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Live Video Stream: Noel Gallagher @ Melkweg , Amsterdam - Tonight
TTo celebrate Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' first tour of Europe Noel's label Sour Mash Records have arranged for a video feed of the band's gig at Amsterdam's Melkweg later today to be streamed online live from the venue.
Noel Gallagher: Paul McCartney : True Gentleman - The F#ckin Daddy
From Noel Gallagher's 'Tales from the middle of nowhere' tour diary.
'I'm like a small boy when shit like that happens.'
Yes comrades… where were we?
The match? Well, it ended in a draw. A fair result in the end. We should have won it, but on the other hand we could have lost it.
The Scousers on the firm were getting a bit too vocal about it for my liking, then again there was a coffee AND a biscuit riding on it so I understand their anxiety!!
Mario had a mad 20 minutes. He came, he saw, he ran around a bit, he got sent off!!! Par for the course with that lad. We still love him though. Well done to the boys for seeing it through.
From there we went straight to some arena or other to see Paul McCartney. Somewhat predictably he was mega… as always. He's got ALL the tunes, innit!!! Actually managed to get to say hello to him before the show!! What a treat. I'm like a small boy when shit like that happens. And he's a true gentleman. The fuckin' daddy!
And to the gig… my gig. Just got back from it actually. A special night. These Italian kids really do know how to get the hairs on your neck to stand up. And they ARE just kids, most of 'em. I don't mind telling you it got a bit emotional in places. Birds crying, and that!! Didn't make for the best singing I've ever done but… y'know, I apologise for that. Just my blimmin' luck it was going out LIVE on TV… Bugger… Oh well… It was a great night, all the same.
Off to Amsterdam tomorrow. A day off. Now there was a time when that was a recipe for Armageddon. Gladly those days are well behind us (I say "us", what I mean is "me").
Them Dutch are a bit more reserved. Or are they just shit-faced on some psychedelic greenery, or other? A bit of both, I expect.
Anyway, gotta go… Arrivederci, as the natives say.
From Noel Gallagher's 'Tales from the middle of nowhere' tour diary.
So… the gig in Madrid?
Bar some fuckin' annoying technical difficulties it was great. Really great. Couldn't have been anyone in the crowd over 25!! Sang their blimmin' hearts out, they did.
So we're on the way to Milan today. Got a mega day off lined up. Man City play Liverpool this evening. My people in Milan have sorted out somewhere to watch it live. Should be a laugh. Got a few Liverpool supporters on the firm so it's given it a bit more spice than usual. Been a bit of bravado from the Scousers. So much so that my bass player (a Scouser) has bet my security guard (a righteous super blue) that Liverpool win. And the bet? A coffee and a biscuit!!!!! Coffee and a biscuit??? Fuck me…
Now, the gig then? Well as luck would have it none other than Paul McCartney is playing in Milan tonight!! What a result.
This has the makings of a great, great day. I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow...
Check out the 'Ride The Tiger' video trilogy from Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds featuring new UK single 'If I Had A Gun...' plus 'The Death Of You And Me' and 'AKA... What A Life!'. The trilogy also includes exclusive additional footage.
Liam Gallagher didn't waste any time starting a new band when Oasis called it quits after one last brawl with his brother Noel backstage in Paris in 2009. "It took about four beers," he says, confidence unscathed. Beady Eye (which also includes Oasis guitarists Andy Bell and Gem Archer and drummer Chris Sharrock) released its first album, "Different Gear, Still Speeding," earlier this year. The group plays Friday at the Regency Ballroom.
Q: You're playing clubs again. Is it hard going back after you performed in every major arena in the world with Oasis?
A: Not at all. I would much rather be in Oasis, but that wasn't to be. I'm not going to stop making music just because Noel isn't going to be in a band with me. I've already been in one of the biggest bands in the world. Some of the times are good and some are s-. It's all about being happy, and I'm having a good time right now being in Beady Eye.
Q: How is the new stuff going over live? "Bring the Light" must sound like the apocalypse.
A: It's like the Pistols with a piano.
Q: You're not playing any Oasis songs. Isn't it a bit like Paul McCartney going out and just playing "Pipes of Peace"?
A: I could if I wanted to play it, but we started out this band saying we're not going to play those songs. We're going to stick with it. It's a lot more than can be said by Noel Gallagher. He'll never know if people are coming to hear him or Oasis. We're getting people who want to see Beady Eye. That, to me, is success.
Q: Do you regret that you and Noel can't work things out?
A: No, I don't want to work anything out. He took the ball and left. The reason we split up is I'm not on his payroll. He could sack everyone else in the band, but he couldn't do that with me. I told him how f- it was and the only way for him to go was leaving the band. So he left. I don't miss being in a band with Noel. I actually like who I am and what I stand for. He's a bit of a social chameleon. He wouldn't look out of place in Coldplay's band.
Q: What are your ambitions this time around? Do you want Beady Eye to play Knebworth in five years?
A: I want to make Beady Eye as big as possible. I want to turn on kids in Uruguay, L.A. and Manchester. I'm not taking my foot off the gas. {sbox}
Noel's Back In Europe After Mega San Francisco Show
From Noel Gallagher's 'Tales from the middle of nowhere' tour diary.
Yes comrades…
So, where were we?
That last gig in San Francisco was mega. It might even have been the best one so far!! Almighty atmosphere. Thanks to everyone for coming out.
Been back in London the last few days. Great to see The Mighty I… Bunny Dread… Irie Nancy and that blimmin' cat.
Jet lag's a killer though. Was up at 4am every night since I got back. Been catching up on the football though so every cloud, eh?
Did that Jools Holland programme for the 1st time in 16 years last Tuesday… SIXTEEN YEARS!!!!! That's outrageous, I cannot believe it's been that long. We was on with them Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bjork and a load of other people I'd never heard of. It was good though. I enjoyed being back.
You find me in Madrid. Dunno what this hotel is called but it's very modern and very hi-tech. Had to get a guy to come up to my room last night to show me how to work the fuckin' remote control for the bastard telly!!! Don't laugh, you would've struggled with it too.
Some fans outside the hotel before were not much older than my 11 year old daughter!! Proper kids… A bit disconcerting to say the least.
Kasabian on Oasis: They were One Offs, A Phenomenon
Kasabian wouldn't ask Noel Gallagher to join their band because he would "dictate everything".
Former Oasis guitarist Noel recently said he would have loved to join the 'Days are Forgotten' band if they had asked, but singer Tom Meighan isn't sure his personality would fir with the rest of the group.
He said: "Nah, he'd dictate everything too much. Seriously, he would have been f***ing brilliant, but he has his own thing going on now."
Noel is now frontman of solo project Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, and currently touring the US. He recently admitted he is particularly fussy to tour with, especially when it comes to keeping things clean, saying a stray banana skin "would not last 10 f***ing seconds on my tour bus."
Tom's bandmate, Serge Pizzorno, added while he may not be a good member of Kasabian, they're still good friends with Noel.
He said: "We're good mates, so we could wheel him out no problem."
However, Tom plays down any comparisons between them and Oasis, saying they have the "same spirit," but are very different as bands.
He added to Shortlist magazine: "They were one offs. A phenomenon."
From the Oasis Video Vault: The Conan Sound Checks
Live4ever.us premiered these 2 videos of Oasis' closed door sound check for Conan back in 2002. They are part of an exclusive half hour sound check video tape. It is believed that it was the first time Noel was recorded on video sound checking these two Beatles songs.
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds gig in Amsterdam to be Video Streamed Live
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds are heading to Europe this weekend to play their first gigs on the continent. To celebrate Noel's label Sour Mash Records have arranged for a video feed of the band's gig at Amsterdam's Melkweg on 30th November to be streamed online live from the venue.
Well, this shouldn’t be too hard. After all, popular consensus states that Oasis were life-changing, then dog-shit, and surely all I have to do is fellate the first two albums, flagellate ‘Be Here Now’, file my copy and hide under the bed while the online lynch mob debates whether to play ping-pong with my bollocks or just stamp on them (I’d prefer they were turned into furry novelty earrings, if I get any say in the matter…).
And yet, here I am: sat up at midnight, head spinning, tongue lolling like a confused bulldog, so tired that Bonehead appears to be playing a giant doorkey on the cover of ‘Be Here Now’, shuffling the Gallaghers’ seven studio albums on my coffee table like some low-rent Louis Walsh before the ‘X Factor’ Live Finals. Jesus, this is agony. If only Sinitta were here to help break the deadlock…
Album quantification is not an exact science. I’m not wearing a lab coat and I can’t analyse these songs on a molecular level, like the bloke from the Oral B advert. All I can give is my blinkered, biased, best-to-worst countdown of a band that changed my life. After we’ve done that, I’d love to hear your take.
1. ‘Definitely Maybe’ (1994)
Definitely Maybe With all that said, this decision was a piece of piss. While most ’90s indie bands had a tacit agreement – “Let’s kick off with a shit debut, then we’ll get cracking…” – Oasis burst out of the blocks fully formed, with attitude, chemistry, pull quotes, a healthy contempt for Phil Collins and a Parka pocketful of perfect songs.
Strange to think of it now, but on ‘Definitely Maybe’, Noel actually had something to say, and when he fused dole queue manifestos like ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Star’ to heaven-scraping melodies and Liam’s spit-and-sawdust vocal, the results sounded like the voice of God. ‘Supersonic’, ‘Slide Away’, ‘Columbia’, ‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’… circa ’94, Oasis were pissing out classics like a man with a golden cock.
Granted, there are two tracks you always skip (‘Up In The Sky’ and ‘Bring It On Down’) and one lasagne-fixated abortion that’s as irritating as crabs on a tourbus (hang your head, ‘Digsy’s Dinner’). But let’s not split hairs. ‘Definitely Maybe’ is as good as rock ‘n’ roll gets.
2. ‘What’s The Story (Morning Glory)’ (1995)
What’s The Story (Morning Glory) I struggle with ‘Morning Glory’ these days. Blunted by too many jukeboxes and wedding discos, listening to this second album now feels a bit like watching Del Boy fall through the bar: I buy into it, but only because society demands it. For me, it’s become cultural wallpaper, and it’s got a few skid-marks, too, like the turgid ‘Hey Now!’ and the caveman clatter of ‘Roll With It’. I even considered bumping it for ‘The Masterplan’, until I consulted with my inner ’90s schoolboy and he set me straight: “What the fuck? We loved this! Put it as #2, you raging twat!”
He’s got a point. Suspend your cynicism, wipe away the suffocating context, approach these 12 songs with virgin ears, and ‘Morning Glory’ is still a staggeringly good record. From the knockout one-two of ‘Wonderwall’ and ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’, through the haunted strum of ‘Cast No Shadow’, right up to the lapping tide of ‘Champagne Supernova’, these are unofficial national anthems that soundtracked a generation’s coming-of-age. In fact, I’ll stick my neck out and argue it’s the last time that an album – or a band – truly changed British culture.
3. ‘The Masterplan’ (1998)
The Masterplan Advice to fledgling songwriters on a white-hot creative streak: don’t spunk away your youth anthems as b-sides. Your fire will die. Your muse will wither. Before you know it, you’ll be singing about magic pies and wondering why you buried that bristling call-and-response duet with your brother. You may have gathered that I have a tricky relationship with ‘The Masterplan’. I suspect Noel does too. Sure, as those early singles swung in like wrecking balls, it seemed thrillingly cocksure to toss gems like ‘Acquiesce’, ‘Talk Tonight’ and ‘Fade Away’ away as flips, but by the time this compilation arrived in ’98, it came laced with forehead-slapping frustration that Noel didn’t hold them back for a great third album.
4. ‘Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants’ (2000)
Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants In a recent NME blog, I posited the theory that ‘Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants’ is not the musical colonic irrigation implied by its sales figures and critical standing. Some people agreed. Many didn’t. Some felt I should have been throttled at birth with my own umbilical cord. Whatever: I still rate this fourth album, from the loping groove of ‘Go Let It Out’ to the cold-sweat atmospherics of ‘Gas Panic’. Even ‘Little James’ has a certain so-shit-it’s-funny charm.
5. ‘Don’t Believe The Truth’ (2005)
Don’t Believe The Truth Like Quentin Tarantino, TFI Friday and Hooch, by 2005, I had Oasis down as something that should never have crossed the millennial boundary line. They threw me for a loop with ‘Don’t Believe The Truth’: a sixth album that had some blood and thunder, with ‘Lyla’ shaking off the dust and ‘The Importance Of Being Idle’ relocating Noel’s mojo for the first time in years. I wouldn’t quite trumpet it as a Return To Form!, but when someone’s been kicking you in the balls for years, it’s a relative relief when they just slap you in the face, and ‘Don’t Believe The Truth’ was a decisive step in the right direction.
6. ‘Be Here Now’ (1997)
Be Here Now We came. We queued. We paid. And all for this: an overcooked dog’s dinner knocked up by five dusty-nosed egotists and a producer who approached his craft with all the grace of a man overfilling a sausage. After an initial music press starburst, ‘Be Here Now’ quickly became indie’s favourite whipping boy, for its slack songs, its gaudy production and its ice-age duration, and these days it sits cowering on the naughty step, covered in critical pinpricks, with its hands over its bloated face. To be honest, I’m not angry with this album anymore, just disappointed. It’s the end of Noel’s imperious early run and the bellyflop that launched a tsunami of duds.
7. ‘Heathen Chemistry’ (2002)
Heathen Chemistry I never liked Oasis as a songwriting democracy and ‘Heathen Chemistry’ was a four-way fuck-up. Noel waded through treacle on ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ and made us dry-heave with ‘She Is Love’. Liam briefly raised hopes that he was a Dylan-esque genius with ‘Songbird’, before revealing that, no, he wasn’t, with ‘Born On A Different Cloud’. Gem Archer and Andy Bell’s efforts go off like damp fireworks. In summary, then, ‘Heathen Chemistry’ is very nearly abysmal, and with The Strokes and The Libertines tearing it up circa 2002, you’d have been certifiably insane to waste time with this rock dinosaur’s dump.
8. ‘Dig Out Your Soul’ (2008)
Dig Out Your Soul I’m aware that some press and punters saw ‘Dig Out Your Soul’ as a late return to form, and I’m honestly not trying to stir the shit by handing it the wooden spoon. Personally, I hated this album. Actually, ‘hate’ is too strong a word, implying some kind of emotional response or a quickening of the pulse. I was merely bored by the valium grooves of ‘Falling Down’, the death-march cod-Lennon-isms of ‘I’m Outta Time’ and the half-arsed psychedelic toe-dip of ‘To Be Where There’s Life’. Every other Oasis album has at least one song that stops me feeding it to the bargain bucket. ‘Dig Out Your Soul’ is dead to me.
Watch Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds on Jools Holland tonight
Tonight, 22:00 on BBC Two and BBC HD (UK Only)
Joining Jools on this last programme in the current series are: LA's own alternative rock/funk superstars Red Hot Chili Peppers with songs from their tenth studio album I'm With You, and Iceland's biggest musical export Bjork with pieces from her newest album Biophilia. The album began as a true interactive experience and combined music with technological innovation and themes of science and nature, and was the first-ever 'app album'. It has also now surfaced as a traditional release.
Also in the studio, from Burnage, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds with songs from his debut album, which made it to number one in the UK album chart.
Making their TV debuts on the show are East London's answer to The Strokes, Spector, who perform a couple of their sparkly pop tunes, and also from London, Michael Kiwanuka, a 23-year-old son of Ugandan immigrants whose sound has been compared to Bill Withers and Van Morrison.
Completing the series, from Nashville, singer songwriter Gillian Welch, joined by her musical partner and guitarist Dave Rawlings on a couple of songs from her album The Harrow and the Harvest.
An extra show will be broadcast on Friday with more songs from the artists.
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds announce more UK dates
Earlier this month we announced that Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' 2012 tour of UK and Ireland had sold out and that due to very high demand for tickets the band were looking to add more dates.
www.NoelGallagher.com is pleased to announce that these extra shows have now been arranged. The band's confirmed UK tour dates, including the extra shows, now are:
13th Feb 12 - MANCHESTER, Manchester Evening News Arena - SOLD OUT 14th Feb 12 - ABERDEEN, P&J Arena **NEW DATE** 16th Feb 12 - BELFAST, Odyssey Arena - GET TICKETS: Artist Ticket Link // Ticketmaster 17th Feb 12 - DUBLIN, The O2 - SOLD OUT 19th Feb 12 - SHEFFIELD, Motorpoint Arena **NEW DATE** 23rd Feb 12 - NEWCASTLE, Metro Radio Arena - SOLD OUT 24th Feb 12 - GLASGOW, SECC Hall 4 - SOLD OUT 26th Feb 12 - LONDON, The O2 - SOLD OUT 01st Mar 12 - BIRMINGHAM, NIA - SOLD OUT 17th July 12 - EDINBURGH, Edinburgh Castle **NEW DATE** 04th Sept 12 - BOURNEMOUTH, BIC **NEW DATE** 06th Sept 12 - LIVERPOOL, Echo Arena **NEW DATE** 09th Sept 12 - CARDIFF, Motorpoint Arena **NEW DATE** 10th Sept 12 - NOTTINGHAM, Capital FM Arena **NEW DATE**
Tickets for the gigs go on sale at 9am on Friday 25th November through www.NoelGallagher.com but there will be an exclusive pre-sale available for UK fans signed up to the website's mailing list from Wednesday. If you're not already registered you can do it HERE! Pre-sale details will be emailed out to fans Tuesday evening.
From Noel Gallagher's 'Tales from the middle of Nowhere' tour diary
Yes comrades…
The Royce Hall was / is yet another stunning theatre type thing on the UCLA campus. Two pretty good nights. Strange crowd though. Quite lively the first night, and dead as Dodos the 2nd!!! Why is that? Fuck knows… Very odd though.
Did some interview with CBS Morning News… saying that, it could've been NBC Morning News. Dunno, can't remember. I'd be amazed if either of their viewership had a clue who I was. The interviewer went by the name of Ben Tracy… Ben Tracy?? Wasn't he in the Thunderbirds? He did have some bloody good questions though (that's not sarcasm, by the way).
Was good to be back in Los Angeles. I've grown to love that place. I used to hate it. Didn't get it for years, I like it now though… A sure sign one is getting older, I guess!!
Now, I don't know whether you've seen a story that's doing the rounds about me being offered the job of penning the tune for the new James Bond film? Apparently I'm being courted by "007 bosses"!!!!! A meeting will be "taking place in the next few days"!!!! With some guy called "Michael G. Wilson" (whoever he is)!!! A "source" says, "nothing has been signed or made official"!!!! Of course it fuckin' hasn't!!!!!! Who IS this fuckin' "source"? Has he been on the "sauce"? Bizarre indeed.
You currently find me in San Francisco. Just soundchecked at the Orpheum Theatre.
It's the last night of this particular leg of this particular American tour. Flying home tomorrow. Can't wait. There's shit going on back there and I need to be getting involved in it.
And The Other Shoe Drops...Noel Gallagher at The Beacon Theater, NYC
(Archive Photo)
Act 1:
Once upon a time in the magical decade of the 1990s, Liam and his elder brother Noel, a pair of lads from Manchester, had a band called Oasis. Oasis turned out to be rather popular with kids on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, and all around the world for that matter. The lads from Manchester sold millions of records and played gigs to packed houses in every part of the world. Everybody lived happily ever after. Except they didn’t. See, there was a dark side to the Oasis fairytale, a dark side that would eventually lead to the breakup of the band. Liam and Noel could not get along. There were constant quarrels, and after a well publicized backstage fight in the Fall of 2009, Noel stormed out of the band. Oasis was done.
Act 2:
To be honest, I’m still not 100% convinced that the Oasis split isn’t anything more than some brilliantly evil marketing strategy. Especially with all this talk of a 20th Anniversary (What’s The Story?) Morning Glory reunion tour in the air, there’s a part of me that can’t help thinking that this all some elaborate theatrical performance. Maybe I’m just being cynical. Nah, couldn’t be that.
In any case, both brothers decided to continue. Liam and the other members of Oasis formed a new band called Beady Eye, released an album and went on tour. It wasn’t half bad. I still think the Beady Eye record ranks up there with any of the later period Oasis records. It’s a raucous good time. Noel took a bit of a break and then began work on not one but two solo albums, the first of which dropped in the UK last month and in the states a little over a week ago. Noel then went on tour in support of the record.
As I mentioned above, I like the Beady Eye record. I also like the Noel Gallagher record. This is music, not Twilight, so I don’t think there’s any need for Team Liam and Team Noel bullshit. And though I can’t help thinking that Beady Eye wound up with the style of Oasis and Noel walked away with the substance, I still think I would have preferred one album from both camps with the six best Beady Eye songs and the six best Noel Gallagher songs. That would’ve been a hell of a record. Oh well. The 2015 Oasis reunion tour isn’t all that far off. Having said that, I have to admit that it’s difficult to review either of these records in isolation. The temptation to compare the two is overwhelming. And I’ve never been all that good at resisting temptation.
One thing that strikes me about Noel’s High Flying Birds’ record, however, is how much it doesn’t sound like Oasis. This is a bit surprising considering how much of the Oasis catalog was penned by Noel (see all the good Oasis songs), and that some of the songs on the record began life as songs intended for past Oasis records. The Beady Eye record, on the other hand, sounded like Oasis, a large part of which is certainly due to the presence of Liam’s voice, easily the most readily identifiable element in the Oasis mix. While Noel’s voice is not nearly as distinctive as Liam’s, the guy can still belt out a melody, and his songwriting chops are top notch. Some of the material may sound a little more somber and introspective than we’ve grown accustomed to hearing from the Oasis lads, but the majority of the album is still squarely grounded in the anthemic arena rock that propelled Oasis into the stratosphere. In any case, if there’s a place for a songwriter to get in touch with his self-indulgent side, a solo record is the place to do it. I still think I like the Beady Eye record better, though. There’s a little more rock in Beady Eye’s rock n’ roll than is found in Noel’s solo effort. Nevertheless, I was looking forward to seeing and hearing how Noel would pull these songs off in a live setting.
They may not be in the same band anymore, but Liam and Noel Gallagher, Oasis’s eternally warring brothers, can’t help but compete. No sooner had Noel released a debut album with the High Flying Birds than Liam was touring the UK with his band Beady Eye, culminating in this performance at the O2 Brixton Academy in London.
The verbal volleys continue unabated between the two in the press, but Noel’s currently laughing loudest — Noel Gallagher and the High Flying Birds reached number one in the charts, trumping Beady Eye’s Different Gear, Still Speeding (released in March), which peaked at number three. And on this evidence, Liam has some work to do to catch his older brother up.
Despite comprising four-fifths of the most recent Oasis incarnation, Beady Eye are actually a more exciting, musically diverse beast than their former band had latterly been. Elements of blues, rockabilly and 1960s West Coast pop are incorporated into their songs — alongside the staple of post-Beatles pastiche — and in Liam Gallagher, they have one of the most charismatic frontmen in rock.
Yet the band cut uneasy figures on stage. Gallagher’s backers were like mop-topped mannequins, stationary and uninterested. The singer gamely attempted to distract from the inertia behind him, affecting his distinctive pose at the microphone, but the swagger often seemed at half mast.
While Gallagher’s bulldog bravado was manifest when the band kicked off with Four Letter Word, he looked miffed rather than menacing as a beer missile — one of many inexplicably hurled around the venue throughout — whizzed tantalisingly past him, spraying his trademark green parka. “Are you still miserable?” he asked at one point. It was an uncomfortable sight.
In the absence of any meaningful stage presence, the bludgeoning approach of the rockier tunes felt flat. Instead, it was those songs which prioritised Gallagher’s ever-potent throaty whine which delivered the set’s best moments. The jangly, La’s-esque For Anyone and bar-room blues stomp of Bring the Light were welcome relief from the muddier, overdriven fare.
Meanwhile, the toe-tapping, sun-kissed swing of Millionaire — comfortably the group’s strongest song — bore a subtlety of vocal and melody not often associated with Gallagher junior.
The band’s last worthwhile effort (before a handful of forgettable would-be Hey Judes and a lukewarm encore) was The Beat Goes On. “Someday all the world will sing my song” bellowed Gallagher. For now a third of the Brixton Academy will have to do. One doubts Noel is quaking in his boots.
Noel Gallagher on Dogs, Fans, Tabloid TV and Royalty
From Noel Gallagher's Tales from the middle of Nowhere tour diary
Yes comrades… What up?
Well, they were 2 great nights at the Beacon in NYC. Yet another beautiful old theatre. Really stunning. Met some wildly enthusiastic fans. One or two were very intense. Someone actually squeezed my arm so much it fuckin' hurt!!
I met people from all over the blimmin' world and was introduced to a little dog called "NOEL", who had been "…named after you, man!!!!!!", the owner said by shouting at me… (Hmm… Thanks for that).
There was also a proper young lad down the front at one of the shows; I swear he couldn't have been more than 10 years old!! He was waving a little placard that said simply, "DREAM ON NOEL". I hope he was accompanied by a responsible adult.
Didn't get that messy in the end. My party wings have been well and truly clipped by this singing malarky… singing's rubbish!!!!
Landed at LAX last night and was pounced upon by one of those TV crews that hound celebrities. Not that I consider myself one of those types, but you know the kind of thing I'm on about, right?
Anyway, this tool was persisting in asking me silly questions. Here's an example…
“Do you like LA? What do you think of Katie Holmes? Did she give you the cold shoulder? What do you think of Tom Cruise???”
(For the record I FUCKIN' LOVE Tom Cruise.)
“What do you think of Scientology?” And bizarrely… “What do you think of Morrissey?... Is he the greatest ‘Man-chew-nion’ ever?”
Also, for the record, Frank Sidebottom is the greatest Mancunian ever.
I'm currently back at what has become a very familiar residence for me of late. I spent the best part of three months here while I was recording and mixing the HFB album. I met royalty here!! The King of Tonga, no less!!! An actual King!!! Have I told you this story?? It's too long to go into here, but I've dined out on it regularly.
The sun is shining. All is good.
See you at the gigs, if you're coming. They're at the Royce Hall. I'm on at 9. Do not be late.
Liam Gallagher Tells it Like it Is ( Live 105 San Francisco Interview )
Via DJ Miles
I just got off the phone with former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher. His new band, Beady Eye, will be performing at The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco on December 2nd (get tickets). We discussed their album Different Gear, Still Speading, the possibility of an Oasis reunion in 2015 and the famous LIVE 105/Oasis/Blur interview from the 90s. We also talked about some new music he likes and a huge band he doesn’t get at all. WARNING! CONTAINS VERY EXPLICIT LANGUAGE!
Noel Gallagher: I Am An Outsider Now And I Don't Mind That
DESPITE a solo album that went straight to No.1, Noel Gallagher thinks he's now a music business "outsider".
While the 44-year-old claims Oasis were at the "centre of the music world" he isn't bothered about his new status and is more interested in making music that lasts.
He said: "There was a point in the 90s that my music was at the centre of the music world but I am an outsider now and I don't mind that.
"It might be fun being on the outside for a while.
"Those days of selling millions of albums and being in the charts and all that, that was great.
"But I never thought it would last forever.
"And now it's kind of like I'll just try to make records that will last forever."
Noel walked out on Oasis in August 2009 after one last fight with brother Liam.
The younger Gallagher took the rest of Oasis and formed Beady Eye but their first album Different Gear, Still Speeding stalled at No.3 and many have criticised their sound as formulaic and a bit dull.
Not so Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. The self-titled album went straight to No.1 and was chock-full of the Oasis songwriter's familiar catchy tunes and soaring choruses.
Tunes like Aka...What a Life! and If I Had a Gun... became instant classics for Oasis fans.
While Beady Eye are still playing theatre venues with capacities ranging from 3000 to 4000, Noel has jumped to arenas and his Glasgow SECC Hall 4 gig on February 24, 2012, sold out the morning tickets went on sale in October.
No wonder, then, that Noel is still not missing his old band. He said: "I don't regret leaving the band. I regret leaving that night when there were a load of people in a field waiting for us to go and play. That wasn't very cool.
"But I don't regret leaving (Oasis) because it couldn't have gone on any longer."
As of this moment he isn't ready or willing to reform Oasis, despite Liam claiming they'll get back together in 2015 for the 20th anniversary of their second album (What's The Story) Morning Glory?
Noel has his usual clear way of summing up the brothers' relationship.
He said: "We were great friends until we kind of became famous or maybe before that, when we started the band.
"See, I never used to really see him or hang out with him because he was five years younger than me. Then the tension started but you know you get tension in bands anyway."
Although he felt Noel Gallagher was too boring a name for his solo career, a short November tour including a date at Edinburgh's Usher Hall proved he need not worry.
Of course, the key to Noel's continuing success is songwriting.
"Oasis was a big stadium rock band and it was great, I loved it - but High Flying Birds is more human sounding, it has more emotional reach.
"You know what I mean."
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds Confirmed at KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds have just confirmed their addition tothe second night of this year's KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas.
The two day festival, set to happen over the weekend of 10th-11th December, takes place at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles.
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds are set to perform on Sunday 11th
December, other acts confirmed for the day include Jane's Addiction,
The Black Keys and Mumford & Sons.
Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10am (local time) HERE!
For info on the festival head over to KROQ's website HERE!
Source: www.noelgallagher.com
Liam Gallagher Brands Brother Noel's Band "Boring"
Beady Eye frontman Liam Gallagher has said he is pleased with the positive reaction his estranged brother and former Oasis bandmate Noel Gallagher‘s debut solo album has enjoyed, but has also claimed the record has ‘no attitude’.
“It’s all right,” he told the Daily Telegraph. “I’m glad that people like it, man. He’s got good songs. No balls, though. No attitude. Everyone knows what Noel Gallagher can do, and it’s great, but it’s boring.”
From Noel Gallagher's Tales from the middle of Nowhere tour diary.
Yes droogs.
Just a quick one. Not much to report as, well, nothing's happened.
I just want to share with you something that happened to me in a clothes shop today in NYC.
So… I'm out shopping. Not looking for anything in particular. Just killing time. Enjoying the weather. (Very pleasant. Almost spring-like.)
I'm in some shop or other not showing much interest in the merchandise and the usual scenario starts to unfold. You know the one?
Shop assistant: "Hi… Can I help you with anything today?"
Me: "Erm… No thanks… I'm just looking."
(SO FAR, SO GOOD.)
Shop assistant: “Are you looking for anything in particular… A jacket? Some jeans? A sweater?”
Me: "… No thanks… I'm just looking."
Shop assistant: "How about these sneakers? These are really cool."
Me: "………" (Just a little stare.)
Shop assistant: "What size are you?"
Me: "40, if you must know."
Shop assistant: "Great, I'll go get you a pair."
Now at this point I would ordinarily wait 'til this idiot had wafted behind the curtain and leg it, but for some unknown reason I sat on a little leather stool and waited… and waited.
Just as I'm about to walk out he re-appears box in hand.
Shop assistant: "Here you go."
Me: "Thanks."
So, as luck would have it, they were too big. (Are my bastard feet shrinking now??)
Me: "Sorry mate, they're too big."
Shop assistant: "What? Really? The 40 is too big? Really?"
Me: "Really."
Then - with a straight face (and I'm not joking) - he said this...
"You know… Baggy shoes are very popular right now."
!!!!!!!!!!!
Me: "………" (Just a little stare.)
UN-FUCKIN-BELIEVABLE.
Now… I'm gonna be out of the game until Wednesday / Thursday. Some of my mates are in town and it's probably gonna get pretty messy.
Noel Gallagher Grossly Underestimated his Abilities as a Solo Performer
(photo: Live4ever)
Interview: Noel Gallagher talks guitars, gear and High Flying Birds
Plus songwriting, production, upcoming "psychedelic" record
His songs and performances are filled with grace and easy charm – a deceptively casual style that never calls attention to craft. Turns out, the Noel Gallagher one encounters during an interview is very much like the Noel Gallagher on record.
Never once during our conversation - taking place just two hours before he's to appear on stage in Philadelphia with his new band High Flying Birds - does it appear as though the singer-songwriter and guitarist is on auto-script, tossing out pre-planned, well-rehearsed answers. By turns direct, fresh, surprising (even to him, sometimes) and remarkably funny, Gallagher is, as ever, the real deal.
Clearly in a good mood, he admits that he's having a great time on this, his maiden tour as a solo artist. "I'm really enjoying it," he says. "I'm looking forward to every show. I thought that I would be lost in the middle of the stage, but I'm liking it. I can see a long open road in front of me. It turns out that I've grossly underestimated myself."
So far, his solo shows have met with the same glowing enthusiasm as his new album, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, and considering that the disc is one of 2011's best releases - a 10-song, first-listen winner that matches the highest highs of Oasis' Definitely Maybe and (What's The Story) Morning Glory? - that's saying something. Tracks like If I Had A Gun and (I Wanna Live In A Dream In My) Record Machine already play like classics, and the best kind of classics, too: alive, open-hearted, intelligent and endlessly transfixing.
Much has been made of Noel's split from Oasis and his fractured relationship with brother Liam (who now fronts the band Beady Eye) - too much, in fact - so in the following interview, MusicRadar decided to shift the focus to the things that matter most: musicianship, songwriting, production, guitars and gear.
There's something very distinctive about your guitar playing. All you have to do is strum the opening chords to If I Had A Gun or Wonderwall, and we know it's you.
"Really? Huh… Well, that's interesting! [laughs] To be honest, I don't consider myself a guitarist, so I don't sit around and think about the whole thing too much. I only try to think about the songs, you know? I've got my own style on the guitar, sure, and I play rhythm in a certain way, and I use certain inflections. People have said that to me, and I understand it. But I don't have any magic answers – I just do what I do.
"I tend not to play a lot of major chords. I think I drop the major notes and play fifths, you know what I mean? Again, it's nothing I spend a lot of time on. I try to play like myself, and I think I do. But I don't dwell on the whole aspect of guitar technique and stuff. I'm a songwriter."
You say you don't consider yourself a guitarist, but to many people you're more than that – you're a "guitar hero."
"Well, you know what? In Oasis, I was doing a completely different thing than what I'm doing now. I was playing lead guitar. And…I do miss that. I miss being at the end of the stage and just turning up my fucking amp as loud as possible and kissin' the sky. I do miss that, I have to say.
"What I'm doing now, yeah, it's different, so I have to rein in my natural urges to go for it. I'm part of the rhythm section now, so I've got to hold things down. I can't just go off on the guitar. But I'm enjoying that, really. I've got to say, I'm a much better rhythm guitarist than a lead guitarist."
Additional US Tour and TV Dates For Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
November 14, 2011 - NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS will return to the US in Spring next year launching their tour in Washington, DC on March 28th and make stops in Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee and Atlanta. Tickets for the spring tour go on sale November 18th.(Complete tour dates below) Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds are in the midst of a sold-out North American tour and a week into the release of their self titled debut album.
On November 8th, NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS was released in the US on Sour Mash/Mercury Records followed by their network television debut on The Late Show with David Letterman on November 10th. The band will make a special appearance on Conan on December 12th.
NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS was recorded in London and completed in Los Angeles during 2010 and the first half of 2011. The album was co-produced by Noel Gallagher and Dave Sardy, who produced the last Oasis album, Dig Out Your Soul (2008).
NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS went straight to the #1 spot in the United Kingdom, selling an impressive 240,000 & going Platinum in its first 3 weeks of release. Gallagher's debut solo album, which was released in Europe on October 18th, ranks among the highest selling debuts of 2011.
Beginning in August, with the UK debut of "The Death of You and Me", Gallagher has released a trilogy of videos including "If I Had a Gun" and culminating with an amazing video for Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds new UK single 'AKA... What A Life!'. The video was co-directed by Mike Bruce and Blake West, who worked with Noel on the video for 'The Death Of You And Me'. Filmed in California, Arizona and New Mexico, the video features an outrageous performance by actor / comedian Russell Brand.
NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS 2012 SPRING U.S. TOUR DATES
March 28 Washington,DC @ Warner Theatre
March 29 Columbus, OH @ LC Pavillion
March 31 Detroit, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
April 1 Chicago, IL @ The Riviera
April 3 Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theater
April 4 Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room
April 6 Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS REMAINING FALL U.S TOUR DATES
To mark Noel Gallagher's highly anticpated shows at the Beacon Theater, NYC (11/14 & 11/15) we would like to reintroduce you to renown 3d illustrator and 'Team Live4ever' member Liz Lomax who sculpted this ultra cool bust of Noel Gallagher!
Check out Liz's very special behind the scenes look of "The making of Noel Gallagher" video and then hop over to her website for more rock stars and celebs presented in her unmistakable, unique style!
Noel Gallagher on Boston: Great Atmosphere, Great Crowd & Breathtaking Venue.
From Noel Gallagher's 'Tales from the middle of nowhere' tour diary
'I might be shrinking!'
Yes comrades... What up?
So... Where were we? That's right, Philadelphia. At the Academy Of Music, if my memory serves me correctly - which generally it doesn't - but I think it does this time.
Beautiful venue. Seriously. Like a mini Albert Hall. The show was... good... ok... not bad. Quite a tame crowd, I thought. Dunno... a bit reserved, which is no bad thing. As long as they're listening and clapping, who cares?
There was one guy though who kept shouting "WHATEVER!" inbetween the songs... Hope he wasn't a journalist practising some kind of new instant review technique!!
On to the historic city of Boston. I don't recall ever spending much time there in the past. Managed to see a bit of it this time and I gotta say it was beautiful. A bit like Edinburgh. Nice. I liked it a lot.
Another breathtaking venue and a great gig... Really great atmosphere. What a wonderful crowd. They sang their hearts out. Good gear.
Plotted up after the gig to watch the big fight between the great Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez. And what a tear up! They literally beat the living daylights out of each other for 12 rounds. Pacquiao won on points. I thought it was a draw myself.
Muchas gracias to those who waited outside, singing songs in the cold 'til 1am. Nice to meet you.
Over-nighted it to NYC, which is where you find me now. Got 2 shows coming up at the Beacon Theatre. Looking forward to it. A few comrades have made the journey across the pond. Should be fun.
Day off today. Gotta go and get a shirt altered. It's a blimmin' 'small' and it's still too big. I might be shrinking!!!
Via Noel Gallagher's Tales From the Middle of Nowhere Tour Diary
What a star-studded day we had yesterday. Famous people everywhere we went.
So, said day started early... 6am early!!!! Had to be at that VH1 place at 8am to do some blimmin' live breakfast TV show. The interview was a little strange... one doesn't expect to be discussing one's pet cat's bollocks (or lack thereof!!! He's had them whipped off, see?) so early in the morning... and certainly not on live TV!
We did meet Adam Sandler though - I say 'we' cause I was with my mate, and friend of the stars, "Scully", who does like a celebrity meet and greet. He (Adam Sandler) was cool as fuck. We have a mutual friend in Russell Brand, so the conversation went summat like this...
"Yes Adam... You know Russell, innit?"
"Yes I do... He loves you, man!!"
I know this already cause he tells me... regularly.
Anyway, as we went our separate ways Adam Sandler left me with these words...
"You have fun, buddy"... Thanks Adam Sandler, I will!!!!
From there we made our way to the Ed Sullivan theatre for the David Letterman show.
The Letterman show takes place in the Ed Sullivan theatre, on the very stage where that band The Beatles changed the world on the Ed Sullivan Show way back in 1963, I think?
On the show with us was some right-wing politician - who showed up with some very smartly turned out security - and top Scientologist Katie Holmes! (Mrs Tom Cruise)...more of which later.
If you've never been to the David Letterman show, which I'm sure some of you haven't, the studio itself is fuckin' freeeeeeeeeezing... For real, it must be close to actual freezing. Proper ball-ache.
Our dressing room was next door to none other than the legendary comedian Steve Martin who, for some reason, wasn't on the show but was there anyway - never did get to the bottom of why. He only stuck his head round the door to say hello! What an honour!!! We talked banjo and he had a bit of banter with the lads. Top, top man. Funny as fuck!!
Steve Martin I am having you, la'.
As showtime approached we got a little visit from that fella Billy Gibbons from that band ZZ TOP. Another top little dude. Who's not having that tune "Sharp Dressed Man"? Squares... that's who!
We literally bumped into that top Scientologist Katie Holmes on the way into the studio. We came out of the lift and BANG, there she was.
Now at this point my mate, and friend of the stars, Scully was doing a bit of filming for my website and managed to capture the moment. She did look a bit miffed at the various North-West accents and some vigorous handshaking, but there was no need to send one of her people over to demand the video be deleted!!!! Un-fuckin'-believable.
We didn't let it spoil the day though. And what a day. Loved it.
Am currently backstage at the Philadelphia Academy of Music. Mega venue. Like a mini Albert Hall.
Gotta go. I've lost my phone. It isn't the first time, and it won't be the last!!!
Noel Gallagher Joins Coldplay, The Stone Roses for the Blue Dot Project
Noel Gallagher and Coldplay have signed up to a new scheme – which gives fans access to live shows and exclusive material by both artists in return for donations to charities.
Titled Blue Dot, the project will distribute dots to users people who have volunteered, donated or promoted charities through social media sites and BBC Children In Need has already signed up.
Set to launch later this month, the dots will act as a currency, which will give users access to tickets for tours by acts including The Stone Roses, Coldplay, Noel Gallagher and Annie Mac, the opportunity to shadow Denise Lewis and top execs from Facebook, Yahoo and Wired and free audio books and £10 donated to the charity of their choice.
However it is also looking for more musicians to take part.
Blue Dot founder Chris Ward said: “I created Blue Dot, as a genuinely new & innovative way to enable every single Cause to create that same impact, every single day of the year,” and added the scheme had already generated a positive reaction from users.
Noel Gallagher Not Desperate But Adds ' If I need the money, I will do it,....'
Early Thursday (November 10), before Noel Gallagher stopped by the MTV Newsroom to talk up his just-released High Flying Birds solo album, brother and former Oasis mate Liam was quoted by NME as saying that Noel was "desperate" to reunite the band.
Given the sheer amount of acrimony between the brothers since Oasis split in 2009 (with elder Gallagher citing "verbal and violent intimidation" as the main reason), this came as news to Noel, who told us he wasn't desperate to have anything to do with his former band — now and forever.
"I'll tell you what happened," he sighed. "When I first started doing interviews [for Birds], a guy — we'll refer to him as 'a French guy' — he asked me: Did I have any regrets about leaving Oasis? And I said, initially, that I did. And he said, 'Oh, what about this solo project?' and I said, 'Yeah, but it would have been great' — would have been, this is key, concentrate on this — 'would have been great if we could have worked on solo projects and maybe got back together for 2015.'
"But obviously, that's not a story, and journalists being the cunning foxes that they are, he thought to himself ... 'If I just say "could" and "would," mon dieu, I have myself a story!' " Gallagher continued. "So that goes all the way around the Internet, and then it's like this mythical reunion is going to take place. ... It isn't going to take place. Do I look desperate? No, I'm not desperate at all."
While he's primarily in the States to begin the promotional cycle for the genuinely quite excellent High Flying Birds album with a run of shows in major markets (Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco), Gallagher knows there's always going to be fans who want nothing more than a full-blown Oasis reunion — preferably in 2015, the 20th anniversary of their massive (What's the Story) Morning Glory? album. But for that to occur, Gallagher joked he's going to have to endure some rather dark times in the very near future, because desperate, he most certainly is not.
"I will say this, though: If I need the money, I will do it," he laughed. "I don't need a lot of money, though, and here's hoping I won't anytime soon. No, I'm not desperate. My sh--'s not gone down the toilet yet."
Noel's Back in 'The Greatest City In All of the World'
From Noel Gallagher's 'Tales from the middle of nowhere' Tour Diary
That gig last night was a bit odd, eh? It was good like, just not as good as the night before. Not got to the bottom of why, it just didn't seem to fly for me. Never mind… can't be great every night, can you?
I'll say adios, or even au revoir to you Canadian people. Thanks for coming out, etc., and we'll see yiz soon.
I noticed summat strange on the menu this morning as I was ordering breakfast. You know sometimes they have specific kinds of pretentious breakfasts on the menus? i.e. "Power Breakfast" (for people who need more power, presumably?), "The Healthy Breakfast" (for people who don't do breakfast), etc…
Well, there was one on the menu which really, in hindsight, I should of had just to see if there would've been any obvious benefits from it. It was called - and I'm not even remotely taking the piss here… - "THE FAST AND FURIOUS BREAKFAST" (for men that do the Haka).
Ok… the bit about the Haka is made up. It basically consisted of coffee... that's it! Anyway, I didn't try it, me being mid-paced and content and all that.
We flew into the United States of America this afternoon, which gave me the opportunity to resume the never-ending battle of wits with the border police.
Rozzer: "What is the purpose of your visit, sir?"
Me: "I'm here to love your country and its people until they love me back equally… sir."
Rozzer: "You're free to go."
Me: "Thanks very much."
We're in NYC. The greatest city in all of the world. Not playing here until next weekend though, just a flying visit.
Two days of relentless promo. I've actually just looked at the schedule and it's ludicrous. 12 bastard hours of it!!!!! What more do you people need to know?
There's actually a thing called "VH1 LIVE BREAKFAST" at 7am, or summat!!! It wouldn't surprise me in the fuckin' least if I'm woken up by a film crew and some shiny happy presenter who's come to interview me while I'm in my full Man City kit eating my granola… I'd best check that's not actually gonna happen.
Playing on that David Letterman show tomorrow. Looking forward to it.
Liam Gallagher tells Neil McCormick about his new band - and delivers a withering verdict on Noel’s No1 album.
Liam Gallagher’s voice crackles down a bad phone line from South America. When I ask him to speak up, he snaps back: “That’s the story of my life, mate, I’m always having to go one louder.”
Fans of Spinal Tap will recognise the reference to the comical rock band whose guitar amps have dials that go all the way up to 11. It seem entirely appropriate for Gallagher, who has always had a cartoonish edge to his persona, an almost comically exaggerated intensity and aggressive confidence that helped make him Britain’s loudest, lairiest, coolest and quite possibly craziest rock star for much of the past 20 years. Two years on from the end of Oasis, the group who made him a household name, he remains on fighting form. “I speak the same talk, I walk the same walk,” he declares of his role in his new band, Beady Eye. “When I go on stage I try to eat that microphone. That’s it really. I’m not Jumping Jack Flash. I stand as still as I possibly can. I’m in a bubble, man, singing them songs, trying to blast through people’s souls, change their lives. I’m not thinking about anything except getting the message across. I don’t even know what the ----ing message is! I just wanna blast them with rock and roll.”
The problem for Liam is that the public no longer seem entirely convinced by such bellicose self-confidence. Beady Eye have been touring the world, playing theatres rather than stadiums. They return to Britain tomorrow, for a five-date tour, with some tickets still on sale. “There’s no rush to conquer the world,” Gallagher insists. “I’ve conquered it, mate. It’s all been done. I just want to make music that I like, and if people dig it, then great. As long as I’m not in a band with me brother fighting over M&Ms, that’s a success in my eyes.”
Oasis were the biggest band of the Britpop era, stadium-rocking giants who inspired a generation. At the group’s heart were the battling Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam, the songwriter and the singer, a pair of complimentary and conflicting talents whose furious internal chemistry might have been the very definition of a unit greater than the sum of its parts.
Until the bond finally broke in Paris in 2009, after one backstage argument too many. It seemed a moment of both sadness and possibility. As even Liam acknowledges, there was a sense that Oasis had run their course. “I was absolutely devastated Oasis split up,” he admits. “But I just look at the positives now. We smashed it, man. We took it as big as we could. And hey, we inspired a lot of kids. I suppose we done what we came to do. It could have been different but the people in the band, that’s the way we are. I don’t regret having an argument with our kid, I don’t regret the break up, it had to happen.”
Younger brother Liam quickly reconvened with guitarists Gem Archer and Andy Bell, and touring drummer Chris Sharrock, this four fifths of Oasis turning into Beady Eye. Older brother Noel has taken his time concocting a solo album with a band of floating contributors dubbed High Flying Birds. But now that both sides of the schism have shown their musical hand, the public have had the opportunity to demonstrate where their allegiances lie. Beady Eye’s debut, Different Gear, Still Speeding, was declared a pleasant surprise by critics, reached number three in the UK album charts, and has sold a respectable 157,000. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds received universally glowing reviews, went straight to number one and has sold 230,000 in its first fortnight. “It’s all right,” is Liam’s rather begrudging verdict on his brother’s album. “I’m glad that people like it, man. He’s got good songs. No balls, though. No attitude. Everyone knows what Noel Gallagher can do, and it’s great, but it’s boring. I’ve heard it all before. Being number one is not all it’s cracked up to be. The Birdy Song was number one. I’d much rather be number three. You’ve got somewhere to go then.”
Liam’s affected nonchalance over his brother’s achievements is somewhat undermined by how often he brings the subject up, and the increasingly inflammatory and insulting way he talks about him, describing him in terms that cannot be repeated. You might have thought the break up of Oasis would have put an end to their squabbling, but it has continued in the media, with comments and insults going back and forth. Liam has gone as far as issuing a libel writ against his brother over remarks suggesting Liam missed the 2009 Reading festival because he was hung-over. Noel has subsequently conceded that Liam had a doctor’s note for laryngitis. But when I have the temerity to suggest to Liam that lawsuits may not be the best way to resolve family issues, he bubbles up with anger. “You think so? Telling lies to get benefits with your lot, you journalists, I’m not having it. The minute he apologised, it got ----ing dropped. And I’d do it all over again.So you be careful.”
The Gallagher brothers may be the most psychoanalysed siblings in rock history; the tragedy of their relationship is that they don’t seem interested in examining it themselves. Noel is probably least culpable, in that he tends to withdraw from conflict, yet it is not hard to detect in Liam’s rebelliousness a desire for the unforthcoming approval of his older brother. “It doesn’t bother me, mate,” Liam insists.
“We’re not the only family that’s a bit weird. I know lots of brothers and sisters that don’t get on. It’s just that ours was in a band that everyone became obsessed with.”
For all the bullish declarations that there are no regrets, both Noel and Liam speak with sadness about Oasis coming to an end. “There’s not a day goes by when I don’t think about Oasis and the music, but it wasn’t meant to be,” admits Liam, who recently suggested they could reunite for the 20-year anniversary of What’s The Story (Morning Glory) in 2015. “Who knows, man, who knows? Time is a great healer, they say. I’m certainly not putting out an olive branch. Me and our kid are still at loggerheads. I’m not desperate to be in a room with that miserable ----. Me and him would get into a scrap immediately. But I’d do it for the right reasons, for the music and for the fans. I don’t need the ----ing money.”
Arguably, both are better off apart, and, in a sense, both are creatively flourishing, albeit on a smaller scale than Oasis. Beady Eye may not quite have nailed it with their debut but there is a tangible ambition to create something worthwhile. “May be we’re just not cutting it. May be the tunes ain’t good enough to cross-over.
“So we’ve got to keep trying, got to keep taking it to the people, got to keep barking up some of the wrong trees, gotta keep making music. I’m optimistic. I know where to go next. We’re going where we would have gone with Oasis. It’s gonna get a bit grander, a bit Spectorish. I’ve got a soul man and my soul is tuned in to music and I’m going to sing songs every day of the week. That’s what I do. I’m more than motivated.”
It probably was just a jam session that Beady Eye had going on during Rio De Janeiro's sound check this past Monday but we're sure the fans are hopeful it might be part of a tune included on the band's next album.
Liam Gallagher is close to ending his long-running bust-up with his brother Noel, after his sibling's four-year-old son reminded him of the importance of a happy family.
The former Oasis stars have famously clashed throughout their career, but the simmering rivalry came to a head in 2009 when they had a furious fight backstage at a gig in Paris, France.
The incident sparked the end of the Wonderwall hitmakers, with guitarist Noel quitting the band hours later, and the two brothers have not spoken to each other since.
But in a new interview, singer Liam admits he has softened his stance and can see an end to the feud after a conversation with Noel's four-year-old son Donovan reminded him of the importance of family.
He's also adamant "life's too short" to fall out with relatives, and admits he has "changed a little bit" in recent months.
Asked if his bust-up with Noel will last for years, Liam tells Nme magazine, "Nah, man, no way man, nah. Because you think about it, don't you - you think life's too f**king short. All this b**locks."
When he is then asked if he can "see the end of it coming already", he replies, "Yeah. I suppose so, yeah. Because I spoke to his kid the other day on the phone. I thought it was (Noel's daughter) Anais, but it was the little one. And it was like, 'Oh, alright uncle Liam,' and you think to yourself, (the fighting is) all b**locks, innit.
"But I stand by everything that went on. And I think I've changed a little bit... I'm still me, so Noel's gonna have to get over it."
Liam Gallagher: There's Every Chance Of Getting Back Together
Liam Gallagher thinks his brother Noel’s solo album would sound better with him on it.
The Beady Eye frontman likes his sibling and former Oasis bandmate's debut LP, 'Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds', but knows the tracks would sound better with his vocals.
In an interview with NME, he said: "They'd be f***ing better with me singing. They would be! They're good man, but they'd be proper if I was on there."
Liam – who formed Beady Eye with the rest of Oasis after Noel walked out of the band in August 2009 – still hasn't ruled out reforming Oasis for the 20 year anniversary of their seminal album '(What's The Story) Morning Glory?' because he thinks Noel is "desperate" to do so, but in the meantime he is happy for them to carry on with their respective separate careers.
He said: "There's every chance [of getting back together]. I know our kid's desperate to.
"And with this thing in 2015, I think me and him can put our issues aside and do it without a doubt. But I still think there's room for Beady Eye and the High Flying Birds, whatever they're called. Without a doubt."
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds this morning added an Italian date to their European tour next March. The band are confirmed to play:
13th March '12 - ROME, Atlantico
Tickets for the band's debut gig in the eternal city go on sale at 10:00am (local time) on 11th November through www.TicketOne.it and local authorised sale points.
The Atlantico gig will be the band's second gig in Italy following on from their sold out show at Alcatraz in Milan this November. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' eponymous debut album entered the Italian charts at number 2 on its release last month.
Already confirmed for the European March 2012 tour are dates in Barcelona, Paris, Hamburg, Berlin and Munich.
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds Confirm Dates Down Under
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds have announced today they will be playing in New Zealand and Australia as part of the 20th anniversary of the Big Day Out festival.
The band will be headlining the Green Stage on the following dates:
20th Jan 12 - AUCKLAND: Big Day Out, Mt Smart Stadium
22nd Jan 12 - GOLD COAST: Big Day Out, Gold Coast Parklands
26th Jan 12 - SYDNEY: Big Day Out, Sydney Showground
29th Jan 12 - MELBOURNE: Big Day Out, Flemington Racecourse
03rd Feb 12 - ADELAIDE: Big Day Out, Adelaide Showground
05th Feb 12 - PERTH: Big Day Out, Claremont Showground
The tour marks the band's first confirmed concerts in the southern hemisphere and will be Noel's first visit to Australia since 2006 and the first to New Zealand since 1998.
Bonehead Welcome To Make Guest Appearance on New Beady Eye Album
Former Oasis man Bonehead has asked Beady Eye if he can play on a track on the band's new album'.
Liam Gallagher told the new edition of the NME "Yeah man. Why not? He's gotta bring his Freddie Starr wig along with him though. He's a geezer, Bonehead, he's been to see some of the gigs."
Andy Bell added "Yeah, he's been to a lot of gigs, man. He's a lovely man. He's always welcome."
Bonehead left Oasis in 1999, speaking about his departure from the band, he said, "When we first came out in 1994 to sign that deal we were just five lads of the street, there was a real sort of energy in that band. A lot happened very fast and we reached a great height very fast, by the time we came to record 'Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants' we were all living and rented this big chateau in the south of France that belonged to Christian Dior."
"To reach that stage then you should be having so much fun, and that should have been so much fun and for me personally there was no fun there and that spark has gone.
"I just thought, 'That's it for me, the old gang thing had gone for me and it does not feel right.' And if I had carried on and finished that session and then gone on and done a two-year world tour to promote it I would not have been giving 100% to the band and the fans."
From Noel Gallagher's Tales From the Middle of Nowhere Tour Diary
Y'know, life can be a wonderful thing... Full of ups and downs. Twists and turns. Ins and outs and roundabouts. For long periods life can be mundane (not mine… mine's fuckin' mental!!!). And the further you get along the road of life, the more you've experienced, the less there is to experience… or so I thought!!
I have been woken with the news that for the 2nd week running I sit proudly at the top of GRAZIA magazine's column of lust!!!! Number fuckin' one, baby!!!!!!
Seriously Coldplay, you might be selling records by the skip-load and think that you're operating in some kind of musical CD-selling "Para, para, paradise", but the girls back home have spoken, and they're speaking the language of lust.
My blimmin' albums don't even stay at #1 for 2 weeks!!!
My missus is so proud, as will my mam be.
I dunno… free driving lessons? GRAZIA magazine? Where will it end?
Loose Women? Strictly Come Dancing, probably. The sky's the limit!!!!!
In other news… The gig last night at the legendary Massey Hall was great. Most enjoyable. Even had a good laugh with the audience. Looking forward to tonight.
It’s been all Noel, Noel, Noel everywhere you look recently, but look! Little bro is back and he’s got a UK tour, but before that there’s a fistful of questions from you lot, the fans, to contend with. Just before a show in Amsterdam, surrounded and helped out by his bandmates, he will tackle the gigantic array of topics that are thrown up, from Henry The Hoover to how he plans to protect Pretty Green stores from future riots, why Twitter is “for dicks”, the future of Beady Eye and, of course, the future of that other band he used to be in with his brother. It’s all as brilliant and entertaining as you might expect, and worth the cover price alone, quite frankly.
Just ask British rocker Noel Gallagher of Oasis fame, who launched his first ever North American tour as a solo artist on Monday night at Massey Hall during the first of two back-to-back shows. His new act is actually called Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.
The 44-year-old singer-songwriter-guitarist arrived months after his brother and former Oasis front man Liam Gallagher came to T.O. in late June to play with his solo act, Beady Eye, at the Sound Academy in support of his new disc, Different Gear, Still Speeding.
But while Liam was first out of the gate both with an album and tour, Noel wound up being the better of the two in a live setting.
The general consensus has always been that Noel writes the better songs and Liam is the better singer. That’s still the case, but Noel’s live act had more energy, dynamism and style with a huge LED screen behind him that said Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds in huge letters when it wasn’t showing videos, cool strobe and coloured lights,
More importantly, he dared to play Oasis songs, right alongside his new solo tunes - with his debut solo disc out Tuesday - during the course of his 90-minute set, while Liam has refused to.
In fact, Noel kicked off the night with two Oasis songs, (It’s Good) To Be Free and Mucky Fingers before delving into High Flying Birds territory with Everybody’s On The Run, Dream On and the popular single, If I Had A Gun, which prompted a big sing-along.
But when he pulled out an acoustic guitar and played stripped down versions of such huge Oasis hits as Wonderwall and Supersonic, the real male bonding amongst audience members - arm-in-arm and singing at the tops of their lungs - began.
Of his four side musicians, I particularly enjoyed keyboardist Mike Rowe, also on piano and organ, and drummer Jeremy Stacey, who looked like he’d walked off the set of Clockwork Age with his black bowler hat, as they backed him on Wonderwall and Supersonic, on piano and tambourine, respectively.
And of the newer tunes, it was such super-charged rockers as (I Wanna Live in a Dream in My) Record Machine, AKA... What a Life!, and Soldier Boys and Jesus Freaks that stood out.
Then it was back to a trio of Oasis gems - Little By Little, The Importance of Being Idle and Don’t Look Back In Anger - that made up the spirited encore.
Ultimately, of course, the best thing would be if Noel and Liam came back together for an Oasis reunion as it’s their fractious sibling chemistry that truly makes them special. (Liam’s been making noises about doing it in 2015.)
Noel actually talked about Liam as the show wound to a close when one fan near the front asked about him.
“Our kid? He’s okay. Have you seen him?”
When the fan responded, he saw him buying some questionable shoes, Noel followed up with: “Were they high heels? He’s secretly wearing women’s shoes? You heard it here first.”
Until a reunion, then Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds is the closest things Oasis fans have to the real thing.
Noel also showed a level of bravery in launching his first North American solo tour in Toronto on Monday night, given the last time he was here he was rushed and injured by a drunken fan on stage during the Virgin Music Festival on Toronto Island in September 2008.
Not surprisingly, there was lots of security lining the front of the Massey Hall stage and aisles were kept clear by ever-vigilant ushers.
