Noel Gallagher and the High Flying Birds performed in Taipei last Thursday, wrapping up this year’s Twinkle Rock Festival. Those who missed the show will surely be disappointed when they realize that Noel Gallagher is one half of the former rock band Oasis.
Gallagher, along with his brother Liam, fronted Oasis together before the group disbanded in 2009 following a brotherly blowup before a concert. Fortunately, both brothers have continued to make music under new monikers, while continuing to trade insults in the press. Liam Gallagher performed in Taipei last year with Beady Eye, his new band, and this time it was brother Noel’s turn.
But if fans were expecting an Oasis show, they didn’t get one. Noel Gallagher and the High Flying Birds is very much a new solo project, and Oasis’ distinctive sound is barely present.
Photo by Olivia Wycech
Concertgoers didn’t seem to know — or care — that this was not an Oasis show, as they repeatedly called out for Oasis songs. Roars of cheers and applause between songs meant that although the crowd couldn’t sing along, they were impressed.
Gallagher did manage to sneak a few Oasis songs into his set, but they weren’t the popular ones that hardcore fans were looking for. He also only performed songs that he was credited with singing, which meant Wonderwall didn’t make the set list. The audience did, however, finally get their wish in the form of an encore.
After a quick break, Gallagher performed Oasis songs Whatever and Little By Little, before announcing he was about to play his final song. He let a few moments pass for effect whilst eyeing the audience. The crowd began to buzz, as they fully understood what was about to happen.
Photo By Olivia Wycech
When Gallagher broke out into Don’t Look Back In Anger, the audience erupted and began belting out the words in unison for the first time all night. Arms swayed until the very end and British flags filled the air. This was clearly the moment that many fans had waited for all night.
A nearly full house meant that Oasis fans in Taiwan are embracing Gallagher’s new direction. In fact, the TWTC Hall 2 appeared more full last Thursday night than any other show in this year’s festival. The Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, Basement Jaxx and Nelly Furtado also played the festival earlier this summer. Very Aspect, who are garnering a reputation for bringing throwback bands that set off some serious nostalgia, return with Sting this December.
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