A lot can change in 30 years, but the power and magic of ‘Definitely Maybe’ remains the same – an invariable tour de force of cosmic musical brilliance. This seminal album turns 30 on the 29th August and I remember buying it in ‘Our Price’ and playing it on my CD walkman as I walked to school, listening to it when I woke up in the morning and as I lay in bed at night.
Hell, I even sang the songs in the shower whilst using my fuzzy peach shower gel. Whilst my bathroom rituals have changed, it still amazes me how the power of music can evoke the most vivid memories and spirit you away to a golden era – the nineties!
‘Definitely Maybe’ was one of the most definite albums of the decade and (almost) thirty years on still defines life and indeed British guitar music of that era. Of course, it was the album that catapulted Oasis into stratospheric levels of fame thanks to eleven tracks that individually were outstanding, but played sequentially this collection of songs were nothing short of brilliant.
Fast forward to June 2024, and the charismatic and indomitable frontman Liam Gallagher is showcasing the tracks from Definitely Maybe along with some fan favourites and deep cuts for the first time.
Entirely celebratory, Liam Gallagher and his band set the 02 alight performing this coming-of-age album, and had the sold-out crowd in the palm of his hand as they took in the extravagant and vibrant displays which included two flamingos (Floella and Felicity don’t you know?!)
Magnificently supported by two great bands in their own right – Villanelle and The View who put in hugely impressive performances which whipped the crowd into a frenzy as they waited for LG to come on stage.
Villanelle are hugely exciting, they have a fantastic rawness to them but served up a polished performance that impressed. Lead singer Gene is a mesmerising performer and has a great stage presence. ‘All Over The Place’ was a standout, they have a distinctive sound which takes influences from the likes of the Arctic Monkeys, SoundGarden, Nirvana amongst others. Expect great things from this band, I am genuinely excited to hear more from them and to see their star continue to rise in the coming months.
From ‘Underneath the Lights’ to the jaunty ‘Same Jeans’, The View delivered a stirling performance and from start to finish, the band were the epitome of high energy throughout. Lead singer the highly affable Kyle Falconer charmed the crowd and the set was highly spirited and full of bonhomie.
Whilst we had seen a glimpse of the music stars of the future in the shape of Villanelle, it was time to take a trip down memory lane and a defining album needs impeccable production values. The staging of the ‘Definitely Maybe’ tour was loud, proud and extravagant.
From Liam’s pink flamingo friends, a super-sized picture of crooner Burt Bacharach and an oversized globe to palm trees, a flickering TV and an expansive display which showed clips of Liam throughout the years, it was intoxicating and strangely emotional in equal measure. These were not collated together purely for aesthetic appeal. They were carefully curated objet d’art from the ‘Definitely Maybe’ album cover which was conceived with a collection of props from the shot taken in Bonehead’s front room.
No detail was left unturned with the ‘Definitely Maybe’ tour and this level of solicitude demonstrates the love and care for the band’s debut album and how the show was to be presented from Liam and his team.
Liam kicked off proceedings with an explosive rendition of ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Star’ which was delivered with a confident aplomb by Liam and his talented band. Liam’s running order didn’t follow the track listing of ‘Definitely Maybe’, this wasn’t a sequential performance, but a celebration of the tracks that skyrocketed the band to stratospheric levels of fame.
‘Columbia’ and a sanguine rendition of ‘Shakermaker’ soon followed, the songs still feel as fresh and relevant as ever with Liam delivering an impassioned and fervent performance from his soul.
The songs from ‘Definitely Maybe’ are an enduring legacy, and Liam has the power to spirit you away to that golden era of music whilst still keeping things fresh which shows what a superstar performer he really is.
As well as performing tracks from ‘Definitely Maybe’, the elated fans were treated to era-specific deep cuts, lesser-performed demos and b-sides – an absolute treat for the delighted crowd!
‘(It’s Good) To Be Free’ was a standout – originally released as a B side to the gargantuan ‘Whatever’, this was subsequently released on 1998’s ‘The Masterplan’ which was a celebration of the B sides from Oasis’ career so far. ‘Half the World Away’ was another highlight, showing a more tender and pared-back side of LG.
From the intoxicating riffs of ‘Cigarettes and Alcohol’ to a slow-paced version of rare demo ‘Lock All The Doors’, Liam Gallagher and his band which included Bonehead, Christian Madden and Jay Mehler delivered more than just a collection of incredible songs, it was a hypnotic and mind-blowing, hyper-vivid experience that was heart-warming and dazzling in equal measure.
The unforgettable set concluded with a triple threat of Oasis’ biggest hits – ‘Supersonic’, ‘Slide Away’, ‘Live Forever’– before a second encore saw the captivating singer close with a psychedelic-infused ‘I Am The Walrus’ a nostalgic throwback to when Oasis used to close their sets with their rendition of a Beatles classic.
Whilst the enduring legacy of the music itself is a given, Liam Gallagher is a truly spectacular performer, instinctively captivating with a compelling stage presence, his magnetism and immeasurable talent hold no bounds. This was one of Liam’s finest ever performances – a jubilant and rousing celebration of one of the best debut albums of all times.
Photo Credit: Charlie Lightening
Travel Tip
If you are not in London, then why not book a stay at the Good Hotel where not only can enjoy a cost-effective stay in a stylish floating London hotel that is a mere cable car (yes, you read that right – a cable car ride!) from the fabulous venue of the 02 Arena, but you are also helping people find employment in hospitality, sending children to schools and more. The hotel is also not only really cool aesthetically, but it also re-uses and up-cycle materials which are locally sourced.
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