Kenny Thomas Champions Noel Gallagher's BRIT Award Triumph
Former BRIT Award nominee Kenny Thomas has spoken out in strong support of Noel Gallagher's recent Songwriter of the Year victory, describing the Oasis icon as thoroughly deserving of the prestigious accolade. The award will be formally presented to Gallagher, aged 58, during this Saturday's BRIT Awards ceremony—a historic event marking the first time the awards will be held in Gallagher's hometown of Manchester at the cutting-edge Co-op Live arena.
Gallagher's Victory Amidst Criticism
Despite riding high on the wave of Oasis's massively successful reunion tour last year, Noel Gallagher faced some backlash following the announcement of his Songwriter of the Year win. In characteristic Gallagher fashion, he dismissed the critics and challenged them to confront him directly on the red carpet. Kenny Thomas, who himself received nominations for Best British Newcomer and Best British Male Vocalist at the 1992 BRIT Awards, expressed admiration for this straightforward attitude.
"You've got to love the Gallaghers, haven't you? They just say it as it is," Thomas told the Mirror. "But why not? You know, he's written some big records."
Thomas highlighted the enduring popularity of Oasis's music, noting that it continues to be heavily streamed and purchased, a trend undoubtedly boosted by last year's blockbuster tour. He expressed concern over the negative reactions to Gallagher's win, urging a more celebratory approach.
"I do sometimes worry about the mentality of people that instantly go to the negative side of things instead of just saying, 'Why don't we celebrate this?'" Thomas remarked. He emphasized his own positive outlook towards new talent, stating that he feels no threat from emerging artists and instead finds inspiration in their work.
Kenny Thomas's Upcoming Tour and Setlist Challenges
As Kenny Thomas prepares to embark on his nationwide Very Best Of tour next month, supported by the boyband Damage, he reflected on the joys and challenges of touring. Known for hits like Thinking About Your Love, Thomas admitted that while the travel and soundchecks can be draining, the on-stage experience remains exhilarating.
"Once you get into the show itself and you're on stage and the audience is there, then you know you're in your own world, and it's amazing," he said. "So that bit, I'm absolutely, yeah, looking forward to the buzz of that."
Celebrating his 36th year in the music industry, Thomas acknowledged the difficulty of crafting a setlist that satisfies diverse fan expectations. He explained the need to balance classic hits with tracks from his new album, as well as region-specific favorites that resonate strongly in different parts of the country.
- Northern Soul Scene: Certain songs are particularly popular in northern regions due to their connection with the soul scene.
- London Variations: The setlist may shift slightly when performing in London to cater to local tastes.
- Album Tracks: Some non-hit album tracks have gained cult status and must be included in performances.
Thomas's approach underscores his deep understanding of his audience and his commitment to delivering a memorable live experience, even as he continues to navigate the evolving landscape of the music industry.
