More about: Liam Gallagher

1. Liam Gallagher and Coldplay ‘Live Forever’

As one viewer of the concert put it on Twitter, “nothing says ‘fuck you, ISIS’ quite like a snarling Manc with an orange cagoule and maracas.” In quintessential Manchester defiance, Liam took to the stage and sang one of Manchester’s most recognisable anthems. Whilst Noel was nowhere to be seen, perhaps the most unlikeliest of collaborations would be Liam and Chris Martin, especially as Liam has compared Martin to a geography teacher and a vicar in the past. Tonight, however, everything was forgotten as the duo brought unity to Manchester and ensured all Justin Bieber fans would be swaggering home like Perry on his return from Manchester.

2. Coldplay and Ariana Grande ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’

Whilst no mention was made of Noel on the night, his absence has since seem Liam venting at his brother on Twitter. Whilst Noel was a no-show, it was left to Liam’s new best mate Chris Martin to do the honours, joined on stage by Ariana Grande. The Manchester classic has become the unofficial anthem of solidarity in the wake of the tragedy at the Manchester Arena, being sung at vigil’s in Albert Square and to a capacity crowd at Heaton Park recently by The Courteeneers.

3. Parrs Wood High School Choir and Ariana Grande ‘My Everything’

Perhaps the most emotional performance of the evening was when Ariana Grande was joined on stage by the teenage choir of Parrs Wood High School singing ‘My Everything.’ As their teenage lead singer became visibly upset, she was hugged by Grande and the crowd cheered louder in support. ‘I Heart Manchester’ signs were lifted higher and close-ups of t-shirts adoring the Sex Pistols-esque slogans “never mind the terrorists, we are Manchester” meant the 50,000 strong crowd helped to carry the choir though. I’ve got something in my eye, okay?

4. Katy Perry ‘Roar’

“You ready to roar? You’re ready to get louder? We will not be silenced!” Katy Perry shouted in defiance to a rapturous cheer from the crowd. With her powerful vocals and take-no-shit delivery, Perry’s song became possibly the evening’s most defiant moment in the face of adversity.

5. Policeman and fans dancing during Justin Bieber

As Justin Bieber took to the stage and screaming teenage girls everywhere lost their shit, he delivered an emotional speech and gathered the crowd in a moment of shared unity. At that point, the screens cut to an image of a policeman dancing a ‘ring-a-ring-of-roses’ with a group of children. The image of innocence amongst the horrors of the events in Manchester, London and Kabul brought a powerful feeling of hope to many. I’ve still got something in my eye, okay.

6. Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’

With many in the audience far too young to remember the original, Cyrus and Grande performed an emotional rendition of the Crowded House classic. Both artists have worked together on Cyrus’s ‘Happy Hippie Foundation’ previously, with Cyrus stating afterwards that the two would continue to do so forever. Raising over 10 million pounds for the grieving families and victims so far, the performance epitomised the spirit of friendship, solidarity and coming together at the heart of the One Love Manchester benefit.

7. Marcus Mumford ‘Timshel’

Opening for such an emotional event can’t have been easy, and Marcus Mumford struck the perfect chord after leading an silence to remember victims of the attack. “Let’s not be afraid, Manchester,” he said, before opening with a subdued version of hit ‘Timshel.’ The words of the song echoed powerfully through the crowd: “And you are not alone in this / As brothers we will stand and we’ll hold your hand.” His words were especially poignant following further attacks in London and Kabul last week, as Manchester led the way in showing how music and love can solidify in difficult times. As Manchester poet Longfella said to the crowd before the concert began, “this is Manchester, we do things differently here.”

8. Little Mix ‘Wings’

As well as being an evening of emotion and touching sympathy to the victims, this was also an evening to bring some momentary joy to the victims and their families, many of whom had made their way from the hospital that day to watch the concert. Little Mix brought enjoyment in abundance with their uplifting hit ‘Wings’.

9. Pharell and Miley Cyrus ‘Happy’

Continuing the theme of joy, Miley Cyrus and Pharell Williams led the crowd in a singalong of the latters stars most recognisable hit. “Manchester, let the world hear your resilience,” Pharell urged, as the crowd sang his song at the top of their voices. This was later echoed by Cyrus in her solo performance: “for me, the most important responsibility of this entire planet is to take care of one another.”

More about: Liam Gallagher