"LETS TAKE IT BACK TO THE 90'S"

NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS TAKE ON HYPED GLASGOW CROWD

You don’t really get much bigger in British rock royalty than the now estranged Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam. Earning their iconic status as part of Oasis throughout the 90’s and beyond, there’s still a massive connection between the Manchester pair and their dedicated fan base. Whilst Oasis will very likely never grace a stage in their original state again, you can still reclaim some of that britpop magic from their respective solo endeavours. Wrapping up 2023 busy gig schedules for many this evening is one half of that legendary duo, The Chief. Or as officially billed, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.

NOEL GALLAGHER (Hope Simmers/Northern Exposure)

Following the disbanding of Oasis back in 2009, it wasn’t long before the guys were looking for their next creative endeavour (and pay day). Liam continued business as usual under the alias of Beady Eye and in 2010 Noel formed his very own touring band known as Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds. Back in June, NGHFB’s released their forth studio album and Official Number 1 charting, Council Skies which would soon be followed by a worldwide tour. On Wednesday 20th December, this said tour would come to Glasgow’s OVO Hydro for their penultimate show of the year.

GEM ARCHER (Hope Simmers/Northern Exposure)

Gathering towards Glasgow’s spaceship styled arena is a predominantly male dominated crowd. Decorated in their well loved green parka’s, favourite Fred Perry polo’s and freshly cut mod style hairdo’s, this is a special occasion for these nostalgic fans. However, before the main act it is up to Tom Meighan to wet the crowds appetite a bit.

TOM MEIGHAN

Despite his messy departure from Kasabian back in 2020, the original frontman proves his talent has yet to expire. Three years later and his debut album The Reckoning saw Tom earn an Official UK album chart top 20 and support slot with the ‘Chief‘ himself. Despite moving away from Kasabian, Tom avoids loosing any of that habitual showmanship which once upon a time propelled the band to 21st Century rock’n’roll hierarchy.

Performing a solid 45minute support set, Tom delivers a perfected balance of new solo material and Kasabian classics. His stage presence is a mirror of some of the best in the business. Beaming with theatrical arrogance, swagger and innate leadership, Tom manages to deliver a main character performance in a supporting role. Expectedly, it’s the Kasabian numbers which generate the strongest response. Underdog, Club Foot and Fire are headline worthy for a venue this size alone. Yet solo album efforts Shout It Out and Movin’ On are equally well received from in incredibly receptive audience.

A tough act to follow but Noel need not worry, 10,000 plus have gathered in Glasgow this evening for an evening of Gallagher charm.

NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS

Russell Pritchard (Hope Simmers/Northern Exposure)

Setting a pretty stage with floral arrangement and minimalist style, Glasgow welcomes Noel as one of their own. Floating effortlessly in with Pretty Boy, Noel and his high flying birds need not break a sweat for this religious crowd. Dedicating the first five tracks to their latest album Council Skies, you wouldn’t believe these songs are so fresh. Not a lyric goes by without the crowd singing their hearts out in response. From adolescent newbies to the nostalgia fuelled mid life crisis, the crowd connection runs deep. Entire family gatherings to preteen kids on the shoulders of their elders, Noels musical legacy unites generations to come.

Glasgow OVO Hydro (Hope Simmers/Northern Exposure)

AKA…What a Life! and If I Had A Gun… strike the crowd hard. Even without Noel’s magnetism, The High Flying Birds are the elite of British musical expertise. Featuring former Oasis band members Gem Archer (guitar), Chris Shamrock (drums) and Mike Row (keys), the full band also includes Russell Pritchard (The Zutons) and backing vocalist Jessica Greenfield joined by three piece vocal delight Roxy (Gaz Combe, Willie J Healey). A sensational band behind one of Britains most loved personalities, this collaborative performance is one to remember.

Despite the testosterone heavy audience, the ambience is actually fairly tame. There’s jumping, there’s dancing but mostly it’s just pure joy. By the time Noel reaches the Oasis cover segment of the show, the crowd are more than ready to take over the limelight.

Maybe I just wanna fly
Wanna live, I don’t wanna die
Maybe I just wanna breathe
Maybe I just don’t believe
Maybe you’re the same as me
We see things they’ll never see
You and I are gonna live forever
Live Forever

Listening to such an iconic song sang back exclusively by 10,000 passionate fans is something you don’t forget in a hurry.

For this nostalgic bunch, this is biblical territory. For me, the night itself was a bit of an anti climax. Not through fault of anybody performing, both support and main act were flawless. Regardless, it lacked bounce. The crowd reflected the stability of Noel’s career, followed by a failed intention to inject something dynamically different in return. A safe show on safe territory, it was everything I expected and a little bit more.

Glasgow Crowd (Hope Simmers/Northern Exposure)

So I start a revolution from my bed
‘Cause you said the brains I had went to my head
Step outside, summertime’s in bloom
Stand up beside the fireplace
Take that look from off your face
You ain’t ever gonna burn my heart out
Don’t Look Back in Anger

If you missed Noel G this year then you will be delighted to find out that the band will return to the stage next Summer across a host of live extravaganzas. Details HERE.