Live Report: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Royal Albert Hall, London
A giant stalwart of British rock and alternative Noel Gallagher earns his reputation through an admirable work ethic and prolific creativity, while there is a motivation to make things better, his songs often tackle the need for escapism in some form.
Ready to take Royal Albert Hall by storm, the celebrated songwriter unveils a thoughtfully curated yet fan pleasing setlist arranged to entertain the eager Teenage Cancer Trust crowd, he takes them through a setlist of twenty-two anthemic numbers, including a three-song encore.
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Supported by a melodic performance from Blossoms, the Stockport band play hits like ‘I Can’t Stand It’ and ‘If You Think This is Real Life’. A smooth presentation, it paves the way for the headliner.
On supreme form, with usual heaps of sharp banter, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds take the stage. Opening with five tracks from last year’s ‘Council Skies’, an album that easily ranks as his finest full length release to date, the pulsating, dream-like ‘Pretty Boy’ is closely followed by the more lofty ‘Council Skies’, before ‘Open the Door, See What You Find’, a rendition very rich in instrumentation, is heard.
The concert is elevated by arty, frequently changing video backdrops throughout, as lively, versatile production values are applied with distinct vigour. Playing on a diverse but focused spectrum of imagery that fluctuates between natural elements, sea and sun, to high rises and Californian highways and palm trees, there is something for everyone to be immersed in.
Delving into bigger hits mid-set ‘In the Heat of the Moment’, ‘If I Had a Gun’ and ‘AKA.. What A Life!’ add concentrated fuel to the passionate affair, essentially having the crowd come together in numerous singalongs.
Several melodies are delivered on acoustic guitar of which ‘Dead In the Water’ is an intimate example, and it illustrates just how the concert proceeds to build in terms of variety and intensity through sheer enthusiasm and interaction.
Gallagher insists that “Back in the 90s, you were f*cking mad for it”. He will soon trace the remaining part of the running order by means of Oasis back catalogue, the next seven tracks reach far and wide within that sphere.
Leaving the audience transfixed ‘Going Nowhere’ and ‘The Masterplan’ stand out with their exquisite use of layering and arrangement, before the ordeal culminates in an encore of golden greats ‘Stand By Me’, ‘Live Forever’ and ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’.
Wrapping up what has been a huge spectacle the musician concludes “I want to say thank you for all the support. We will see you somewhere down the road”. Noel Gallagher continues to engage and warm hearts, never failing to deliver on his lifelong ambition to use his music and help change lives for the better.
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Words: Susan Hansen
Photography: John Stead
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