By Ken Ebbens, Flash Radio Presenter
I asked my music-loving friends about an evening of Oasis music, not one were interested, one of the younger saying “I would probably pay not to and rather have my toenails pulled out”, hence I went to the Lens (Guildhall) on my own to see Oasiz, a highly authentic tribute band of Oasis, showcasing the 30th anniversary of (What’s the Story) Morning Glory album
A full house of 170+, all ages, including family groups, assembled. Recent tribute bands I have seen have been about the music rather than an impersonation; this was different with real-life brothers Steve (Liam) and Marcus (Noel) doing an actual full impersonation, clothes (including bucket hat), guitar and tambourine, movement, mannerisms and haistyles…but it worked and really well
The sound was loud but well balanced with a simple lighting system around the stage with spotlights overhead, all used to great effect (well done, Joseph), the front two well supported by Matt (rhythm guitar), Nick (bass) and Simon “Ozzie” (drums), essential for a balanced sound allowing the vocals and lead guitars to flourish
I only “came to” Oasis in the last decade or so, so heard for the first time most of the first half songs but they were well performed and good to hear, especially Round Our Way (“Liam”: for hard-core fans), Little by Little and Whatever The pace was unrelenting throughout, great energy, impressed with both vocals and the guitar playing (nothing fancy but very effective). Opener Acquiesce set the standard that was maintained throughout with Roll With It (“for Blur fans”) a big highlight whilst Half A World Away was a nice melodic closer with a lot of catchy phrases sung loudly by the crowd
Crowd involvement is a big part for this band, the crowd ready and willing to sing out whenever possible, a real sign of fandom for the music, waving arms, bouncing up and down, and lights in the air
Hatless “Liam” opened second half with Rock n Roll Star and then the hits kept coming, Morning Glory, Cigarettes and Alcohol then “Liam” said “let’s get this rubbish out of the way to some more decent tunes” into Wonderwall (interesting comment) then the highlight for me of the second half, Lyla, which included excellent drumming (Meg White-like), probably my favourite Oasis song. “Noel” then sang The Masterplan and Don’t Look Back in Anger, the only part of the show I had visions of the Beatles singing (an Oasis put down over the years). The evening finished with Love Forever (for crowd member, Aaron) and the encore Champagne Supernova
“Liam” signed off with thanks to the staff at the Guildhall, which I would echo, especially the security staff, who do a great job but rarely get acknowledged
To my friends, you missed a great show with some excellently played music and I would recommend giving it a go next time they tour…you never know!!