Liam Gallagher: Down by the River Thames

“You sold me right up the river” are apt lyrics as Liam Gallagher performs solo song Shockwave while being transported along the Thames on a barge. It’s not a sight you see every day, but this year has been full of surprises. We’re all now used to getting our entertainment fix online, but fans won’t have seen anything quite like this. Thanks to MelodyVR and their groundbreaking technology, the live gig was streamed to an international audience.

There’s of course some spectacle here, namely the iconic imagery of various London landmarks, but this is Liam Gallagher, so it’s the music that takes centre stage. What better way to kick things off than with Oasis classic Hello, which instantly transports viewers back to simpler times. While a current of nostalgia flows through the 16-song set, we are treated to new and old, with the singer swiftly moving into Wall of Glass from his debut solo effort, 2017’s As You Were.

There’s no time for chat, as hit after hit is delivered in a packed and pacey performance that never loses momentum. Gallagher hasn’t lost any of his stage swagger and presence, and his vocals remain as distinctive as ever.

Greedy Soul, with its infectious guitar riff, is one of those songs that makes you wish you were there – although perhaps not on a freezing barge in London in December!  It is somewhat odd not to hear a roaring crowd, but this makes it feel all the more like an early Christmas present for the fans: we get to see a British rock icon perform in such a uniquely intimate and memorable context. 

Another advantage of this particular performance is that it’s possible to really appreciate the lyrics. Although Noel was lead songwriter for Oasis, Liam displays artistic prowess, particularly on second album Why Me? Why Not. The title track, along with Wall of Glass and the aforementioned Shockwave are standout performances of the night.

Undoubtedly, it’s the timeless tunes by Oasis that will generate the biggest buzz. Morning Glory, Cigarettes and Alcohol and the band’s debut single Supersonic are performed with the same attitude and grit the rocker exhibited in the group’s heyday, and Champagne Supernova serves as a fitting finale. An encore performance of latest single All You’re Dreaming Of follows.

A reminder of Gallagher’s inimitable performance style and his contribution to the British music scene with one of our most legendary bands, the gig also cemented his status as a solo artist, confirming there’s still a great deal more to come from the singer/songwriter.

Jonathan Marshall
Photos: Courtesy of Melody VR

For further information and future events visit Liam Gallagher’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Shockwave here: