Remember when everyone started wondering why ‘Tony McCarroll’ was trending on social media before suddenly realising they might have cocked up getting an Oasis pre-sale code? Us too, and with just a few months until the band’s reunion tour kicking off, he’s sent a message to the boys.
For most Oasis fans, the idea of an actual comeback was something they’d long dreamt of, but one they had mostly resigned themselves to the fact that it was something that was probably never really going to come true.
With that in mind, one man who was not only there at the very start of the phenomenon that was Oasis but – for one day, at the very least – was perhaps the most Googled person on the planet, has shared a heartfelt message of support; here’s what Tony McCarroll had to say ahead of a truly massive summer:
Sharing a sentiment that many of us headed into the new year echoing after we’d learned of the Oasis reunion, the 53-year-old began simply saying, “2025 is shaping up alright, isn’t it?!
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“Almost a lifetime ago, a few Burnage lads got together and created something special. Something that time can’t out date, the start of a wave that’s evidently still rolling with the last real band before the world changed.
“Oasis captured the time and minds of the people; we were the same as them, and they felt it. The connection. Over the last year or two, I’ve noticed something new in the gig and QnA crowds…. youth. The circle has started again lads. A new generation ready to start a journey of listening.”
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The original Oasis drummer, who quit the band in 1995 and was replaced by long-standing replacement Alan White, confessed: “Actually, I’m a bit jealous of that blank canvas they’re about to start on”
“Lads, the world is excited to see this, it’s all people are talking about. The time ‘feels’ right, I can’t wait to see how it all goes down”, he went on to say.
Adressing Liam, Noel, Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs and Gem Archer directly before adding, “I better stop there as I’m not sure who else”, McCarroll wished them the best of luck and reminding them to make sure they “stop and take it in”.
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As he touched on, the full band lineup for the Oasis reunion shows is yet to be officially confirmed but we’ve had pretty strong indications as to who we can expect to be returning.
Last but not least, he went on to quip, “If the drummer fancies a stage partner for ‘Supersonic’ at Heaton Park, give us a buzz” – now what a moment that would be, eh?
“What we started back in The Boardwalk days, has become this. Be proud. I f***** am! Enjoy it”, he signs off. Whether or not he has any regrets that he wasn’t part of the latter decade or so they spent as a bad or not, who knows? Even four years as part of one of the world’s biggest bands is quite something.
One thing that his message has proved for sure is that Tony McCarroll is just as excited to see Oasis come back this summer as every other fan on the planet and, original drummer, Alan White, Zak Starkey or otherwise, just hearing that first roar from the crowd is going to send chills down our collective spines.
For those of you lucky enough to grab tickets, what are you most looking forward to hearing?
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall Manchester – groovy, hazy and effortlessly cool
Clementine Hall
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall proved exactly why they’ve built such a cult following over the past decade.
Formed in 2010 by frontman Ruban Nielson, the band first broke through with their scrappy, lo-fi self-titled debut and since then, they’ve become known for their signature blend of psychedelic rock, funk, and warped pop.
I first saw the band back in 2023 at Glastonbury, and yes sorry I am one of those annoying people that bring it up all the time.
They’re the perfect band to close your eyes, sway your head and tap your foot to – and that’s exactly what the crowd were doing in unison last night at the Albert Hall.
Image: The Manc Group
From the second they stepped on stage, there was no rush – just that signature hazy groove met with enough stage lights to sink a ship.
You could barely see them on stage, but that made it even cooler. And you can only imagine how gorgeous the Albert Hall looked with hundreds of spotlights in different colours whizzing all over it.
Early tracks simmered and pulled us in before the band stretched out into crowd pleasers like ‘Multi-Love’ and ‘Hunnybee’. What an absolute tune by the way.
Image: The Manc Group
There wasn’t much crowd interaction but, again, there didn’t need to be. They let the music do the talking and by treating us to some of the most epic guitar solos we’ve ever heard (no, seriously), we’ll forgive them for not talking to us.
Each song melted into each other as the band oozed effortless charm and talent throughout the almost two hour set, which is no mean feat.
Of course, a sea of phones shot up for ‘So Good at Being in Trouble‘, their most popular track which prompted a harmonious audience singalong. Not very harmonious by me, admittedly.
It was a fantastic ending that left the audience feeling united by the laidback brilliance of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and I hope they don’t leave it too long to come back this time.
Review | Leon Thomas at Manchester Academy – ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’ but this gig healed me
Thomas Melia
American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas visited Manchester Academy last night, performing hits from his deluxe album to a sold-out crowd of more than 2,600.
One year after an exclusive London MUTT Live date, Mr Thomas returns to the UK with the ‘MUTTS DON’T HEEL’ Tour, venturing to five cities, including the music capital of the North: Manchester.
The night started off just how it should’ve done with ‘HEEL’, as the audience were welcomed by the drum-loop and a chill atmosphere from the start.
Now, it wouldn’t be a Leon Thomas gig without at least one Ty Dolla $ign collaboration making the setlist, and there’s plenty to choose from with a new one dropping just over a month ago, ‘miss u 2’.
Leon Thomas performing hits at Manchester Academy (Credit: Audio North)
The funk-influenced musician opted for ‘FAR FETCHED’, and the audience was in the palm of his hand. No matter which of the four link-ups he chose, it was always going to go down well – Manchester never disappoints.
Leon didn’t even have to ask the crowd to bring more energy; they already matched him. When he sings, “For someone who don’t ask for favours, I’ve done way too many favours”, on ‘PARTY FAVORS’, he really meant it.
Last year, Leon Thomas dropped PHOLKS, a project which saw him exploring old-school funk and soul sounds even further and ‘Just How You Are’ had even the shyest dancer pulling out a little two step.
This isn’t the only hit that sent the crowd into a frenzy; ‘Baccarat’ and its impressive psychedelic guitar solo had jaws literally falling to the floor at Manchester Academy.
His songs might not be dramatic or extravagant, but they don’t need to be. Leon’s artistry prevails when he’s softly singing, and you’re still able to detect each instrument.
Leon Thomas brought the MUTTS DON’T HEEL Tour to Manchester Academy (Credit: The Manc)
‘Breaking Point’ is an easy-listening soul track that had all 2,600 Leon Thomas fans in our feelings as we realised we were coming to the end of a phenomenal concert.
And of course, ‘Mutt’ – his biggest single to date: a bouncy and swag-filled number that sticks in your head for weeks on end – sounded even better when backed by a live band as I discovered last night.
There was some insane musicality, distinct bangers and impeccable live arrangements that elevated the original studio recordings. Maybe ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’, but Leon Thomas definitely healed me.
He wasn’t the only cool cat playing last night either:
Danny Jones -
8th April 2025 
