An Intimate Evening in Leeds with Liam Gallagher and John Squire [Photos]

Surely it can’t have only been me who noticed that, right next the Leeds O2 Academy sign announcing the appearance of Liam Gallagher and John Squire, is the ironically named Oasis student living quarters? I can’t imagine it was first choice of location for any Saturday night after show party.

Anyway, I digress, ahead of his upcoming headline arena tour and Summer festival headline slot in this very city, Liam Gallagher and his buddy John Squire are in town for a more intimate gig in support of the pairs recently-released collaboration album (read more about that here).

Despite being in Yorkshire, the sworn enemy, it’s a familiar sight seeing Gallagher striding out with that knowing, cocky look on his face as a sea of fans, Oasis and Liam banners greet him. Having already confirmed that there would be no Oasis or Stone Roses songs in the set, these eighteen hundred or so people packed into the Academy were the hardcore something Gallagher was quick to acknowledge.

Now, while some might say that ticket prices were a bit steep for what was essentially a fifty minute set, the chance to see the iconic pair in a small venue is one that you won’t get very often. The album itself was faithfully played through from opener “Just Another Rainbow” through each wonderfully nostalgic offering. “One Day at a Time”, “Mars to Liverpool”, “I’m A Wheel”, each one played out in pure nostalgic glory by two of the era’s most influential characters.

Happy to stay at the back of the stage for the most part, Squire appears content to let the larger-than-life character of Gallagher take the limelight but, make no mistake, while his presence on stage is muted, when he pairs up with Gallagher the musical magic which results is fantastic. Hopefully, this won’t be the only chance we get to see or hear the pair collaborate because that would be a true loss to indie fans everywhere.

Liam Gallagher & John Squire @ O2 Academy (Leeds, UK) on March 23rd, 2024

28 photos