Liam Gallagher’s final night at the O2 Arena was a cacophony of nostalgia, bravado, and pure rock ‘n’ roll bliss. Let’s be honest; in the pantheon of rock icons, few can swagger like Liam. He’s the last of a dying breed—a rock star who doesn’t just walk the walk but struts it with a perpetual sneer and a parka that looks like it’s survived the Gallagher brothers’ infamous rows.
The Definitely Maybe tour is a celebration of an album that, for many, defined the ’90s. For those of us who grew up in the Britpop era, this tour is less about music and more about reclaiming our youth. And Gallagher knows this. He’s not just singing songs; he’s resurrecting an era. Every chord of “Supersonic” and every lyric of “Live Forever” is a time machine back to a decade when our biggest worry was which Gallagher brother would storm off stage next.
The O2 Arena, that monolithic testament to modern entertainment, was packed to the rafters with fans eager to relive the glory days of Britpop. The discomfort of standing for hours was worth it for a setlist that reads like a greatest hits album. Gallagher, never one to mince words, kicked off with “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star,” a song that’s less about rock and roll and more about Gallagher’s personal brand of cosmic ego. And we loved it.
The highlight, of course, was the full performance of Definitely Maybe. Let’s not kid ourselves, this album is the Holy Grail for Oasis fans. Tracks like “Up in the Sky” and “Cigarettes & Alcohol” were played with an intensity that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly raw. Gallagher’s voice, that iconic nasal drawl, was as sharp as ever. If anything, age has added a layer of gravel that suits the music’s anthemic quality.
But it wasn’t just the music. Gallagher’s banter, a mix of Mancunian charm and outright mockery, was on full display. At one point, he addressed the constant fan requests to mix up the setlist, cheekily warning, “Careful what you wish for,” before launching into a rare treat. He played “Lock All the Doors,” a track that Noel wrote as a demo in 1994 but never completed until it was reconfigured by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds in 2014. It felt like a bit of an olive branch moment, acknowledging his brother’s influence and talent amidst their ongoing feud.
A particularly memorable moment was when Liam dedicated “Cigarettes & Alcohol” to Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl. Just before launching into the 1994 anthem, he told the crowd, “Right then you f***ing lunatics. This one’s for the one and only Dave Grohl.” Grohl was spotted in the crowd, rocking out and later showing up in a photo with Liam on Twitter. It was a perfect blend of rock ‘n’ roll camaraderie and Gallagher’s trademark bravado.
Now, it seems that talent runs in the family as Gallagher’s son Gene is making his mark on the music scene with his latest band, Villanelle. While Villanelle currently doesn’t have official music released, their live performances hint at a Britpop influence reminiscent of Oasis, with a touch of ’90s grunge. The band opened the night, bringing a fresh yet familiar energy to the stage. Watching the younger Gallagher perform, you couldn’t help but wonder if musical genius runs in the family or if it’s just the Gallagher swagger that’s inherited. Either way, Villanelle’s performance was a promising start to an evening steeped in musical legacy.
The second supporting act of the night, Cast, brought a nostalgic Britpop atmosphere to the table. I had completely missed these guys back in the day as they never really broke in the States, but now I quickly realized I should have become a fan much sooner. Opening with their iconic track “Sandstorm,” they immediately captured the audience’s attention and set the perfect tone for the evening. Their infectious energy and classic hits like “Alright” and “Walkaway” ensured the crowd was thoroughly warmed up and ready for a night of rock ‘n’ roll bliss. Cast’s vibrant performance was a powerful reminder of the enduring appeal of the Britpop era, playing a crucial role in the concert’s journey through the golden age of ’90s British rock.
The crowd was rowdy, to say the least, with full pints slinging through the air. At one point, the guy next to me got hit dead on with a full pint (mind you, these are £9 pints). He turned to me and said, “That’s the Manchester crowd.” It was a moment that perfectly encapsulated the night—chaotic, messy, and utterly unforgettable.
By the time Liam closed with “I Am the Walrus,” it felt like a communal catharsis. We weren’t just reliving our youth; we were reclaiming it. In a world where music often feels pre-packaged and sanitized, Gallagher’s raw, unapologetic style is a breath of fresh, albeit slightly boozy, air. The Definitely Maybe tour isn’t just a concert series; it’s a reminder of what rock ‘n’ roll is meant to be—loud, brash, and unashamedly fun. So here’s to Liam, the man who made us all feel like rock ‘n’ roll stars, if only for a night.
VILLANELLE
CAST
LIAM GALLAGHER
