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.
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:
Emily Sergeant -
14th July 2021 
