Noel Gallagher has given his first major interview since the long-dreamt-of Oasis reunion tour began this summer, and it’s quite surreal to hear some of the candid commentshe made in his most recent talkSPORT appearance.
Appearing on a radio show this week, the world-famous Mancunian songwriter spoke with lead anchor and friend, Andy Goldstein, as well as guest host Darren Bent, on how the tour has gone so far, even addressing talk of more shows next year.
Steady, let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet…
Nevertheless, the clip of the rather off-the-cuff chat quickly went viral online, with the elder Gallagher brother beginning by stating that “it’s difficult to put into words”, joking that he’s “not usually” short for them – and that’s just the intro.
"I'm completely blown away."
"It's difficult to put into words. It's been truly amazing."
Noel Gallagher speaks on being 'blown away' on the response to Oasis' reunion gigspic.twitter.com/m8aKCCAoOb
As he goes on to explain, each night of the Live ’25 tour has had that element of “the first time”, especially given that each set of fans inside the various arenas each night is genuinely ending their 16-year wait every time they step out on stage.
ADVERTISEMENT
But, most notably, it’s what Noel goes on to say about his brother Liam that has been lapped up on social media, and it’s not hard to see why.
After being probed by Goldstein on what it’s like to be back playing with him post-reconciliation, the 58-year-old admitted, “It’s just great being back in the band with Liam” and the rest of the boys.
ADVERTISEMENT
Perhaps most surprisingly, Noel went on to say: “Liam‘s smashing it […] I’m proud of him”, confessing that he doesn’t think he can deliver that same level of stadium-size frontman energy night after night.
One part that particularly moved us and millions of others online was the moment he simply said, “I forgot how funny he was.”
We’re not crying, you are.
ADVERTISEMENT
👏 "It's great being back in the band with Liam. He forgot how funny he was."
While he wouldn’t be drawn into any overly emotional talk about reuniting with his previously estranged sibling and bandmate, reiterating that there are just not those kinds of people, you could clearly hear how touched the Manc music legend has been by the whole experience already.
Conceding that “when it’s all said and done, we’ll sit back and reflect on it”, the images of him welling up mid-song, laughing and joking with Liam, dancing with Bonehead as they play guitar opposite each other, and so many other moments paint a thousand words.
The reaction from fans has been just as wholesome and heartwarming, too; some joked that “the planet has well and truly healed”, another said, “You have no idea how happy this makes me,’ and one went so far as to say ‘I’ve never heard him talk about Liam like this.”
You can hear everything from the Oasis-related section of Noel Gallagher’s most recent talkSPORT interview in full down below:
We’ve heard Noel talking about Liam before, and multiple times in talkSPORT appearances, but he’s never given an interview like this.
Featured Images — Raph_PH (via Flickr)/Publicity Picture
Audio
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: