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The first performance of the Liam Gallagher and John Squire tour is packed with dedicated fans who would listen to the two rock’n’roll icons play any song. However, the loyalty of these fans is tested as the Oasis singer and Stone Roses guitarist open with the psychedelic and energetic track, Just Another Rainbow, which consists of Gallagher listing different colors.
The self-titled album, which is currently the top album in the UK, combines the rough confidence of Gallagher with the smooth songwriting of Squire, and adds a touch of 60s rock and Britpop nostalgia. It is clear that the two musicians have a complementary partnership, but unfortunately, their chemistry does not translate as well on stage. They barely acknowledge each other and miss the chance to play off their contrasting personalities.
Supported by well-known session players, the album features major Gallagher-style sing-alongs and impressive guitar solos by Squire, giving it a polished and festival-ready feel. Tracks like the bluesy “I’m a Wheel” are finely-tuned to provide the perfect soundtrack for drinking in the sun. It’s entertaining to hear Gallagher delivering Squire’s typically quiet lyrics, including the biting line, “Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, and fuck you too!” It’s a crowd-pleaser, with fans enthusiastically raising their middle fingers in response.
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However, Gallagher had previously stated that this tour would not feature any songs from his former bands, Oasis or Stone Roses, as he deemed them “uncool”. This posed the question of how they would fill an hour-long set. As a solution, they ended the show with a cover of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”, highlighting the lackluster energy in most of their joint material. This left fans audibly disappointed as the house lights came on a mere 50 minutes into the show.
It’s a special experience to see two iconic musicians perform in a small venue, but even though tickets sold out quickly, tonight’s show lacks the charm and showmanship that a more intimate setting deserves. Gallagher’s powerful voice reaches the back rows without much conversation to engage the audience, and Squire is completely focused on his beautiful yet laborious guitar solos, disregarding the microphone placed in front of him. The well-rehearsed band sounds great, as expected, but the entire evening feels like a warm-up for larger festival stages, with their devoted fans bearing the cost.
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Liam Gallagher and John Squire will be performing at the Civic in Wolverhampton on March 14, O2 City Hall in Newcastle upon Tyne on March 18, and O2 Apollo Manchester on March 20 and 21. Their UK tour will continue until March 26.
Source: theguardian.com
