This isn’t so much a review, it is more of an ode to people and the magic they bring into this world. It is also an appreciation for how hard work pays off and the people that have supported me in my dreams and endeavours over the years.
Through a connection I’d made within music PR I got offered face value front standing tickets to Oasis on their last date at Manchester’s Heaton Park and while at first I wondered if that would be a responsible financial decision to make, I also knew that there was no way that I would be missing out on the reunion of a band of which I have the front men tattooed on my leg. As my thirtieth is coming up my parents decided to gift the ticket as a birthday present, which made the decision easy, and resulted in happy tears, if happy covers it. On Sunday I travelled from Leeds to Manchester to see a band I never thought I’d ever see grace the stage together again.
I had never felt the feelings I felt that day before, there was a sense of freedom, a sense of belonging, utter happiness and disbelief as I received two wristbands of which one said “GUEST BAR”. I couldn’t ever thank Katie enough for allowing me to purchase a guest ticket that allowed me entry into the guest bar, as well as stunningly clean toilets, it’s the little things when you’re going to a gig in a park on a rainy day in July. Despite being alone that day, I’d never felt less lonely. I’ve seen both Noel and Liam Gallagher a few times live, with their separate projects, and their shows and crowd are like no other. Despite many a “you’re too young to have been around when Oasis were”, most attendees focused on our commonalities; our love and admiration for Oasis.
Cast and Richard Ashcroft warmed the crowd and helped create the initial bond between about 80.000 strangers smiling as they were having the time of their lives, quite literally. Men, women, and the in-between of all ages enjoyed moved as one ahead, during, and after the show. It felt as if I was a cog in a massive and well-oiled machine that had come together through love and pure passion. My neighbours smiled at me, checked in on me, and held me as I cried during ‘Talk Tonight’. I couldn’t be more grateful for the woman that turned to me, and despite being absolutely mortal, knew and gave me exactly what I needed.
As this legendary band that has set the precedent for many bands that followed played through their set I made sure to stand still and fully soak it all in, in between the wild dancing and singing along. I stood there in disbelief, looking at both Gallaghers on stage, seemingly completely at ease with one another and giving each other plenty of time to enjoy their spotlight. I looked up at the screen, great quality, and the people surrounding me and felt at peace, at one, and incredibly fortunate. I may have peaked. It may take a lot, very much, to top this evening. As the band exited the stage, fireworks erupted just above it, and I simply stared at it until the sky had turned black again. I then moved with the crowd, back to the guest bar, for a last drink, made a bunch of new friends, and then headed back to Manchester city centre to make my way back home. Still almost vibrating from this utter happiness, and on a natural Oasis-high, only slightly amplified by a few glasses of wine.
It was, as they say, nothing short of biblical.
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