The Western Mail


OASIS fans had an anxious wait last week, uncertain about whether the band's Cardiff concert would go ahead.

Following their little local difficulty involving some German police officers, a number of Italian gentlemen and several thousand pounds' worth of dental work on lead singer Liam Gallagher, it was not surprising that it seemed touch-and-go whether the concert would go ahead.

But from the moment the band swaggered on to the stage, it was clear the fans would not be disappointed. All the tabloid headlines of the past week were forgotten and the music took centre stage.

Oasis may no longer be putting out hit singles week after week but there is no doubt they can still put on a great show.

Whatever you think of Liam Gallagher's in-your-face style, he has real presence on stage.

When you add to that the songwriting ability of his older brother Noel, you've got a potent package.

The banner at the back of Oasis's stage set proclaimed the word "Exist" in huge white letters, as if to remind the public they still do. But it was obvious the fans in Cardiff needed no reminding.

The band's first song was Good to be Back and it was good to see them back on the road again.

During the concert, they played a host of hits from all their albums. The songs were delivered in an unpretentious, straightforward style, no doubt what the Gallaghers would call real rock and roll.

The capacity audience cheered every minute of a thoroughly entertaining spectacle.

While Liam's nonchalant delivery is part and parcel of what Oasis are all about, some of the most memorable moments of the evening came when his brother Noel took over the singing.

His rendition of Little By Little got a huge reaction from the audience.

With Oasis, you pretty much know what you are going to get: a series of well-known hits, delivered in their own inimitable style.

The truth is, while there are many who would copy Oasis, nobody does what they do better.

They may not be the best band in the world as they would claim, but there's no doubt they are great showmen and always worth seeing live, as the audience at last night's performance in Cardiff fully appreciated. Oasis swag-ger on.

The only disappointment was that they did not reappear for an encore.