"Are Ya mad for it? I'm fookin' mad for it!"

Nearly two years, one near split, and several billion record sales on from the last we were all gathered here to witness the phenomenon they call Oasis and all, on first sight, appears to be how they left it; Bold as Brass singalongs, post-baggy leisurewear and an ocean of people stretching as far as the eye could see and the traditional brands of clothing worn by the Burnage five (excluding Alan White, 4). The only difference is that more jewlery is worn. On they come, strewn out across the stage like multicouloured figures from an ancient game of pub football, the four who aren't Liam assume their posistions, roll on their heels, and set about being the most important rock group in the world.

After a low key performance by the Verve, a short pause, then, out of the top half of an oversize telephone box, come the boys. "Are Ya mad for it? I'm mad for it!!" shouts Liam over the microhone. After this short but effective comment, Noel and Co. burst into 'Be Here Now'. This is followed by 'Stay Young', which is greeted by the whole crowd joining in, "We know just what we arrrrrarrrre!!!". After this follows a double strength version of 'Stand By Me'. They seem to whizz by. Record-breaker after record-breaker, the songs keep coming. This proves that Noels songwriting is getting stronger and stronger. Noel then continues with a few golden oldies. He whips out a deadly 'Supersonic', a stunning 'Some Might Say' and a bigger-than-Jesus, 'Roll With It'. This is ushered by Noel saying "Last time we played this one here the neighbours complained....So this time, lets take the fookin' roof off!!" Noels solo spot of 'Magic Pie' and 'Don't Look Back in Anger' manages to sound rerasonable, apart from the fact of the fucking dicks with the laser pens who decided to shine them in Noels eyes. Liam then returns to whip out more classics. Finally, they burst through the best. 'Champagne Supernova', 'All Around the World', 'It's Gettin' Better (Man!!)' and then they walk off. They soon return however to burst through a deadly encore of 'Acquiesce' and then Noel replies with, "Right, that is fuckin' well it, Good fucking night". And then it was all over. A good night had by all. The only thing left to do was to go home and get my voice back.

By: Ian Young (iyoung@ktc.bromley.sch.uk)