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.
Yet another major Deansgate Locks nightlife spot has closed in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Deansgate Locks is set to lose yet another of its nightlife spots, with Ark confirming it will be shutting its doors ‘within weeks’.
The multi-room, multi-storey, multi-genre nightclub has been part of the canalside development for more than a decade, having first opened back in 2014.
At that time, Deansgate Locks was arguably Manchester’s leading nightlife destination, drawing hundreds of students and party-goers to its mix of venues.
The railway arches have been home to iconic clubs and bars including Baa Bar, Lola Lo, Revolution, and Sugar Buddha, as well as The Comedy Store.
But with news that Ark Manchester is closing too, it leaves only Popworld left at what was previously one of the city’s hottest destinations.
In a statement shared with the Manchester Evening News, a spokesperson for Stonegate said: “The hospitality sector continues to face significant challenges.
Ark Manchester will be closing for goodIt leaves Deansgate Locks with just one venue
“After careful consideration, and despite our best efforts, Ark Manchester is no longer commercially viable and we have taken the difficult decision to close the venue.
“Our priority is to support our hard‑working team during this time, and we would like to thank them for their commitment and dedication. We would also like to thank our guests and the local community for their support over the years.”
It’s believed that Ark Manchester will close on Deansgate Locks in the next few weeks.
The Streets announce big change for Castlefield Bowl gig in Manchester amid World Cup clash
Daisy Jackson
One of the biggest gigs taking place in Manchester this summer has announced a pretty major change to its plans.
The Streets are set to perform two nights at Castlefield Bowl this weekend, taking to the magnificent outdoor stage in the heart of the city.
But one of those shows happens to clash with a pretty major event – England’s quarter final World Cup match against Norway.
But The Streets have got the nation’s interests at heart, and have announced a plan to make sure fans can watch both their gig and the football.
Mike Skinner et al will be shifting their entire Saturday gig forward by a full hour, which means gig-goers should be able to escape Castlefield Bowl and peg it to the nearest pub in time for the footy.
“Fear not,” they wrote in an update on Instagram today. “Saturday’s show will begin early to accommodate England vs Norway at 10.”
It also means their support acts – Mancunian artist Antony Szmierek, and rap and grime MC CASISDEAD – will be playing an hour earlier than planned.
The Streets’ gig on Friday will remain at the time originally planned.
Doors to Castlefield Bowl will open earlier ahead of Antony Szmierek’s performance at the revised time of 5.50pm.
Then CASISDEAD will perform at 6.15pm, with The Streets on stage at 7.45pm.
Fans have been delighted with The Streets’ decision to move their Manchester Saturday show forward, with one writing: “THANK YOU CASTLEFIELD BOWL AND MIKEYYYY. We had a very difficult decision on our hands today, this is what dreams are made of. See you Saturday!!!!”
Many more are calling for the England games to be screened at Castlefield Bowl, but no plans have been confirmed for that just yet. Watch this space…
Emily Sergeant -
14th July 2021 
