One of the most-anticipated gigs of the summer is upon us, with Liam Gallagher set to play a biblical homecoming gig in Manchester.
The former Oasis frontman will take to the stage at the massive Etihad Stadium – the home ground of his beloved Manchester City FC.
Liam will go on this week to play two historic gigs at Knebworth, though sadly without guitarist and long-time friend Bonehead at his side.
The star is performing straight off the back of the release of his new album, C’Mon, You Know, and will likely dip into the huge Oasis back catalogue too.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Wednesday night’s gig.
Who’s supporting Liam Gallagher at the Etihad Stadium?
The Charlatans
ADVERTISEMENT
Tim Burgess on stage with the Charlatans. Credit: Flickr
The Charlatans need no introduction, as fellow giants of the mid-90s rock scene that they shared with Oasis – and Liam Gallagher himself.
Fronted by Tim Burgess, the group have 13 studio albums, all of which have charted in the top 40.
They most recently released a greatest hits compilation, titled A Head Full of Ideas.
ADVERTISEMENT
Goat Girl
London four-piece Goat Girl will be supporting Liam Gallagher at the Etihad on Wednesday night as well as at his two Knebworth gigs.
They’ll then head out to tour Europe, including additional dates in Manchester at Castlefield Bowl and at Psych Fest.
The group first formed in 2016 and have released two studio albums to date.
Paul Gallagher
ADVERTISEMENT
Liam’s big brother Paul has just been announced on the line-up for Wednesday’s Etihad concert.
He’ll be playing a DJ set to get the crowds warmed up.
What are the stage times for Liam Gallagher’s gig?
Doors for the Etihad Stadium will open at 5pm on Wednesday 1 June, with Paul Gallagher on decks to welcome people.
The rest of the stage times are expected to be as follows:
Goat Girl – 6.25pm
ADVERTISEMENT
The Charlatans – 7.25pm
Liam Gallagher – 9.00pm
How do I get to the Etihad Stadium?
There’s a tram that runs straight to the Etihad from the city centre in less than 10 minutes, which might be your best option, though it only runs every 12 minutes and is likely to be very busy.
Holt Town and Velopark tram stops won’t operate after the gig until the crowds have cleared from Etihad Campus.
You can also walk to and from the stadium, which takes around half an hour from Piccadilly.
ADVERTISEMENT
There are several car parks around the venue if you want to drive, though again, these will be busy and will fill up quickly.
TfGM have said: “Based off data from previous events at the Etihad, we expect the roads such as – Regent Road, Hyde Road, Ashton Old Road and Mancunian Way – to be busy in the hours before and after the concert. Please consider leaving the car at home or re-routing your journey. D’You Know What I Mean? This way, you’ll avoid the congested areas.
“City centre Metrolink stops and services on the Ashton line will run to a 12-minute frequency and will be busier in the run up to the gig. This means You’ve Gotta Roll With It, Gotta Take Your Time when boarding a service. Don’t Look Back In Anger wishing you would have set off a little earlier for a more comfortable journey.”
General admission standing tickets are all gone, but if you don’t mind sitting right up at the top of the huge venue, you can grab a last-minute ticket for £62.10.
There are also a few seats a little closer to the stage, priced at £83.10 each before booking fees.
ADVERTISEMENT
What will Liam Gallagher’s setlist be like?
As this is the first date in his stadium tour, and the new album has only been out for a few days, it’s hard to call the setlist at this stage.
When he recently performed an intimate gig in Blackburn, this is what he went for:
Hello Rock ‘n’ Roll Star Morning Glory Wall of Glass Shockwave Everything’s Electric Better Days Slide Away Stand by Me C’mon You Know World’s in Need The River Once Encore: Cigarettes & Alcohol Cast No Shadow Live Forever Wonderwall
Featured image: Publicity picture
Audio
A local Manc musician is taking on a Three Peaks challenge whilst carrying a full drum kit
Danny Jones
A local musician dubbed ‘The Manchester Drummer’ is set to face an incredible twist on the National Three Peaks Challenge this summer, as he’s set to carry a full drum kit the ENTIRE way.
This makes our weekly stairmaster workout look like a walk in the park.
Aaron Youd, a.k.a. ‘TMD’ is set to take on the incredible feat next month in the name of mental health, especially among men.
Having sadly seen half a dozen loved ones and peers take their own lives over the last three decades, he’s putting himself through the wringer to show that mountains are there to be climbed, and chip away at those still surviving stigmas, one step at a time.
Set to ascend Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike – Great Britain’s trio of tallest summits – all whilst carrying his trusty drum kit, he’ll be putting himself through 23 miles of walking and over 10,000 feet/3,000 metres of elevation all told.
When we first came across his story, we assumed he meant the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge (still staggering at more than 5,200 ft), but it turns out he does nothing by half measures.
Having spent the best part of 27 years touring and performing across the UK and Europe, Aaron’s personal connection to mental health awareness and wellbeing has only deepened over that time, choosing to represent another native charity this August.
Mandem Meetup, who also have a strong base across Greater Manchester, hold completely free group walks, along with talking events, hikes and other activities, like Dungeons and Dragons games, homeless outreach work, even gym sessions with fellow Manc community hero Javeno McLean.
Speaking ahead of starting his incredible journey, Aaron said: “This challenge is about much more than endurance. It’s about raising awareness for mental health, encouraging people to speak openly, and raising as much money as possible for a cause that affects so many lives every day.
Credit: Supplied
“I’ve lost six friends and colleagues to suicide, and I know how important it is that people feel able to talk and ask for support. At each peak, I’ll be performing with the drums to spread the message that no one should struggle alone.
“Every step, every climb, and every beat played is dedicated to raising awareness and making a positive difference.”
As well as embarking on his voyage on behalf of Mandem Meetup, Aaron is also now working with a big brand soon to make a splash here in the region (nudge nudge, wink wink) who are helping back him on his challenge.
Following a chance encounter here in the city centre, he happened to meet Professor David Russell, who came across him busking, but also just happens to be the CEO of the upcoming Therme Manchester.
The £500 spa and resort set to open over in Trafford may still be a way off, currently scheduled for late 2028, but as part of their promotion ahead of establishing a base here in the North West, the talented percussionist was invited to be part of the official groundbreaking ceremony last September.
As for Aaron, he signs off by adding: “Music has always been my outlet and my way of connecting with people. If this challenge encourages even one person to open up about how they’re feeling or seek help, then every difficult step will be worth it.”
We wish him all the best and good luck with this superhuman and inspiring fundraising activity, not that he needs it – we have every faith he’s going to smash it.
Whilst you’re here, we’re hoping the grassroots music community can also come together to support another locally-based artist who could do with some help.
Liam Fray says ‘yes’ to Courteeners supporting Oasis on tour amid rumoured 2027 dates
Danny Jones
Liam Fray has said that the Courteeners are ready to “answer the call” if/when it comes to supporting Oasis on their next big live tour, with rumours of dates for shows in 2027 ramping up.
The fellow Manc favourites were heavily suggested as potential support acts for the Live ’25 reunion gigs, but Cast and Richard Ashcroft were ultimately selected as the warm-ups for the world tour.
With that in mind, when asked if Courteeners would be ready to open up for Oasis on their still only hypothetical tour next year, Fray had a very quick answer:
Not to speak for the Middleton musician, but it’s a bit of a no-brainer, really.
As you can see, in a recent interview with Radio X host Johnny Vaughan promoting the indie rockers’ new single, ‘Plus One Forever’, the 41-year-old frontman made it clear that he and his bandmates would bite hands off if the other Liam and/or his brother Noel offered a slot to them.
The younger Gallagher brother definitely had plenty of fun teasing supports last time around, before making some fairly more obvious posts and then seemingly just announcing them on social media according to his own timeline.
LG does what he wants, after all.
As for the supposed ’12 nights at the Etihad Stadium’ reported recently, not to mention all the other sets across the country that would no doubt follow should they come to fruition, Fray could say little else other than simply “Yes” to the prospect.
Joking, “Well, it is from me – I don’t know if someone else has said no!”, there have been no other indications on this front, but it’s safe to say it’d be a huge booking for everyone involved and a HUGE crowd-pleaser; Liam looks to be working on one of his own, elsewhere, too…
The two lead singers have both graced the stage of the Emirates Old Trafford stadium at Lancashire County Cricket Club, as well as Heaton Park, respectively.
Liam noted that he was at Heaton Park himself for that unforgettable summer last year, and also praised Wigan’s very own Ashcroft for being “unbelievable” when he caught him at Wembley. Big shoes to fill. The question is, who would you like to see supporting Oasis on their possible tour dates in the future?
In the meantime, we’ll have to be satisfied with gearing up for the release of the highly-anticipated reunion documentary, with the title and a first trailer now revealed.
Daisy Jackson -
1st June 2022 
