The much-anticipated documentary film chronicling Oasis’ world-famous performances at Knebworth in 1996 is set for release this autumn.
Executively produced by none other than brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, Oasis Knebworth 1996 is being released to mark the 25th anniversary of the band’s legendary August 1996 shows – which drew in crowds of over a quarter-of-a-million people.
The feature-length film is made up of never-before-seen archive concert and backstage footage from the gigs, with additional interviews with the band and concert organisers.
Directed by Jake Scott – who’s known for helming the video for Oasis’ 1995 single Morning Glory, along with several other notable classic rock music videos – the film is said to be: “A joyful and at times poignant cinematic celebration of one of the most iconic live concert events of the last 25 years, driven entirely by the music, and the fans’ own experiences of that monumental weekend”.
“Knebworth for me was the Woodstock of the 90’s,” Liam said in a statement.
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“It was all about the music and the people. I can’t remember much about it, but I’ll never forget it – it was biblical.”
'Oasis Knebworth 1996' comes to cinemas worldwide from Thurs, September 23rd! The brand-new feature-length documentary, directed by Jake Scott from extensive concert & exclusive never before seen footage, see these era defining shows through the eyes of the fans who were there. pic.twitter.com/8KjhBfPhpj
The Knebworth shows crowned a whirlwind two-year period for Oasis – which saw the group ascend from small UK clubs, to the top of the charts with the best-selling albums Definitely Maybe and What’s the Story Morning Glory?
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Thirteen of the 20 songs were drawn from those two albums to play over the two nights, while new songs such as My Big Mouth and It’s Gettin’ Better (Man!), and an orchestra-backed cover of the Beatles’ I Am the Walrus rounded out the set lists.
“I did get quite emotional watching it. The sound is great. Liam is at his absolute peak, looked great with great clothes, sounds amazing, and of course, being that close to that band, you kind of perceive it differently to everybody else.”
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Crowds of over a quarter of a million music fans from all over the world descended on Knebworth in August 1996 / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
He continued: “But actually standing back and watching it, I was like, fucking hell, we were unbelievable. We could really, really play and I was like, ‘is that me playing the guitar?’ because my guitar playing suffered a bit because now I’m just singing and strumming.
“I was on fire that fucking night.”
Oasis Knebworth 1996 is set to arrive in cinemas on 23 September 2021, with tickets going on sale on 10 August – exactly 25 years to the day since the first night of the legendary concerts.
You can find more information and grab your tickets here.
James Blunt announces huge Manchester gig on new European arena tour
Daisy Jackson
Singer-songwriter James Blunt is heading back out on tour next year, and has announced a massive Manchester gig as part of his run of arena shows.
The singer, perhaps best-known for his iconic 2005 pop ballad ‘You’re Beautiful’, is hitting the road again in 2027.
The newly-announced European tour is in celebration of his new album Airplane Mode, which is set for release this autumn.
James Blunt will kick off his tour in Leeds next spring, before heading over for a night at the almighty Co-op Live in Manchester.
Then he’ll head to more cities including Newcastle, Birmingham and London.
His new album, Airplane Mode, is being released on 6 November and will, according to his press release, be ‘exhilarating’.
James has already released the first single, ‘Tastes Like Summer’, and ‘Weight Of It All’, with 10 more songs to come on the record.
Airplane Mode was recorded with James’ brilliant long-standing live band, who’ll be back on tour with him next year.
Speaking of the new album, and recording in Pig Music Studios, he said: “Somewhere back there, I lost my way, but found it again in a studio in Banbury.”
James Blunt will be at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on 3 April, 2027. Tickets go on sale from 10am on 9 September.
Major pop star crowns humble rice and three cafe as ‘Jewel of Manchester’ ahead of sold-out gig
Thomas Melia
A beloved city centre takeaway has been given the title of ‘Jewel of Manchester’ by chart-topping UK singer Sam Smith.
Known for hits like ‘Stay With Me’, ‘I’m Not The Only One’ and more recently ‘Unholy’, UK pop-ballad act Sam Smith also likes to drop a food review every once in a while.
Currently on the road with a run of shows in Manchester and London for their ‘To Be Free’ live shows, Sam Smith is stopping off at some of our city’s much-loved spots.
On their food-reviewing account titled ‘Sam Served’, where they adopt the aptly-fitting nickname ‘Ham Smith’, Sam has visited restaurants across the globe – and most recently turned their attention to Manchester’s own This & That.
Smith decided to pop in and grab a cheeky rice and three from long-standing backstreet food business This & That, and it certainly went down a treat.
After sampling their amazing selection of meat, vegetable and vegan curries, the musician crowned this family-run Indian takeaway a ‘Jewel of Manchester’.
The hitmaker described this Northern Quarter Indian eatery as ‘Everything food should be’ and definitely enjoyed all the curries on offer ‘leaving belly and heart full’.
This & That prides itself on affordable and comforting food with its ‘Rice and Three Curries’ starting from just £6 – not bad for a city centre foodie spot.
Sam has racked up an impressive 490k followers via their ‘Sam Served’ profile, with famous faces like Lily Allen, Denise Welch and CMAT all wanting to know the superstar’s foodie thoughts.
After enjoying a curry or three, Sam Smith also made sure to feed their soul to by venturing down to Afflecks and getting lost in the music at Mars Tapes.
Recognised as one of the UK’s only cassette and tape shops, Mars Tapes lets you flick through their crates of physical media and even preview tracks before you buy with its dedicated listening areas.
It’s safe to say that Smith has ‘Latched’ onto Manchester’s independent business scene and we’re here for it.
The London-born artist has just released their latest album Hazel Eyes and is currently amid a UK residency tour with two dates in Manchester’s Albert Hall and eight shows set for London Coliseum.
Emily Sergeant -
14th July 2021 
