Oasis: 10 things we learned from the band's triumphant Edinburgh show (Uncut magazine, August 10)

[highplainsdem]

https://www.uncut.co.uk/reviews/oasis-10-things-we-learned-from-the-bands-edinburgh-show-150778/

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Their early strike rate was phenomenal
The set-list skews heavily to their imperial phase. As if we need reminding, the focus on Definitely Maybe and (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? prove is just how high their strike rate was in their first flush of grandeur. The opening nine-song run is lean, flawless, poised. “Morning Glory” leads into “Some Might Say”, “Bring It On Down” to “Cigarettes & Alcohol”, “Fade Away” to “Supersonic”. Of these, “Cigarettes & Alcohol” is an early peak and a lively shoutathon, with Liam encouraging the entire stadium to do the Poznań. A favourite at the Gallaghers’ beloved Manchester City ground, it involves supporters standing with their backs to the pitch, linking arms side-by-side.

Sound and non-performance are crucial
The three-guitar line-up adds colossal power to the set. Stacking Bonehead and Archeras twin rhythm guitarists gives the songs even denser mass. You might have wished they’d play “Columbia” – a song of unrelenting heaviosity – in this iteration. More than simply a talismanic presence standing between Liam and Noel, Bonehead is a critical weapon in the band’s arsenal. He scythes through barre-chords, turbocharging the sound. It’s possible that Oasis are louder than the Red Arrows’ annual flypast at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo earlier that evening. In some respects, this enhanced line-up also reminds us that sound and non-performance were crucial to the Oasis experience. This is a wall of sound made by men who are entirely motionless throughout. By refusing to do anything, they somehow tell you everything.

Liam’s battle with Edinburgh Council continues
Blur vs Oasis? These days, it’s Liam Gallagher vs Edinburgh City Council. In June, leaked documents revealed derogatory comments about the band’s fans. In response, Liam called the council a “bunch of snakes” at the first Edinburgh show. At tonight’s second show, he digs in, effectively accusing the council of corruption. “We’re bringing £2m into the city in the next couple of days,” says Liam, “and you’ll see none of it because they’re splitting it with their mates.” At which point, the band tear into “Bring It On Down”, which remains a surprisingly robust commentary on Britain’s class system from a largely apolitical band. For the most part, Liam is a super-charged presence. In all likelihood, he is enjoying himself more than anyone else here.

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The biggest band in Britain – not once but twice
“Rock ’N Roll Star” reminds us of the scale of Oasis’ ambitions. As the opening track of Definitely Maybe, this was a critical component in setting out Oasis’ stall. It is defiant and utterly unshakeable in its conviction. The closing track for tonight’s main set, the band are joined on screen by footage of their younger selves. The path from bedroom fantasies – “In my mind my dreams are real” – to record-breaking comeback tour could not be clearer. Oasis have used sheer willpower and ambition to become the biggest band in Britain – not once, but twice now.

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Liam telling off the Edinburgh City Council - probably more effectively last night because for the first time since the shows in Manchester more than two weeks ago, he was NOT hiding much of his face under a bucket hat (as he'd done again Friday night for the first Edinburgh show):

Getting the fans ready to start jumping for Cigarettes & Alcohol:

Rock'n'Roll Star:

30 years ago, from a concert recorded in April '95 and released that August:

[speak easy]

1. Liam called the council a "bunch of snakes" at the first Edinburgh show.

Liam will never stop being Liam. And all these years later I wouldn't want him to - other than moderating the alcohol.

[highplainsdem]

2. I wouldn't want Liam to change, either, other than taking better care of himself than he did

when young. Something he's already doing.

Something we all should do.