In a move that left the packed AO Arena utterly speechless before erupting into a deafening roar, nu-metal titans Limp Bizkit delivered one of the most talked-about moments of the live music year. Midway through their electrifying set, frontman Fred Durst introduced a special guest, sending the Manchester crowd into a state of pure pandemonium.
As the opening, melancholic chords of Oasis's iconic 2002 ballad 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' rang out, a figure strode onto the stage. Donning the signature parka, sunglasses, and adopting the unmistakable swagger, a Liam Gallagher doppelgänger took centre stage to handle vocals.
The audience, a mix of die-hard Bizkit fans and Mancunians, immediately recognised the homage to their city's most legendary musical exports. What followed was a glorious, chaotic, and utterly unique fusion of early 2000s genres. Wes Borland's chugging guitar riffs reinterpreted the Britpop classic through a nu-metal lens, while the crowd sang along to every single word, their voices drowning out the impersonator.
This surprise tribute was the undeniable highlight of a night dedicated to unabashed nostalgia. Limp Bizkit powered through a hit-parade setlist designed to ignite mosh pits and unleash a wave of collective memory. Anthems like 'Break Stuff', 'Rollin'', and 'My Way' were delivered with the high-octane energy the band is famous for, proving their status as enduring icons of a generation.
The band's connection to Manchester and its rich musical heritage made the moment feel particularly special. It wasn't just a cover; it was a nod of respect from one era-defining act to another, creating a unforgettable crossover moment for everyone in attendance. Social media immediately exploded with videos of the performance, with fans hailing it as a legendary gig moment.
