Shropshire Star

Liam Gallagher, Arena Birmingham - review with pictures

He's one of the great rock 'n' roll stars around with his music worshipped by millions around the globe.

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Liam Gallagher. Pictures by: Laura Benwell

But when Liam Gallagher announced he was going solo earlier this year, many wondered how he'd fair on his own and without brother Noel.

After a far from mind-blowing two albums with Beady Eye, expectations from fans have been high.

Liam Gallagher. Pictures by: Laura Benwell
Liam Gallagher. Pictures by: Laura Benwell
Liam Gallagher. Pictures by: Laura Benwell
Liam Gallagher. Pictures by: Laura Benwell
Liam Gallagher. Pictures by: Laura Benwell
Liam Gallagher. Pictures by: Laura Benwell
Liam Gallagher. Pictures by: Laura Benwell
Liam Gallagher. Pictures by: Laura Benwell
Liam Gallagher. Pictures by: Laura Benwell

Yet with debut record As You Were reaching number one and even selling more than his brother's third solo album in its first week - it's been so far, so good for LG.

Last night, he brought his attitude and Manc swagger to the West Midlands for a sold-out show at the newly-named Arena Birmingham.

Oasis' Standing On The Shoulders' Of Giants intro ****in' In The Bushes signals the start of the evening's affairs as pints go flying across the venue.

Liam Gallagher. Pictures by: Laura Benwell

From the moment he arrives kitted out in his trademark Stone Island parka, Gallagher positively owns the stage and revellers are treated to Rock 'n' Roll Star and Morning Glory.

While the set was certainly Oasis-heavy, the likes of new tracks Greedy Soul, For What It's Worth and debut single Wall Of Glass go down a treat with his adoring fans.

Liam has received criticism for his voice in the past but this time it's up to scratch.

Liam Gallagher. Pictures by: Laura Benwell

The whole arena are up on their feet for more doses of Oasis in the form of Rockin' Chair, Some Might Say and a storming rendition of Slide Away.

While his new tracks might have been written decades apart and by a different songwriter than the older ones, they don't sound out of place and with his huge hood draping over his face, Gallagher storms through Come Back To Me and Universal Gleam.

Crowd pleasers Supersonic and Be Here Now draw the night to a close before he returns to the stage twice for two encores.

Liam Gallagher. Pictures by: Laura Benwell

The iconic Cigarettes and Alcohol and Live Forever send the crowd into frenzy ahead of much-loved classic Wonderwall - everything you could ask for and more for the finale of a gig.

There's no doubt an Oasis reunion would be special. But as it stands both brothers are a force to be reckoned with.

As you were, Arkid.

Liam Gallagher. Pictures by: Laura Benwell