Liam Gallagher’s 30th-anniversary tour for Oasis’ seminal album, “Definitely Maybe,” proved to be an unforgettable celebration of rock nostalgia at Manchester’s state-of-the-art Co-op Live arena.
For fans, the night was a time machine transporting them back to the 90s, filled with the raw energy and anthemic songs that defined an era.
As the arena buzzed with anticipation, the show began with a nostalgic countdown from 2024 to 1994, accompanied by clips from Oasis’ heyday and iconic magazine covers. The crowd’s roar reached a fever pitch when Liam swaggered onto the stage, launching into “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star,” setting the tone for a night brimming with classic hits and emotional moments.
Playing the entire “Definitely Maybe” album for the first time, Liam treated fans to rarely performed tracks like “Up in the Sky” and “Digsy’s Dinner,” alongside beloved anthems such as “Live Forever“. Each song was met with euphoric singalongs, with the 23,500-capacity crowd echoing every word back to the stage.
The new Co-op Live venue, though recently opened and initially critiqued for some teething troubles, proved its worth as it pulsated with the energy of a bygone era. The setup, complete with a giant globe and pink flamingos, evoked the iconic “Definitely Maybe” and album cover, further immersing the audience in the nostalgic experience.
Liam’s dedication of “Half the World Away” to his brother Noel added a poignant touch to the evening, with the crowd erupting into heartfelt cheers. Despite the absence of Noel, Liam’s powerful performance reaffirmed that the spirit of Oasis continues to resonate deeply with fans.
Highlights included the raucous renditions of “Cigarettes and alcohol” and “Supersonic,” which had the arena’s foundations trembling under the collective weight of thousands of jumping fans. Liam’s charismatic stage presence and cheeky remarks, including a playful jab at Co-op Live’s earlier issues, kept the atmosphere both lively and intimate.
The encore was a tour de force, featuring “Slide Away” and “Live Forever,” which transported fans back to simpler times, momentarily erasing the worries of 2024. The night concluded with “I Am the Walrus,” a nod to the Beatles that saw the customary pint-throwing, an odd but cherished tradition at Liam’s gigs.
Despite some logistical hiccups, including long entry queues, the evening was a resounding success. Support acts Villanelle and Cast set the stage beautifully, but it was Liam Gallagher who, in fine voice and with an unmatched back catalogue, ensured that “Definitely Maybe” will live on in the hearts of fans for years to come.
Liam’s homecoming performance was not just a concert; it was a jubilant revival of the 90s, a testament to the timeless appeal of Oasis, and a powerful reminder that while an official Oasis reunion remains a dream, the legacy of “Definitely Maybe” is very much alive and kicking.