As Liam and Noel Gallagher prepare to take to the stage in Cardiff this evening, a number of famous fans have been speaking about their favourite tracks from the band
(Image: Tristan Fewings, Getty Images)
The Who’s Pete Townshend has shared that an Oasis track brought him to tears, as the Manchester band prepares for their first gig in Cardiff tonight since reuniting.
Music icons have been reflecting on their beloved Oasis hits ahead of the tour that marks Liam and Noel Gallagher’s return together after a long hiatus.
Discussing with The Times his affinity for Oasis, Pete, 80, confessed being particularly touched by Liam’s vocal prowess, particularly in ‘Half the World Away’.
He said: “The thing that got me about Oasis was Liam’s voice, not so much the attitude. It took me a while to get used to the attitude, and I felt Noel was the one with the most edge.
“I feel a bit exposed, talking about it now, but the song that brought me to tears is this one. I’ve heard it again and again because I’m such a fan of The Royle Family, and it moves me.”
BBC Radio 1 Breakfast show presenter Greg James also mentioned ‘Half the World Away’ among his top picks.
He noted: “The genius of Craig Cash and Caroline Aherne is that they recognised, wrote about and celebrated family life in all of its complex, confusing and often hilarious colours on The Royle Family.
“And in Oasis, they chose a band built on the same foundations.”
Released in the late 1990s, ‘Half the World Away’ was featured on Oasis’ compilation album ‘The Masterplan’ in 1998.
In the run-up to the band’s highly anticipated comeback, enthusiasts have been reminiscing about their indelible mark on British culture that began to emerge in the early 1990s.
Gary Crowley, who conducted the duo’s initial national TV interview back in 1994, has been sharing his insights on the duo’s profound influence.
Reflecting on what it was like to converse with them before they soared to fame, he discussed with the BBC: “It just felt like a tornado had just blown in from Denmark Street. They just both exuded this energy.
“Liam was like a squirrel on a washing line. He was here, there, everywhere… sort of doing that Liam walk, that swagger that he has. He was very charming. When he focused on you, you couldn’t help but be sort of charmed by him.
“Noel, it felt to me, had written all the books about what you had to do to become a pop star. He was very funny and very irreverent as well – slagging off a lot of the other bands we’d had on the programme.”