More about: OasisNoel Gallagher

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds played a huge career-spanning set at London’s Royal Albert Hall last night (10th December). See the setlist below.

Gallagher pulled the unique move of supporting himself last night with a set of rarities, Oasis songs and fan favourites in a semi-acoustic guise. “You do realise the only reason we’re doing this is because we couldn’t find a support band?” Noel told the crowd, which included David Beckham. “Everybody’s too busy apparently."

The ‘support slot’ was a throwback to the Oasis days with the likes of Definitely Maybe off-cut ‘Sad Song’ receiving an airing. The acoustic band included former Oasis bandmate Gem Archer who reunited with Gallagher earlier this week to play a session for Radio 2. Also thrown into the mix was 'The Importance of Being Idle' and 'Wonderwall' which of course induced mass singalongs.

Watch Noel Gallagher perform 'Cast No Shadow' at the Royal Albert Hall below

Gallagher and his High Flying Birds returned with a full choir to play their main set. “That’s a tough act to follow!” he joked before pulling out the epic ‘Everybody’s On The Run'. The first half was filled with a smattering of gems from his recent solo work, Gallagher highlighted the presence of a saxophone for 'Riverman' by pointing at his back-up brass, saying "cool".

‘Fade Away’ was backed up by a reel of nostalgic images which actually came off as quite touching. He also took a further stance on the possibilities of a band reunion dedicating the song 'You Know We Can't Go Back' to "Oasis fans everywhere". One of the first big draws of the night was an acoustic rendition of 'Champagne Supernova' which was rapturously received.

Gallagher was on top form with the crowd banter, chatting and pointing at the audience in between songs. At one point, there was a stage invader who came up to kiss Noel on the cheek. Looking bewildered, he looked at her and said, "What the f**k! I take it you have been drinking?"

Later, he had a jab at the John Lewis advert, leaning down to his mic to say “Merry F**king Christmas” before playing ‘Half The World Away’ which becane one of the biggest moments of the night and closed the main set. Gallagher spoke out about Aurora's cover version for the ad campaign earlier this week explaining that "the cheque makes it highly worthwhile."

Gallagher looked overwhelmed as he returned for a three song encore and even got sentimental for a moment. "Thanks for making this extra special and thanks for sticking with me.” The group played 'The Masterplan', 'AKA...What A Life!' and 'Don't Look Back in Anger' to round off the bumper show.

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds embark on a full UK tour in April 2016. See tour dates below, and buy tickets here.

Glasgow, The SSE Hydro (April 21)
Aberdeen, AECC (April 24)
Liverpool, Echo Arena (April 25)
Leeds, First Direct Arena (April 27)
Birmingham, Genting Arena (April 29)
Bournemouth, BIC (April 30)

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds Played:

Acoustic Set:

‘(It's Good) To Be Free’
‘D'Yer Wanna Be a Spaceman?’
‘Listen Up’
‘Sad Song’
‘Slide Away’
‘Cast No Shadow’
‘The Importance of Being Idle’
‘Wonderwall’

Main set with full band:

‘Everybody's on the Run’
‘Lock All the Doors’
‘In the Heat of the Moment’
‘Fade Away’
‘Riverman’
‘The Death of You and Me’
‘You Know We Can't Go Back’
‘Champagne Supernova’
‘Dream On’
‘Talk Tonight’
‘Whatever’
‘The Mexican’
‘If I Had a Gun...’
‘Digsy's Dinner’
‘Half the World Away’

‘The Masterplan’
‘AKA... What a Life!’
‘Don't Look Back in Anger’

More about: OasisNoel Gallagher