Noel Gallagher on how the pandemic impacted his new album 'Council Skies'

He joined Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio

Ken Bruce and Noel Gallagher
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 10th May 2023

The fantastic Noel Gallagher joined Ken Bruce today (10th May) on Greatest Hits Radio, to talk about how the pandemic impacted his new album and what it's like being in his 50s.

The singer, who became famous back in the 90s as part of Oasis has been enjoying success with his High Flying Birds more recently, and opened up to Ken about how the Coronavirus Pandemic impacted his work on a new album.

Explaining that it wasn't all bad, Noel said: "My plan in 2019 was to always put a record out in 2023 anyway so I’ve not kind of lost any ground but it is a reflective album."

"None of us had been through it (the pandemic) before, we didn’t actually know how we were going to get out of it for a long time. I think of all the people who navigated the pandemic best I would have thought artists were the best because your world is kind of inside your head anyway.

"I, in particular, finished off every song that was half written and wrote some new ones. I would have preferred to have written it in a different atmosphere than kind of sat in silence - in an admittedly rather lovely writing room - but it was a weird time for everybody."

Watch the full interview with Noel Gallagher:

Noel also opened up about being in his 50s after he turned the big 5-0 in May 2017. "My 40s was my absolute peak but from the minute I woke up on the 30th May in my first day of my 50s (Noel turned 50 in 2017)" he said.

"I was like, it’s just been one thing after another! What I’ve found is that the slightest knock stays with you for ages and then once that’s cleared up its something else and then once that’s cleared up its something else. I can’t wait to get my mobility scooter if I’m being honest."

It’s not all bad news however, as the singer reflected: "There’s a lot of experience now. I find when you get to a certain age you just don’t care anymore. I’m not bothered what people think and I feel a lot more experienced now at life itself. But I’m not too good at dodging traffic anymore - I have to wait until the green man comes on. It’s a good job I don’t take the bus anywhere because I wouldn’t be catching any of them."

What is Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' next album called?

Noel's next album is called 'Council Skies'.

When is 'Council Skies', the album released?

'Council Skies' will be released on 2nd June.

How to listen to Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio

You can listen to Ken Bruce every weekday from 10am. Don't forget to tune in to listen to him through this website, or download the free app.

Take a look at tours to look forward to in 2023:

ABBA - 'ABBA Voyage'

ABBA's virtual tour 'ABBA Voyage' started in May 2022. The tour sees the ABBA avatars accompanied by a 10-piece live band, all taking place in a custom-built arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.


The shows were due to run until October 2022, but due popular demand from fans, they will now run until 2026.

Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton has announced several dates for May 2024. The singer will perform in Newcastle, Liverpool, Birmingham and Dublin before culminating with two nights at London's world-famous Royal Albert Hall.

Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams has announced six dates in the UK for May 2024. His tour includes three nights in London, at the Royal Albert Hall, where he will perform his hit 1996 album '18 til I Die' in full alongside other hits from his distinguished back catalogue.


Bryan Adams' second night will see him shine the spotlight on 1984 album 'Reckless', before he brings the residency to a close on the Wednesday with a performance of his latest album, 2022's 'So Happy It Hurts,' alongside other tracks.

The Eagles

The Eagles have announced they will be performing three nights at the brand new music venue in Manchester, Co-op Live Arena. The band will be in the UK for three nights in May and June 2024.

Madness

Madness, the band behind 'One Step Beyond' and 'Our House' have announced they'll be going on tour in 2024 for a 19-date summer tour - with dates running from June to August.

Pet Shop Boys

Pet Shop Boys have announced an extension to their 'Dreamworld – The Greatest Hits Live' tour with June 2024 dates. They will be performing in Glasgow, Nottingham, Birmingham, Manchester and Belfast.

Nile Rodgers & Chic

Nile Rodgers & Chic have announced a summer tour, due to take place in June and July 2024, supported by Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Deco.

ZZ Top

ZZ Top announce first UK show in five years, the show will take place at London OVO Arena Wembley on Thursday 11th July 2024.

Texas

Texas have added an extra date to their UK arena tour due to phenomenal demand. Sharleen Spiteri and co. will now kick off their tour with a newly announced show at London's The O2 on 5th September 2024.

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson has announced four UK dates for her 'Together Again 2024 tour', in September and October. The singer will welcome special guest Wyclef Jean at all dates except for London, which has not yet been announced.

Paul Carrack

Paul Carrack announced a tour for 2024 just days after finishing his 2023 tour dates. Paul's 2024 'How Long Tour' - which celebrates 50 years since the release of his best-known song of the same name - will see him perform 20 shows throughout September and October 2024.

Adam Ant

Adam Ant has announced 17 dates for a tour in October and November 2024. The singer had 22 hit singles and won the first BRIT Award!

Hue and Cry

Hue and Cry have announced their 40th anniversary tour will take place in October and November 2024. The band, consisting of brothers Patrick and Gregory Kane, are best-known for their hits 'Labour of Love' and 'Looking For Linda'.

Squeeze

Squeeze have announced a huge tour taking place in October and November 2024 to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

The Corrs

The Corrs will be going on tour in November 2024 with special guest, Natalie Imbruglia. The siblings will be taking to the road in November 2024, starting their tour in Belfast, before travelling across the UK and Ireland and ending in Sheffield on 18th November.

Lightning Seeds

Liverpudlian serial hitmakers the Lightning Seeds will celebrate their 35th anniversary in 2024 with an extensive UK & Ireland tour. The tour will take place across November and December 2024.

The Human League

The Human League, Philip Oakey, Joanne Catherall and Susan Anne Sulley, will perform eight huge arena shows in the run-up to Christmas 2024 on the 'Generations 2024 tour'. They will be supported on all dates by Sophie Ellis-Bextor and T'Pau.

Wet Wet Wet with special guest Heather Small - 2025

Wet Wet Wet have announced they will be going on touch in 2025 with special guest Heather Small. The band will be touring in January, February and October 2025.

Jason Donovan - 2025

Jason Donovan has announced a huge tour for 2025 to celebrate 35 years in entertainment. Shows begin in February 2025, running through to the end of March.

Mike + The Mechanics - 2025

Mike + The Mechanics have announced their 'Looking Back - Living The Years 2025 Tour', performing across the country in March and April 2025, including dates in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Manchester, Sheffield, and Birmingham, before finishing in London at the Royal Albert Hall.

Gabrielle - 2025

Gabrielle has announced a tour for 2025 called 'A Place In Your Heart'. The singer will be playing 10 UK dates, starting in Glasgow on 2nd April 2025, playing at locations such as Newcastle, Birmingham, Manchester, and more before ending in Bournemouth on 19th April 2025.

Simply Red - 2025

Simply Red have announced they will be going on tour to celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2025. The band will be performing 12 gigs in September and October 2025.

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