Oasis Rock!

Oasis pull out all the stops to close this year's Electric Proms.

26 October 2008 - Glasvegas opened things for Oasis, going through their eight song set list, including their hit single Daddy's Gone. Front man James told the crowd that it was an honour to open for Oasis, because if Glasvegas hadn't loved Oasis when they were first starting out, there would be no Glasvegas.

When it comes to Oasis, I want to start with the rare privilege I witnessed before the evening’s events. Getting to watch Oasis sound check is an honour of a lifetime.

Let me paint a picture. Imagine the band on stage (including Liam, which Noel pointed out was a rarity) just jamming through their set list, while about twenty crew members fiddle with lights, mics and instruments all around them. At one point there was even a pair up in a cherry picker, adjusting something above.

Even the instrumentals of their tracks being played, with the choir doing their bit in the background is something that will stay with me forever. Now, fast forward five hours later, an absolutely packed and rammed Roundhouse, the band on stage and a fifty piece choir in the background.

Noel said: 'Its nice that the BBC have asked us, because we would never think of doing this. But we've now got our ideas for the stadium gigs next summer. So thanks for that.'

"It's difficult to concentrate, because it sounds so brilliant."- Noel Gallagher

Four giant screens showing artwork from their new album Dig Out Your Soul and the four men doing what they do best, flashed constantly throughout the gig.

Oasis had 20 songs on their set list, with obvious favourites like Lyla, Morning Glory, Wonderwall and Supersonic going down a massive storm with the crowd. At times it was a struggle to hear the choir above the chorus provided by the fans, but when you could, they did lift the songs and gave them massive celestial air, especially when they sang a bit of Beethoven's Ode ToJoy in the background on I Am The Walrus.

Noel told us: 'We done a bit of a rehearsal with them at Wembley Arena a couple of weeks ago and it's difficult to concentrate, because it sounds so brilliant. I kind of have to concentrate on what I'm singing, or else I forget what I'm doing.'

There wasn't that much banter between the Gallagher brothers, but Noel didn't fail in entertaining the crowd when he pointed out a few of the celebs who were enjoying the show. Now obviously these were the must have tickets for this year's electric proms, so, some A list celebs made the effort to get their hands on at least one. A list celebs like actor Daniel Craig. Yes, Mr James Bond, 007 himself, was present:

'James Bond is here. I might try and blag it to do the next Bond theme, instead of them getting a load of Americans to do it. If I get it, Daniel, I'll let you play me in a biopic of my life'.

He wasn't the only celeb who was outted. Noel made sure the crowd's attention was turned straight onto Russell Brand, when he dedicated an acoustic Don't Look Back In Anger to his mate. That's the point the whole room literally turned around and started shouting 'Who are you' up into the balcony where Russell was sat.

The intimacy of this gig is what made it feel fabulous. No matter where you were in the Roundhouse, you got a fantastic view and were virtually on top of Noel and Liam. You could even see Noel smiling as beer, which had been thrown into the crowd, came dangerously close to him during Slide Away. The choir were also a massive highlight to the bill, lifting some already very classic tracks, giving them a virtual 'wall of sound'.

If you missed this once in a lifetime gig, my advice is to pray that the Gallagher brothers decide to do more smaller, more intimate venues in your lifetime again.


Oasis Track listing

Rock and Roll Star
Lyla
Shock of Lightening
Cigarettes and Alcohol
Meaning of Soul
To Be Where There’s Life
Waiting for The Rapture
Masterplan (accompanied by choir)
Songbird
Slide Away
Morning Glory
Ain’t Got Nothing
Importance of Being Idol
Im Outta Time (accompanied by choir)
Wonderwall (accompanied by choir)
Supersonic
Don’t Look Back in Anger (accompanied by choir)
Fallin’ Down
Champagne Supernova (accompanied by choir)
I Am The Walrus (accompanied by choir)


Glasvegas Track listing

Flowers and Football Tops
Lonesome Swan
It’s My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry
S.A.D. Light
Polmont on My Mind
Geraldine
Go Sqaure Go
Ice Cream Van
Daddy’s Gone


Chi Chi Izundu