Live Review: Liam Gallagher, Holy Holy

Liam Gallagher is one of a dying breed: a rock god. Since dominating the '90s with Britpop band Oasis, he has gone on to carve out a post-Oasis career – seemingly fuelled by his volatile relationship with his brother Noel – first with Beady Eye but more recently as a solo artist. Winning NME's Godlike Genius Award last year, the certified rock god took to the outdoor stage at the Bird In Hand Winery. 

As the crowd settled into the winery's amphitheatre-like arena on a beautiful Adelaide evening, the support act was indie-rockers Holy Holy. Warming up the crowd with songs from this year's My Own Pool Of Light, and their first two albums, the band were well-received. By the end of their set, they had the mostly middle-aged expat crowd cheering and on their feet.  

Liam Gallagher emerged on stage with little fanfare and a muffled "Alright?" With an unmistakable air of confidence and his trademark swagger, Gallagher kicked off the set with Oasis’ Rock 'N' Roll Star.

With his 2019 second album, Why Me? Why Not, building upon the success of his debut As You Were, Gallagher could have been forgiven for sticking to his new material. However, this show wasn't about Gallagher alone; it was also about the band that made him famous, Oasis. 

As such, the set leant heavily on classic Oasis numbers. Over the last 25 years of fronting bands, Gallagher’s voice has declined to more of a nasal, gravelly tone – and sometimes he just didn't hit those high notes. The bucket hat-wearing crowd didn't seem to really care and looked to be still "madferit". 

Liam Gallagher @ Bird In Hand Winery. Photo by Sean Mullarkey.

After moving through his solo catalogue including the likes of Shockwave, Wall Of Glass and the World Party-esque Why Me? Why Not, Gallagher belted out Morning Glory, and a biblical version of Columbia. The crowd singing along to Wonderwall echoed around the countryside. 

The show ended suddenly with Supersonic and Cigarettes & Alcohol. Gallagher, who seemed annoyed throughout the concert, walked offstage never to return. The crowd felt shortchanged, standing there expecting more, somewhat bewildered and a little disappointed. There was no encore, no explanation, no introduction to Gallagher's band, and limited crowd banter over the short 60-minute set. However taken together with the set, it was clear that Gallagher is still a rock tour de force, though an unpredictable one. 

Liam Gallagher @ Bird In Hand Winery. Photo by Sean Mullarkey.