Review – Liam Gallagher and John Squire

Scotland played host to the first live performance of these two Manchester legends coming together for an album and tour which has delighted fans of both Oasis and The Stone Roses.

Squire and Gallagher are a good fit for each other, two rock legends rarely have the chemistry or bravery to have a go despite their legacy or heritage, making new music should be a priority for musicians with this much God-given talent. George Harrison’s Ski-Ing from his 1968 album Wonderwall Music was the perfect intro, this track came to mind when I heard the pair’s first album.

Lead single Just Another Rainbow arrived early in the year like a miracle, a transcendent 1960s-flavoured slice of psychedelic guitar pop that pointed the way forward. Tonight awash with colourful houselights Gallagher stands at the back while Squire plays elegant solos.

Mars To Liverpool keeps the mythology in place with another Merseyside reference and a track that sounds like a mid-60s Beatles non-album single. I’m A Wheel is Squire at his bluesy best delivering some Jeff Beck-style breaks that assist the appraisal that he remains the greatest player of his generation. His red Strat is inscribed with a reference to Fools Gold: “These boots were made for walking / Marquis de Sade don’t need no boots like these.’ You’re Not The Only One has the same driving energy as Second Coming era Stone Roses, particularly Driving South and Love Spreads.

Gallagher further lifts the track but he saves his best Johnny Rotten snarl for I’m So Bored; a nihilistic nod to Paperback Writer. Liam’s voice, that sardonic blend of Lydon and Lennon is well suited to this collection of songs and the former Oasis front-man has again found the raw power and energy that made Definitely Maybe sound so good on this stage 30 years ago (on the second attempt after Liam walked off stage). Mother Nature’s Song has a classic Faces wistfulness and gentle melody, it’s the kind of track you can imagine Ronnie Lane performing on the band’s final long-player Ooh La La.

Raise Your Hands is perhaps the most Oasis track in the set, it’s massive anthemic chorus gives fans a shot in the arm. The Manchester Two undoubtedly left the audience wanting more after an energetic Jumpin’ Jack Flash. No doubt they will be back with a much bigger tour after cementing this intriguing partnership.