Liam Gallagher and John Squire at the Forum

Liam Gallagher and John Squire are about to swagger on stage any moment now as the clock reads 913 pm. It’s not a surprising pairing by any means, and the Oasis frontman and Stone Roses guitarist’s new project has impressively seen them bag a number-one spot on the UK album charts. Perhaps correctly, although it’s sure to disappoint many, Gallagher has already vetoed the chance of any Oasis or Stone Roses tracks being played at these shows, as he publicly declared it would be “naff” to do so back in January.

The duo take to the stage to lively chants of “Liam, Liam” and the band launches into the euphoric single Just Another Rainbow. Squire writes all the tracks on the album, and this one sounds particularly akin to Stone Roses, as does the next song One Day at a Time. I’m a Wheel is a fabulous blues number, and this is where Squire really gets to have fun with his guitar.

There is a substantial collection of inspiring guitar solos on this record, especially on the Zeppelin-infused You’re Not the Only One, and when Squire performs one of them, Gallagher dutifully walks off stage to give him his limelight. It seems a bit formal and sometimes leaves Gallagher offstage for a good while, but it fits with his perfectly cocksure persona. He’s not the sort of frontman who dances much.

Mars to Liverpool is a particular highlight, with audience members noticeably elated throughout, and its ending brings forth more chants of “Liam, Liam”. Gallagher’s voice suits these songs perfectly, and it sounds even better when you hear it live. The set finishes with positivity promoter and album opener Raise Your Hands.

The group come back to an encore as they finish with a lively cover of Rolling Stone’s Jumpin’ Jack Flash, which fits Gallagher’s vocals like a glove. It’s a short set at just 50 or so minutes, and while it’s clear this is a new band still getting to know each other, Liam Gallagher and John Squire’s new venture is already looking like a success in the eyes of their fans.

Hannah Broughton
Photos: Mike Garnell

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

Watch the video for the single here: