Noel Gallagher performs at The Anthem on Feb. 12, 2018. (Photo by Kyle Gustafson)
In case you were wondering how Noel Gallagher is feeling about his solo career in relation to that of his former band Oasis, a quick glance at his current tour’s setlist should set you straight. At The Anthem on Monday, The Chief opened with nine, count ’em, nine songs from his post-Oasis solo career, including the first four songs in order from his latest solo effort, Who Built the Moon?
Noel Gallagher (Photo by Lawrence Watson)
Noel Gallagher, forever famous as one half of Oasis, has been doing terrific work with his newer band, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. The band released Who Built the Moon?, their third studio album, in November through Noel’s Sour Mash Records. Now on a US tour, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds perform at The Anthem in DC tonight, Feb. 12.
Noel Gallagher: Still a rock star (Photo courtesy Black Arts PR)
Before the encore Thursday night at the Lincoln Theatre, the crowd started chanting his name.
“No-oel!” they shouted, elongating the single syllable of Noel Gallagher’s first name.
The sold-out theater was absolutely packed to the gills — and everyone was eager for more from the man they considered one of the top rock stars of all time.
When Noel Gallagher reemerged with his band, the High Flying Birds, the entire house erupted into cheers. But the man in the center of the stage struck a singularly humble pose and thanked the audience for their enthusiasm. He seemed a million miles removed from the chutzpah of the Britpop days that made him famous in Oasis, yet totally self-possessed of the moment, pleased to be received adoringly by those who came out to hear songs new and old.
He was happy to oblige them, and started his encore with Oasis’ “Masterplan” — a song which made the entire house dizzy with pleasure as they sang along every word in chorus.
