Absolute Radio to broadcast songs from Oasis' fabled Knebworth concerts
Oasis at Knebworth night kicks off at 8pm on Sunday 14th November
Last updated 10th Nov 2021
Absolute Radio will broadcast exclusive highlights of Oasis’ legendary Knebworth concerts this coming Sunday night (14th November).
The show will feature songs from Oasis’ fabled concerts at Knebworth 25 years ago, and it’s the first time the majority of the shows have been broadcast on the radio since before the millennium.
Absolute Radio's Oasis at Knebworth night kicks off at 8pm on Sunday when Sophie K narrates the documentary I Was There.
The 30-minute I Was There documentary talks to the people who were in the crowd, on-stage and backstage and investigates why Oasis’ Knebworth gigs were such a defining moment in rock music history.
Then from 8.30pm we’ll be broadcasting an hour of classic tracks from the gigs themselves ahead of the release of the Oasis Knebworth 1996 documentary and double live album next Friday (19th November).
Buoyed by the all-conquering success of their seminal second album ‘(What's the Story) Morning Glory?’, Oasis played at Knebworth Park on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th August 1996.
Directed by Jake Scott - son of Sir Ridley Scott – the critically acclaimed documentary Oasis Knebworth 1996 hit cinemas in September and it’s released on various formats this month alongside the live album.
Speaking to Absolute Radio’s Bush & Richie about Oasis Knebworth 1996 in the summer, Noel Gallagher said it was an emotional experience revisiting it.
“When you see this documentary, it's band at its absolute peak,” Noel said. “Liam's at his peak. It's a real snapshot of a long-gone era… you know there’s quarter of a million people and not a single mobile phone. No internet. In the moment with the band, nobody's doing this (holds up mobile phone). Everybody's singing at the top of their lungs and it's a very young crowd. You kind of think ‘ah, the 90s!’
“The 90s was the last great decade. I think that my kids’ generation is actually the first generation that are going to have less than their parents. When we all grew up, we had more than our parents – we had more freedom, we had more opportunity and a better lifestyle.”
Noel continued: “My children now - two boys who are 10 and 14 - will have less freedom because of this ridiculous woke culture and the internet. And they’ll have less opportunity because the economy's crashed and they'll have less places to go because of the COVID thing which I don't think will ever really truly go away. I feel bad for them.
“When people see this film, I got quite emotional watching it just because of what we've lost really. But it’s a great document of a great band from a great era.”
Listen to Absolute Radio:
Oasis ‘Knebworth 1996’ live album track-listing:
DISC 1
1) Columbia (Live at Knebworth)
2) Acquiesce (Live at Knebworth)
3) Supersonic (Live at Knebworth)
4) Hello (Live at Knebworth)
5) Some Might Say (Live at Knebworth)
6) Roll With It (Live at Knebworth)
7) Slide Away (Live At Knebworth)
8) Morning Glory (Live at Knebworth)
9) Round Are Way (Live at Knebworth)
10) Cigarettes & Alcohol (Live at Knebworth)
DISC 2
1) Whatever (Live at Knebworth)
2) Cast No Shadow (Live at Knebworth)
3) Wonderwall (Live at Knebworth)
4) The Masterplan (Live at Knebworth)
5) Don’t Look Back In Anger (Live at Knebworth)
6) My Big Mouth (Live at Knebworth)
7) It's Gettin' Better (Man!!) (Live at Knebworth)
8) Live Forever (Live at Knebworth)
9) Champagne Supernova (Live at Knebworth)
10) I Am The Walrus (Live at Knebworth)
Noel Gallagher's career in photos:
Noel, Paul, Liam and Peggy Gallagher in 1974
Noel Thomas David Gallagher was born in Longsight, Manchester on 29th May 1967. He was the middle child of Peggy (née Sweeney) and Thomas Gallagher and was born two years after older sibling Paul. Their younger sibling William John Paul Gallagher (Liam) was born five years after Noel in September 1972. Pictured are the three Gallagher brothers with mum Peggy in 1974.
Noel Gallagher's childhood home
Soon after Liam's birth, the Gallaghers moved to Ashby Avenue and then to Cranwell Drive in Burnage (pictured). With a violent and alcoholic father, Noel and his brothers had an unhappy childhood before mum Peggy left Thomas in 1982 with her three children. In his teenage years, Noel was expelled from school for throwing flour on a teacher and he received six months' probation for robbing a corner shop alongside a friend – something he later admitted was a "very stupid thing to do."
Noel Gallagher's hero Johnny Marr with Morrissey
Noel Gallagher found salvation from his brush with the law through music. He taught himself to play guitar and witnessing The Smiths on Top of the Pops in 1983 proved to be a pivotal moment in his life. Noel noted in 2007: "I remember seeing The Smiths on Top Of The Pops, and I don't mean this in a sycophantic way, but I wanted to be Johnny Marr. He had the Brian Jones haircut, the turtleneck, and the big red semi-acoustic guitar and he was cool as f---."
Noel Gallagher at the Hacienda
Noel Gallagher at the legendary Hacienda nightclub in Manchester in 1989. He later said that the unity and togetherness of the acid house scene "changed my life." During the late 1980s he spent many years unemployed, however for a short period he did land a job at British Gas in the company's storehouse where he spent time writing songs, including an embryonic version of Oasis' future anthem 'Live Forever.'
Noel Gallagher the Inspiral Carpets roadie
In 1988, Noel Gallagher formed a friendship with Inspiral Carpets guitarist Graham Lambert after they met at a Stone Roses show. Noel unsuccessfully applied to become their lead singer in 1989 – losing out to Tom Hingley – but became a roadie for the band over the next three years alongside van driver Mark Collins, who later joined The Charlatans. Pictured is Noel setting up for the Inspiral Carpets in Manchester in the early 90s.
Noel Gallagher becomes 'The Chief' of Oasis
With Noel on the road with Inspiral Carpets, younger brother Liam joined a band called The Rain alongside founding members Paul McGuigan (bass), Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs (guitars), Tony McCarroll (drums). Upon the suggestion of Liam, the band changed their name to Oasis after Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon. Noel approached Oasis and asked to become their leader and songwriter – hence his nickname The Chief – and brought a cavalcade of songs and ideas with him. The rest, they say, is history.
Oasis signed to Creation Records
Oasis spent the next year finely honing their craft and in spring 1993 recorded the 8-song demo tape Live Demonstration featuring raw versions of future Oasis classics including 'Rock N' Roll Star'. Ahead of the demo's release, Oasis drove six hours to play a gig at Glasgow King Tut's in May 1993 where, unbeknownst to them, Creation Records boss Alan McGee was in attendance. He signed Oasis on the spot. Pictured is Noel Gallagher on stage at The Water Rats in London in January 1994.
Noel Gallagher writes Oasis' debut album 'Definitely Maybe'
Featuring 11 songs all penned by Noel Gallagher, including 'Supersonic', 'Shakermaker', 'Live Forever' and 'Cigarettes & Alcohol', Oasis' seminal debut album 'Definitely Maybe' was released in 1994 and it became the fastest-selling debut album in British history at the time. Not just one of the greatest albums of the Britpop era, it's also one of the finest records of all time.
Oasis in 1994
Oasis prepare to take on the world in 1994.
Noel Gallagher with Liam in 1995
Noel Gallagher and his younger brother Liam in June 1995 shortly before the release of Oasis' second album '(What's the Story) Morning Glory?'. Featuring timeless Noel-penned anthems incluing 'Wonderwall', 'Don't Look Back in Anger' and 'Champagne Supernova', the album has sold more than 22 million units globally including a phenomenal 4.7 million in the UK alone.
Noel Gallagher performs at Maine Road with Oasis
Six months after the release of their blockbuster second studio album '(What's the Story) Morning Glory?', Oasis played two colossal concerts at Maine Road stadium – home of Noel and Liam's beloved Manchester City – on 27th and 28th April 1996. Noel commented in 2019: "They were amazing gigs and it will never be repeated."
'This is history!' - Oasis rock Knebworth
Oasis arguably reached the zenith of their popularity in August 1996 when they played to 80,000 people over two nights at Loch Lomond in Scotland, and a historic 250,000 fans at their two Knebworth House mega-concerts. Noel famously said on stage at Knebworth: "This is history. This is history. Right here. Right now. This is history!" He wasn't wrong.
Noel Gallagher marries Meg Mathews
Noel Gallagher married Meg Mathews in June 1997 and they had one daughter together, Anaïs Gallagher, who was born in January 2000. The couple divorced in 2001.
Oasis release 'Be Here Now'
Oasis' third album 'Be Here Now' was a record-breaker in August 1997, selling a whopping 813,000 in its first seven days in the UK. Noel later stated that the success of predecessor '(What's The Story) Morning Glory?' had an adverse effect on the follow-up record, saying: "I started to overthink it." He also said 'Be Here Now's popularity didn't indicate it was a great album, explaining: "Just because you sell lots of records, it doesn't mean to say you're any good. Look at Phil Collins."
Noel Gallagher quits drugs
As detailed in the 2000 Oasis song 'Gas Panic!', Noel Gallagher suffered "serious panic attacks" in the late 90s brought on by his debauched party lifestyle. He quit drugs in June 1998.
Oasis announce departure of Guigsy and Bonehead
In August 1999, Noel and Liam Gallagher held a press conference (pictured) to announce that co-founding Oasis members Guigsy and Bonehead had left the band. Noel duly played all the guitar parts on Oasis' fourth studio album 'Standing on the Shoulders of Giants' in 2000 before Gem Archer was recruited to replace Bonehead. Andy Bell later joined on bass. Notably, 'Standing on the Shoulders of Giants' was the first Oasis record not to be written entirely by Noel, with Liam penning the track 'Little James'.
Oasis release 'Heathen Chemistry'
Noel Gallagher relinquished the songwriting baton yet further on July 2002's 'Heathen Chemistry' with Liam Gallagher penning three songs, and Gem Archer and Andy Bell a song apiece. Noel was responsible for two of the record's standout tunes, however – 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' and 'Little by Little.'
Oasis' final two albums
Oasis final two studio albums – 2005's 'Don't Believe the Truth' and 2008's 'Dig Out Your Soul' – were much more warmly received than their two predecessors and heralded by some as the band's finest material in a decade.
Noel Gallagher quits Oasis
Oasis officially split up in August 2009 when Noel Gallagher quit then band following a back stage altercation with Liam at the Rock en Siene festival in Paris. Noel wrote on Oasis' website: "It is with some sadness and great relief...I quit Oasis tonight. People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer."
Noel Gallagher marries Sara MacDonald
After a decade together, Noel Gallagher married Sara MacDonald in June 2011 at the Lime Wood Hotel in New Forest National Park with Russell Brand serving as best man. They have two children together - Donovan Rory MacDonald Gallagher who was born in September 2007, Sonny Patrick MacDonald Gallagher, born in October 2010.
Noel Gallagher launches Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
Noel Gallagher formally announced his solo project Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds to the world at a press conference in London in July 2011. Lauded by critics, the band's self-titled album 'Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' was released in October 2011 and it stormed straight in at Number 1 in the UK and went on to sell more than 800,000 copies. It spawned anthems including 'AKA... What a Life!', 'Dream On' and 'Everybody's on the Run' and it was an emphatic return to the fore for Noel.
Noel Gallagher honoured by Peter Blake
In 2012, Noel Gallagher featured on an updated version of The Beatles' famous 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' album cover by pop artist Peter Blake. Titled Vintage Blake, the piece marked Blake's 80th birthday and it depicts Noel playing his Union Jack guitar alongside Amy Winehouse, Paul Weller, Mick Jagger, Ian Curtis ang many other music legends. Noel told the BBC: "I was lucky enough to go down to his studio. We were fans and all the props were still there from the 'Sgt. Pepper' photo shoot."
Noel Gallagher at Isle of Wight Festival 2012
Noel Gallagher chatting to Absolute Radio's Sarah Champion backstage at Isle of Wight Festival in 2012. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds played the penultimate Main Stage slot on the Sunday night before headliners Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. Seven years later, Noel would step up to headliner.
Noel Gallagher becomes friends with Damon Albarn
Two decades on from Blur and Oasis' infamous caustic rivalry, in the 2010s Noel Gallagher and Damon Albarn became close friends. Noel joined forces with Albarn, Graham Coxon, and Paul Weller to perform Blur's 'Tender' at a Teenage Cancer Trust Royal Albert Hall show in March 2013, and in 2017 Noel sang backing vocals on the Gorillaz song 'We Got The Power.'
Noel Gallagher performs intimate gig for Absolute Radio
Following the release of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Bird's second studio album 'Chasing Yesterday', Noel performed an exclusive concert for Absolute Radio at the ultra-intimate Rivoli Ballroom in London. The 12 song set was dominated by Noel's incredible solo material but culminated with a poignant rendition of Oasis' 'The Masterplan.'
Noel Gallagher joins forces with David Holmes
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds have gone on to release two more chart-topping studio albums – 2015's 'Chasing Yesterday' and 2017's 'Who Built the Moon?'. Speaking to Absolute Radio in 2021, Noel said that making the critically lauded 'Who Built the Moon?' with producer David Holmes is the standout moment of his solo career so far. Noel told us: "It turned everything that I've ever done, and everything that I do, and the way that I do it, upside down, and threw it all up in the air. We came up with something completely different."
Noel Gallagher headlines Isle of Wight Festival
Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds headlined the Friday night of Isle of Wight Festival 2019. The first half the Noel's triumphant headline performance was dominated by sublime solo tracks, but the set truly peaked when Noel launched into Oasis' 'Wonderwall', 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out', 'Half the World Away' and 'Don't Look Back In Anger' before he closed with a cover of The Beatles' 'All You Need Is Love'. Stunning.
Noel Gallagher releases best-of album
Celebrating a decade of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, the band's best-of album 'Back the Way We Came: Vol 1 (2011–2021)' is released on 11th June 2021.
Noel Gallagher honoured with pop-up station Absolute Radio Noel
From Friday 11th June to Friday 18th June 2021, Absolute Radio is honouring Noel Gallagher with his own pop-up radio station Absolute Radio Noel. Pictured is Noel at One Golden Square in London where he was exclusively interviewed by Bush & Richie.
New single 'Pretty Boy' featuring Johnny Marr
Noel Gallagher and his band of High Flying Birds premiered their new song 'Pretty Boy' featuring guitar from Smiths legend Johnny Marr in October 2022. Stamped with Noel Gallagher's indelible musical imprint throughout its hypnotic five minutes, 'Pretty Boy' is the first taster of NGHFB's upcoming fourth studio album, which lands in 2023.
Fourth High Flying Birds album 'Council Skies'
Released on Friday 2nd June 2023, 'Council Skies' features 10 tracks including the singles 'Pretty Boy' and 'Easy Now.' Noel Gallagher explains that 'Council Skies' harks back to the early 90s before he achieved global fame as the guitarist and songwriter with Oasis. "It's going back to the beginning," Noel says. "Daydreaming, looking up at the sky and wondering about what life could be… that's as true to me now as it was in the early '90s. When I was growing up in poverty and unemployment, music took me out of that." He added: "Top Of The Pops on TV transformed your Thursday night into this fantasy world, and that's what I think music should be. I want my music to be elevating and transforming in some way."