(image by Kartogram)
With a crowd of around 5,200 music lovers, a trendy 42-year-old Noel strode on to the stage wearing just a modest shirt and jeans, clutching a guitar and quickly thanked fans for their support. He placed himself comfortably on a stool, quite unbewildered of the huge number of happy faces staring at him.
Opening with the very fitting Oasis song – '(it’s good) to be free', he instantly engaged the crowd in singing along together, arms cuddled round each other, swaying to the music, much like old friends.
Backed up with a choir of 50 people, guitarist - Gem Archer - formally of Oasis, percussion by Terry Kirkbridge and an orchestra with a soft symphony of violins and cello, the acoustics of the Royal Albert Hall couldn’t have complemented his efforts any better.
This performance seemed different to any other done by the older, more mature Gallagher brother before. It was tainted with emotion as he sung ‘Fade away’ and ‘Wonderwall’ to an audience of adoring men and women. “It’s not rock and roll” he says and smiles to the crowd.
It seemed far more of a ‘grown up’ gig, than those previously performed alongside brother Liam.
However, keeping in touch with his original, humorous self, Noel bantered with his audience, (especially the Northerners among them) in his usual cheeky manner.
The orchestra echoed through the hall alongside his strong recognizable voice, and made a perfect addition to his last song of the night, ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’.
Looking around the Albert Hall was something else. The beauty of the building was bought alive with subtle lighting.
Thousands of faces and bodies swaying gently, smiles and sometimes tears at the real emotion portrayed through the songs. And possibly the realization that such a great band had come to an end.
Noel had also learned a few days back that he is going to be a Father for the third time, keeping emotion levels high and keeping him on his best behavior.
No new material was played, and the set was focused heavily on B-sides, with Noel joking “ No, were not playing any new songs. As brilliant as they are, now’s not the time or the place”, to which most fans agreed and cheered. Most of the fans appreciated songs from early on in the Oasis career, such as the brilliant ‘Slide Away’, and so had no complaints. Besides, isn’t that what makes a real Oasis fan?
Noel Gallagher had performed a similar solo set in 2007 for charity in the Royal Albert Hall, but attention was focused on the appearance without his brother, as Oasis was still alive and well.
But a change of events saw the crowd unfazed and chanting only his name.
Towards the end of the final song, he puts down his guitar and strolls off the stage, saying humbly “It’s been an absolute pleasure to play for you tonight”, as the orchestra and choir continue to sing and play to the end of the song.
A wave of applause thunders through the venue as people stand to cheer and celebrate the night together, possibly hoping for more signs of a solo career from Noel, to continue their passion of his music they have had within them for so many years.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment