liam is giving it everything. The band have enough strings onstage stage to rival the Foo Fighters so the sound is huge.
Having seen Liam perform a few times over the years, and all due respect to his solo output, but, short of Oasis actually reforming, this show delivers exactly what everyone ever really wants – namely a greatest hits set, sans anything from What’s the Story Morning Glory, the crown jewels, normally saved for his encores.
As advertised, the setlist is pulled from the album but there’s a few oddities and B-sides that Liam conveniently ‘found under the bed’ or ‘lying around the garden shed’- glad he had a tidy up! These included the wonderful Half the World Away which I’m sure brought back warm memories of ‘The Royal Family’ to many of the older and wiser audience members. The aforementioned crown jewels are never more than a track away so the intensity never drops. Columbia is followed by Shakermaker, Digsy’s Diner, Fade Away – all triggering mass sing-alongs which, with the accompanying visuals on the big screens make it all-consuming!
Cigarettes and Alcohol ignites scenes of bedlam – a seething mass of bodies scream along to this anthem to self-abuse – although many clearly decided to part company with their beers as the vocals kicked in – not sure the Met office forecast frequent showers of beer (at least I hope it was beer) in Glasgow.
Finishing off the main set with Married with Children. Liam commiserates with us about our useless national football team – they drew with mighty Switzerland… ‘that’s all right init?’. If only he knew!
Encore time and we get 3 tracks which have become omnipresent over the last 30 years – Supersonic, Slide Away and the sublime Live Forever, a plea for better times ahead – here’s hoping! I am the Walrus, the only cover of the night brings the night to a close in chaotic fashion.
The show had been a perfect blend of past and present, a celebration of music that’s stood the test of time. Here’s to more nights like this and I do hope that the legacy of Definitely Maybe continues to inspire and connect generations. Nice one!
Words & pictures: Calum Mackintosh @ayecandyphotography