Those who have seen Noel Gallagher live in the innumerable stadia, fields or arenas that he has invariably headlined over the last 20 years will have become accustomed to staring at a dot in the distance. Tonight’s gig at the tiny (by Gallagher’s standards)Tufnell Park Dome presented fans with a rare opportunity to become intimately acquainted with a man who normally plies his trade in significantly larger venues.
Opening with Oasis b-Side 'It’s Good to Be Free', Gallagher appeared in jovial mood as laughing with his band and offering a few typically tongue-in-cheek quips. When for example asked why bouncers were wading through the middle of the audience (they were stopping people filming the show) Gallagher replied, “Cos your Mrs is a nightmare... too many cherry Lambrinis” much to the amusement of the gathered throng... but not the aforementioned young lady.
New tracks including latest singles 'The Ballad of Mighty I' and 'In the Heat of the Moment' were rapturously received, as was the impressive 'Lock All The Doors', which recalled the more abrasive early Oasis numbers such as 'Headshrinker' and the original incarnation of 'Fade Away' (which was also played tonight).
The meandering 'River Man', also from upcoming record Chasing Yesterday, was notable for the presence of a saxophonist sharing the stage with Gallagher. Musos and spotters everywhere can mark that down as a first. The set highlight was undoubtedly the unexpected inclusion of 'Digsy’s Dinner'. The much-maligned Definitely Maybe track was dusted off and given a new lease of life resulting in the oft-overlooked tune reinventing itself as a furious punk rock number.
There was no encore as Gallagher by his own admission was off to see Prince in Camden which meant that the show was over before 10 o’clock. The likelihood of anyone going home feeling short-changed, however, was a slim as the chance of actually getting a ticket in the first place.
A night no one will forget in a hurry.
Meanwhile, Noel Gallagher was recently announced as headliner of Calling Festival, at London's Clapham Common and also see appearances from Ryan Adams & The Shining, The Hives, Echo & The Bunnymen with many, many more to be announced.
Calling Festival takes place on Clapham Common on Saturday 4 July. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 6 February. For tickets and information, visit here.
Noel Gallagher releases new solo album Chasing Yesterday on 2 March before embarking on a UK tour. Full dates are below. For tickets and information, visit here.
Belfast, Odyssey Arena (March 3)
Dublin, 3 Arena (4)
Nottingham, Capital FM Arena (6)
Glasgow, The SSE Hydro (7)
Manchester, Arena, (9)
London, O2 Arena (10)
