Liam Gallagher performed his first solo gig at Manchester's O2 Ritz last week, raising funds for the families of victims of the Manchester Arena bombing. The former Oasis frontman dedicated the concert to the city, telling the crowd 'normal business has resumed' as he launched into a defiant set of Oasis classics and new material.
The 1,400-strong audience roared as Gallagher performed tracks including Rock'n'Roll Star, Slide Away, and Morning Glory. Chants of 'Manchester la la la!' echoed throughout the venue, and during the encore, fans sang 'Stand up for the 22' before Gallagher delivered an a cappella version of Live Forever. The night ended with a spontaneous rendition of Don't Look Back in Anger.
Fan Leah Brotherton described the event as a rallying call: 'It's been a really tough week for Manchester… Liam Gallagher is one of our favourite sons and he's come home tonight and he's lifted the city.' Ken Gardiner, 54, added, 'His voice is back. He did everything he needed to do.'
Speculation about a possible Oasis reunion with brother Noel Gallagher proved unfounded, though former guitarist Paul Arthurs joined Liam for a rare performance of Be Here Now. All proceeds from the concert go to the We Love Manchester emergency fund.
