It was a hot, sweaty mess inside Brisbane's The Fortitude Music Hall (6 December) as a massive, sold-out crowd bounced off each other as the rocking tones of Oasis' classic 'Rock 'n' Star' reverberated around the venue, punters arm-in-arm with complete strangers, each person feeling like the rock & roll star that stood before them on stage, face mere millimetres away from the microphone.
I had convinced myself pre-show that there would be no Oasis track listing on this night when Liam Gallagher appeared before his adoring flock of worshippers.But here it was, straight off the bat; a royal offering from one of the doyens of modern rock and Britpop showering his gleeful audience with a tasty morsel from one of music's best back catalogues. Was this to be an evening of Oasis classics or just a glancing look?
When the next two offerings where 'Why Me? Why Not' tracks – 'Halo' and 'Shockwave' – the heart fluttered, like a football fan watching their team allow a late goal to steal a win away. But 'Halo' kept the rockin' vibes cranked to the max as the crowd bopped, flayed and shook their bodies before 'Shockwave' maintained the fervour, sounding oh-so like an Oasis classic, but also showcasing Liam's enduring ability to craft a timeless ditty.
When leading track from Liam's debut album 'As You Were', 'Wall Of Glass', arrived it was again time to utilise thighs and calves, with the crowd bouncing as one, shaking out the collective stress and escaping into Liam's own rock & roll world.
Then we were back into the blissful sounds of classic Oasis with 'Morning Glory' allowing goosebumps the time to rise, the feels definitely hitting joyful highs. Oasis' third album, 'Be Here Now', was sampled too with an achingly great rendition of 'Stand By Me' adding to the nostalgia chills that were zapping through my body (and the majority of those around me judging by the goofy smiles on display).
It was then time for Liam to morph back into solo mode, with further tracks from 'Why Me?...' including 'Once', 'Be Still' and 'The River' as well as 'As You Were' ballad 'For What It's Worth'. All thoroughly enjoyable.
Then 'Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants' creeper, 'Gas Panic' was wheeled out of the Oasis back catalogue garage, its swirling, psychedelic groove the ideal elixir to boost energy levels to max again. When the opening strains of 'Wonderwall' emerged the collective audience's vocals nudged way past 11, the sing-along classic the perfect tonic to cap the first part of Liam's set.
After the stage dimmed and Liam and co. shuffled off stage, you would have got long odds on the encore starter being 'Acquiesce' – the b-side off Oasis' first UK #1 single 'Some Might Say'. Further sing-alongs were had with 'Roll With It', 'Supersonic' and 'Wonderwall' putting all Oasis fans in attendance into a state of ecstasy – this was indeed an evening of exceptionally grand music that will live in the mind for a lifetime.
Many thought that was the final action of the night; even I was filing out when 'Cigarettes & Alcohol' had us streaming back for one final rock-out, before Liam was left alone on stage, immense feedback ringing out as he stood still, looking directly ahead soaking up the adoration showered on him before side-shuffling off stage. It was friggin' biblical Liam!
As I said to my mate as we departed the venue; definitely in the Top 20 shows I've ever seen (across almost 20 years of regular gig attending); probably Top 10 if I'm being honest. Now to get Liam and Noel on stage, together, for the ultimate Oasis reunion.
