Though it may be hard to grasp that 30 years have passed since Oasis launched their iconic debut album, ‘Definitely Maybe,’ Liam Gallagher took us on a nostalgic journey, transporting us back to 1994 for two sold out, memorable nights in Dublin.
Warming up the Dublin crowd was the very impressive Villanelle, fronted by Liam’s son Gene. One of the obstacles of being the son of a music legend is the pressure of being as good as their father, but Gene Gallagher and his band rose to the occasion with remarkable poise. Their performance was a blend of raw talent and youthful energy, offering a fresh yet familiar sound that resonated well with the audience. Gene’s stage presence, reminiscent of his father’s charismatic swagger, proved that he is carving out his own path in the music world. Following Villanelle, was legendary Brit-pop band Cast, an influential outfit from the 90’s who were handpicked as special guests by Liam himself. Playing famous hits such as Walkaway & Alright from their phenomenal debut album All Change, the Dublin crowd were brimming with anticipation for what was to follow!
Would it really be a Liam Gallagher gig if it wasn’t kicked off with the all-too-familiar Rock ’n’ Roll Star? As the opening chords reverberated through the venue, the crowd erupted in a wave of euphoria, instantly transported back to the 90s. Gallagher’s voice, as raw and powerful as ever, commanded the stage with an effortless cool, proving that time has done little to dull his rock ‘n’ roll swagger. Columbia came next which featured the rap from the rare Oasis Sawmills demo, giving those in attendance another slice of nostalgia.
Visually, the concert was a feast for the eyes, which was noticeably a massive step up from previous Liam Gallagher solo tours. Featuring a huge spinning globe, lifelike flamingo sculptures, palm trees and how could we forget “LASAGNE” in gigantic letters during Digsy’s Dinner accompanied by a tribute to original drummer Tony McCarroll on the big screens. The backdrop of nostalgic visuals added an extra layer of immersion, making the night not just a concert but a vibrant journey through time.
Billed as it is, the songs from Definitely Maybe were expected, but the accompanying B-sides were not guaranteed. The diehard Oasis fans in the audience were treated to a plethora of Oasis B-sides like Cloudburst, Fade Away, I Will Believe and more impressively Lock All The Doors, a rare Oasis demo, that has since been released by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.
If there is ever a song that is guaranteed to get an arena bouncing, it’s Cigarettes & Alcohol and it certainly served its purpose with over 13,000 people screaming “You Gotta Make It Happen!”. The crowd were absolutely electric and this was evident after the gig when Bonehead tweeted out “Thank you Dublin. You were the maddest yet.”. So, Irish fans can give themselves a pat on the back for bringing an unforgettable atmosphere to the Definitely Maybe tour.
The Dublin crowd were treated to not one, but two encores, leaving the best songs until last in Supersonic, Slide Away, Live Forever and the surprising return of the I Am The Walrus cover previously played over 15 years ago in the Oasis era. It’s safe to say that a large portion of those in attendance exited the arena with their voices completely spent after a night of pure rock ’n’ roll.
If there was one thing to take from this show, it was that Liam Gallagher did not leave a single stone unturned and proved once again why he remains a pivotal figure in rock music. His performance was more than just a trip down memory lane; it was a celebration of a legacy that continues to inspire. For those 90 minutes, the years melted away, and it felt as though the spirit of Oasis was alive and well, with Liam Gallagher at its helm.
Words by Cian McGivern