Reviewed by Matt Broadly-Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Going into 2025 seeing a sea of parka coats and bucket hats flooding the auditorium of the Bridgewater Hall, certainly wasn’t on anyone’s bingo card. However, it was a thing, and it did happen, and the reason being one of the country’s top Oasis, tribute acts Live Forever were in town with The Rise of Britain’s Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Bandshowcase.

 As the title suggests the show is a look back at Oasis’s early back catalogue. The first half of the show  incorporated songs from milestone gigs, such as the band’s 1991 hometown Boardwalk gig where Noel Gallagher first played with Oasis.  There are also songs from the Glasgow show at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut where the band were signed to their first record deal.    

 

Rather inevitably the band open with Rock ‘N’ Roll Star, and thrash through songs from Definitely Maybe, including Digsy’s Dinner, and Bring It On Down, however what sets this apart from other tribute acts is the visual attention to detail, it’s impressive to say the least. The stage is littered with Marshall and Orange Amps, a staple of the look and sound of Oasis. The stage design has incorporated the same black and white swirls used at Oasis’ huge Maine Road and Knebworth concerts from 1996. The fact that the second song of the night is a previously unreleased Oasis track, Take Me is impressive in itself but goes to strengthen how this is far from a covers show.

 The experience is further enhanced by the commitment to performance from Derek McCabe and Degsy Williamson as Noel and Liam. McCabe’s mimicking of Noel Gallagher’s appearance, guitar playing style and most importantly sound is first class, even going as far as recreating some of Noel’s outfits from previous  shows. He doesn’t put on a faux manc (he’s Scottish) accent, or sneak in some Noel Gallagher quips because he really doesn’t need to, because everything else is bang on point.

Degsy Williams on the other hand went into full Liam Gallagher persona, bantering with the audience, cheeky comments about learning his ‘lines’ in the toilet, or changing lyrics which Liam had done several times. He may not have looked entirely like Liam, but he did a great job with his vocals, a highlight being a storming rendition of Cigarettes and Alcohol. He gamefully interacted with young children and a few boozy revelers in the crowd. A highlight for me was the recreation of the Oasis Unplugged moment which saw Noel taking on singing duties for a TV recording whilst Laim heckled and became a bit of nuisance from the baloney, again showing an authenticity attention, to detail and playfulness you won’t find elsewhere.

 

The rest of the band also do a superb job of recreating the ‘Oasis’ sound, with special mention to lead guitarist Steve Allen and Kevin O’Rourke on keys. They are the driving force of the sound of the band and absolutely smash it.

Following an interval it’s just hit after hit, with the likes of Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back in Anger, and Stand By Me, the only track from Oasis’s third album to receive an airing. Throughout the second half the majority of the Bridgewater Hall audience were up on their feet clapping, singing along and having a good time. What was striking about the show was the audience was made up of children and pensioners and everyone in between who all in unison, lapped up the show, which is a testament to the Oasis back catalogue, and the quality of the Live Forever experience.

The whole world knows that Oasis have some huge dates this summer, and for those lucky enough to get tickets, Live Forever is the perfect aperitif to get you in the mood. For those not so lucky getting tickets, Live Forever is as nearperfect a way of experiencing what Oasis were like at the peak of their popularity, and well worth checking out.

Live Foverever are on  tour throughout 2025. Tickets available here here.