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The first night of the tour featuring Liam Gallagher and John Squire is packed with dedicated fans who would happily listen to the two rock’n’roll icons play anything, even a phonebook. However, the loyalty of these fans is put to the test, as Gallagher belts out the colors on the psychedelic and energetic song, Just Another Rainbow.
The album titled “UK No 1” is a blend of Gallagher’s bold attitude and Squire’s smooth songwriting, infused with elements of 60s rock and Britpop nostalgia. While the two artists complement each other in the recording studio, their onstage chemistry seems to lack, as they barely acknowledge each other and miss chances to showcase their contrasting personalities.
Supported by experienced session players, the album features robust Gallagher-style refrains and impressive electric guitar solos from Squire, creating a well-refined and stage-ready sound. With tracks like the bluesy “I’m a Wheel” feeling perfectly crafted to accompany cold beers on a sunny day, this record is sure to please festival-goers. It’s also entertaining to hear Squire’s lyrics delivered by Gallagher, like when he sneers “Thank you for the well wishes and prayers, and screw you too!” as fans excitedly raise their middle fingers in response.
However, Gallagher had previously cautioned that this tour would not feature any original songs from Oasis or Stone Roses because he considered it to be cheesy. This leaves the question of how they would fill an entire hour of performance time. As if to answer this question, they played a cover of Jumpin’ Jack Flash which served as both a time-filler and the finale. This further emphasized the lack of energy in the joint material of Gallagher and Squire, resulting in audible disappointment from fans who had only been watching the show for around 50 minutes.
Witnessing two iconic musicians headline in a small venue should be a special experience, but tickets (£65 pre-fees) sold out immediately. However, the lack of personality and showmanship overshadowed the intimacy of the setting. Despite Gallagher’s powerful vocals and Squire’s skilled solos, there was minimal interaction with the audience. While the band sounded impressive, the overall atmosphere felt more like a dress rehearsal for larger festival stages, with the most dedicated fans footing the bill.
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On March 14th, Liam Gallagher and John Squire will perform at the Civic in Wolverhampton. They will also be performing at the O2 City Hall in Newcastle upon Tyne on March 18th and at the O2 Apollo Manchester on March 20th and 21st. The UK tour will continue until March 26th.
Source: theguardian.com
