Noel Gallagher has spoken for the first time about his shock at the pandemonium over the Oasis ticket sales – and also hinted at some songs which will definitely (maybe) be played this Summer alongside brother Liam.
The guitarist has granted an interview to photographer Kevin Cummins for his new book Oasis: The Masterplan.
Asked about the Oasis Live 25 ticket sales, Noel said: “I thought it’d be a big deal, but I was a bit taken aback by just how much of a big deal it was.”
He is also quizzed by Cummins to name his favourite Oasis song but replied: “Can I have more than one? Supersonic, Some might say, Live forever and Rock’n’Roll Star.” All these songs are from early in the band’s career and are now expected to be played when the tour kicks off in Cardiff in July.
Asked to pick out his own best live act he has seen, Noel said: “The best doesn’t exist. Live things that have stayed with me down the years are: U2, Paul Weller, Neil Young Goldie, Ennio Morricone, The Strokes, Young Fathers and countless others too.”
Cummins’ 256 page book of photographs, many never seen before, document twelve months of seismic change that cemented the identity of Oasis from early 1994.
From the just-bought-at-Affleck’s Palace attainability of their look to the Brother-sponsored Man City Shirts, the changing backgrounds from Maine Road, the Peveril of the Peak pub and the Arndale Centre to riotous early gigs, the Virgin Megastore and red buses of London these photographs show the masterplan coming into being. At the centre are two brothers with their arms round each other, hinting at a sound you can almost hear through these images and a look that will resonate across the world.
Elsewhere in the book, Noel is asked if Oasis could have existed anywhere else other than Manchester? “Absolutely not,” he says. “We’re Mancuinans. We have a thing. The rest of the world LOVES that thing. Why? F**k knows.”
He insisted unlike Oasis fans he never catches himself singing an Oasis song when driving or doing something else. He added: “Actually when I’m writing, I sometimes go for a walk if I’m stuck and try and work through something in my head.”
Cummins describes Liam as having “an angelic face back then” when first photographing the band. He added: “It was a perfect look for the British music magazine market – and so it was proven to be.”
Noel and Liam will walk on stage for the first time together since the band split in 2009 on July 4 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. The line up for the band is also now thought to have been completed with rehearsals also expected to start soon.
Liam and Noel Gallagher are bringing in newcomer Joey Waronker on drums alongside more established former Oasis band members on guitars. The full line up reported by NME is said to be Liam Gallagher, Noel Gallagher, Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, Gem Archer, Andy Bell and Joey Waronker.
The shows will also feature special guests Richard Ashcroft and Cast, who are friends up the band. At this stage it is not thought Villanelle will be in a support slot so Gene will instead be watching from the sidelines with Lennon.
* Oasis: The Masterplan by Kevin Cummins is out now, published by Cassell.
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