The first family of Manchester, England took the stage to sold out New York City audience last night and wowed and dazzled the crowd for 100 minutes. Oasis are without a doubt legends in their own country, they are one of my favorite bands of all time, however the criticism they receive in the U.S. has just been negative since day one. Back in the hay day of the second British invasion of the mid to late 90's Oasis led the pack, once the millennium hit many fans and critics here in this country began to lose interest. However, they lost interest just as Oasis became interesting, they stopped fighting and began working as a true rock band. It has been said time and time again from the brothers Gallagher that there are two places in the world that they will always try and out due their last performance, always play their best and that is New York City and Manchester. With that said, I was spoiled enough have floor seats for a second time to see Oasis tear it up at Madison Square Garden. Coming out to "Fucking in the Bushes," and stampeding into "Rock and Roll Star," to "Lyla," to "The Shock of the Lightening," Oasis showed why they are still a top band. At one point Liam asked the crowd, "Is there anybody here from England tonight? No wonder we sold out this show!" Proving once again to their critics here in the U.S. their followers will go around the world for a crack at seeing them. One of the many criticisms I have been reading from U.S. journalists on this tour is the lack of talking between songs from the Gallagher's to the fans, the issue is this...Oasis let the music do the talking. Noal talks with his hands, one of the finest guitar players around, Liam the ultimate front man, a guy with the swagger of Mick Jagger, the crass of Ian Brown (The Stone Roses) and the attitude of Pete Townshed. While the rest of the band guitarist Gem Archer, bassist Andy Bell and new drummer Chris Sharrock provide not only the energy but the musicianship to keep up with the brothers. Oasis love to play loud and the louder they get the better they play, at some points the crowd began to overpower the speakers and you could see Liam pointing to the sound tech to raise the volume of the speakers, however the louder the band got, the louder the fans did. Playing a majority of songs off the bands latest Dig Out Your Soul, they also played classics such as "Wonderwall," "Champagne Supernova," and a special acoustic version of "Don't Look Back in Anger," and closing out the night with a cover of The Beatles "I Am the Walrus." A fantastic night and performance and to those who still doubt the bands power and the bands performance, I have two words for you...piss off!
Opening the show was native New Yorker Ryan Adams and the Cardinals. Adams, a musician I have always admired and respected, blew my mind with his band after seeing them. Coming on stage with psychedelic lighting and resembling Bob Dylan and his electric band at the Newport Folk Festival in the 60's, wearing all black and having curly afro's, Adams and the Cardinals soared high in their hometown. Another artist who lets the music do the talking, they gained a bigger fan after seeing them..me.
Oasis Setlist 12/17/08 MSG
Fucking in the Bushes
Rock 'n' Roll Star
Lyla
The Shock Of The Lightning
Cigarettes & Alcohol
The Meaning Of Soul
To Be Where There's Life
Waiting For The Rapture
The Masterplan
Songbird
Slide Away
Morning Glory
Ain't Got Nothin'
The Importance Of Being Idle
I'm Outta Time
Wonderwall
Supersonic
Encore:
Don't Look Back In Anger
Falling Down
Champagne Supernova
I Am The Walrus
Ryan Adams and the Cardinals Setlist:
Cobwebs
Crossed Out Name
Everybody Knows
Fix It
Off Broadway
Go Easy
Sink Ships
Natural Ghost
Come Pick Me Up
Magick
