Noel Gallagher Hull Connexin Live Arena 2023 Review - The Britpop Icon takes on Hull

Oasis are still deemed to be one of the most iconic bands to come out of the UK, Noel Gallagher being one of the masterminds behind the bands success. We had already been graced with Liam Gallagher's presence in 2019 with his ‘MTV Unplugged Live’ session that took place in Hull city hall, so Noel was well overdue for a visit.

On Wednesday the 30th of August, the atmosphere was practically buzzing whilst the crowd waited for him and his High Flying Birds to take the stage, Callum Easter and the Roulettes supporting the band and trying to break the tension and excitement of waiting. Easter and his complex sound had a distinct presence on stage, as did his drummer who had what can only be described as incredible bounce to his technique. But I will say Easter’s suit could have used an iron. 

Callum Easter and the Roulettes supporting on Wednesday night

When the lights went down and the shadow of Noel Gallagher appeared from the left to greet an impatient and static crowd, he absolutely shone on stage for Hull (when he wasn’t egging the audience on telling us that Manchester was in fact the best city in the world). He opened up with half of his new album ‘Council Skies’, a critically acclaimed exploration of Gallagher’s talents, fusing his passion and knowledge for music and his obvious desire to always be experimenting with new sounds. Starting off with ‘Pretty Boy’ was certainly the right choice as the crowd were thrown into the deep end of heavy guitar and industry-renowned Chris Sharrock's’ insistent drum stylings (Sharrock previously playing in Oasis and bands like Beady Eye and The La’s).

It was like walking back in time with Noel and his High Flying Birds, walking home from his new work to his comforting and classic Oasis roots. Obviously, we stopped off along the way to scream hits like ‘You Know We Can’t Go Back’, ‘We’re on Our Way Now’ and a personal favourite, ‘Heat of the Moment’, and the odd catch up or clever insult with the man himself. No surprise to myself however, I found deep appreciation for his solo slower music watching it live. ‘Dead in the water’ is a stunning song, about keeping a sinking relationship afloat. Gallagher was left alone on the stage for this one, strumming and singing softly to a heartfelt and heartbroken crowd. Gallagher's range in musical atmosphere evidenced his reputation as an icon, and was even more emphasised by his obvious emotion and connection to this song when performing. 

Gallagher performed ‘Dead in the Water’ off of the bands third studio album, ‘Who Built the Moon?’.

After this sobering moment, the Oasis started and we went wild. Nobody did, or has done since, B-sides like Oasis, and ‘Going Nowhere’ off the 1988 compilation ‘The Masterplan', is one of the best. For upwards of 3,000 people to be singing a B-Side from over 30 years ago seamlessly is evidence of how influential Oasis was, and continues to be, to every generation. ‘The Importance of Being Idle’ and ‘The Masterplan’ followed with great reception, and Noel looked to be fully enjoying himself on stage; the only way you can truly enjoy a gig yourself is if the artist is too.

Due to arriving far too early, and a little bit of luck, we managed to stay close to the front for the entire concert, getting to the barrier before ‘Little by Little'. I decided to take advantage of this and politely asked through a sign on my phone if I could have a flower from the set. The stage was littered in stunning bouquets and greenery, and I would’ve killed for just a single petal. Noel saw the message, thank you to everyone that waved him down, and promptly told me to ‘f*** of’. So yeah, that’s going on my gravestone. 

After ‘Little by Little', and teasing an encore, he rushed back on to surprise us with a cover of Bob Dylan’s 1967 ‘Quinn the Eskimo (Mighty Quinn)’, who also visited Hull a couple of months ago. Noel has never been shy about his appreciation for Bob Dylan, covering his music multiple times in the past. It felt like a homage to his influences for great song writing, which is obviously Noel’s strong suit in the industry.

Despite the shock of this cover, I was more surprised by the appearance from ‘Live Forever’. All the Oasis songs on the set list so far were ones originally recorded with Noel’s vocals, ‘Live Forever’ contrastingly being sung by Liam on the original recording. Liam has also said multiple times that it’s his favourite Oasis song, despite the tune being written by his brother, written originally in response to the negative grunge theme taking over rock n roll in the 90s through bands like Nirvana. It was a rather emotional rendition by Noel on Wednesday, stripped back to lull the audience after the excitement of the night. The possible symbolism, whether intended or not, was not lost on me however; Noel isn’t living forever, we won't be either, and Oasis seems long gone, but the music will indeed live on.

Noel shredded the ‘Don't Look Back In Anger’ solo as his final tune on Wednesday night.

All in all, despite the profanity thrown my way (basically being the best thing to ever happen to me), it was one for the books for Hull. Having the place at full capacity knowing Noel Gallagher’s career thoroughly, through his solo work and his notorious Oasis classics, overwhelms you with a feeling of belonging and desperation for more. The arena has brought so many artists to our part of the world and has become such a large part of our identity and culture as a city in such a short time. I can’t wait to see what Connexin Live Arena brings us next, and I can’t wait to see you in court Noel - should’ve given me the flower.

Isobel O’Mahony

All Images courtesy of myself