Source: LIVERPOOL ECHO

IT'S good to know that even superstars have time for the personal touch.

And Noel Gallagher didn't disappoint when he was deciding who to invite to support Oasis at Liverpool's Royal Court gig.

The lucky band is The Stands, led by songwriter Howie Payne.

Howie, from Aigburth, is really looking forward to the gig on December 16. And he's still surprised at the way it came about.

He said: "We're still not really sure how it all happened, but we've got a rough idea. I think basically Noel heard a demo by The Stands - and he obviously liked it.

"We think he ended up chatting to Martyn Campbell from The Lightning Seeds and mentioning us. Martyn told him he knew me, and passed on my number."

Howie did indeed receive a call from the famous Manchester City fan - but on a day when you might have thought Noel was otherwise engaged.

Howie says: "He called me on the day he was doing that massive gig at Lancashire Cricket Club in Manchester, on his mobile. I was a bit surprised about that!"

The Stands, as well as receiving the Oasis seal of approval, have been doing well in their own right, with a series of gigs across the country. They also supported The Coral on their recent tour.

Howie says: "I think we'll get half an hour or so with Oasis. It's always good to know that people like your material - especially somebody like this."

Oasis have long-time connections with Liverpool -particularly the bands Smaller and The Real People during their early days.

They also gave support slots recently to ECHO Entertainments Awards Best New Talent band, The Bandits