Noel Shows Rock'n'Roll Star Status at Royal Albert Hall
Monday, 12 April 2010
Written by Bryony Clare
Strolling on stage in his signature casual jeans and shirt, Noel Gallagher coolly poised himself on his stool, offered the audience a quick nod and hello before strumming into opening track It’s Good to Be Free. This man didn’t muck about, and rightly so. His charged audience were ready to soak up a setlist packed with classic B sides and fan favourites, the simple beauty of which was only too clearly emphasised by an acoustic delivery. There were no surprises, no showcased new tunes...just Noel and his masterpieces.
Although the atmosphere lacked the lairy ‘Mad Fer It’ attitude we know and love of Our Kid, fans couldn’t help but find the silver lining in the group’s split – the chance for Noel to do what he does best, free from the need to dodge the toys flying from the pram. Indeed emotions ran high among the amusingly varied crowd; men seemingly frozen in time since the 90s, to the latest brood of Liam Gallagher doppelgangers, and those annoying seated couples with the cheek to look annoyed when their vision was blurred by the all swaying, all cheering, half-cut fanatics. What did they expect?!
The live choir and string section managed to add an almost heavenly dimension to a set of already romantically nostalgic tunes. Not one to be modest, even Noel himself scoffed ‘if it’s possible to make them any better’. Smugness may befit a man who has created anthems that cause a 5,200 strong army of fans to bellow the words to Don’t Look Back in Anger and The Masterplan in a passionate fit not dissimilar to what one might expect for Land of Hope and Glory. Listen Up and Cast No Shadow were particular highlights of the evening, stripped back and beautifully sang in the older Gallagher’s softer, more melodic tones.
Amid a mass of speculation concerning Noel’s future musical escapades, and set against his younger brother’s aim for an October release of his anticipated work, this crowd were not deterred; they were wonderfully content with their trip down an Oasis memory lane, in spite of Liam’s absence. Regardless of the level of success his forthcoming work may receive, it was clear by the evening’s performance that these songs will never fade in Britain’s musical conscious.
Stereoboard Rating - 5/5.
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