Gigs at the Barras are always special and this one had all the makings of a legendary night before Liam Gallagher even strode onto the famous stage. Cracking comeback single ‘Wall Of Glass’ and Liam’s televised performance at the recent One Love Manchester benefit concert merely added to the anticipation of the return of one of the best front-men of all time.

Arriving at the gig relatively early and passing a couple of scuffles near the venue got the blood pumping and whilst there was no support act the tunes in the build-up were nothing short of euphoric. By the time the PA belted out the Stone Roses ‘I Am The Resurrection’ the old floorboards were being tested to their limit as the rammed Glasgow crowd bounced away to chants of “Liam, Liam” and sweated out any remaining hangover blues from the rather disappointing draw with England the night before. If there was ever an argument for a DJ before or between acts then the electrifying atmosphere experienced before Liam and his band took to the stage is the proof to kill any balanced debate.

The bouncers at the front warned us trying to get shots of the main man that “things were going to get heavy at the front” and as the lights dimmed and the familiar sound of ‘Fuckin' in The Bushes’ blared out the crowd erupted. Cometh the hour, cometh the man and as Liam strides onto the stage and signals towards his decorated keyboard everyone in the house knows their king has returned and he is bringing the Rock N’ Roll with him. As a massive Oasis (and Beady Eye) fan I welcome the familiar swagger towards the mic and as Liam launches straight into ‘Rock N’ Roll Star’ I feel like chucking my camera away and joining the crowd going to at the front! ‘Morning Glory’ follows as Liam growls and snarls at the mic with the crowd greeting every word like a long lost friend.

‘Wall Of Glass’ makes an early appearance and is well received by the rowdy crowd who have evidently been giving this one some serious air-play and sing-a-long word for word. Vocally Liam is sounding great whilst visibly he appears to be enjoying the occasion and reaction from the adoring crowd. Expectantly, the set is a mixture of new material and Oasis favourites. The acoustic led ‘Bold’ and 60s inspired ‘Paper Crown’ are well received whilst ‘Universal Gleam’ has the makings of being a fan favourite when Liam’s debut album is released later in the year.

The monstrous ‘D’You Know What I Mean’ went off and reminded me of the epic Be Here Now tour back at the old SECC all those years back. The lively gig continued to delight with Liam dedicating the popular ‘Slide Away’ to his girlfriend Debbie and her twin sister Katie as the crowd turned up the backing vocals once again. Penultimate track ‘Be Here Now’ was another highlight with original Oasis rhythm guitarist, Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs joining Liam for a rousing rendition of the under-rated album’s title track.

Between tracks there is some banter about the previous night’s football. Topping the partial Oasis re-union was going to be tough but Liam did it along with the help of the Glasgow crowd. In a touching moment, Liam returned to the stage with his tambourine in hand and dedicated final track ‘Live Forever’ to the victims of the recent attacks in Manchester and London.   As Liam took up a solitary spot at the mic the crowd joined him throughout in a heart-felt acapella version of ‘Live Forever’.

King Liam has returned and he’s back to shake it up!

(Special Thanks to Katie and Debbie at Fear PR for sorting Bazza's photo pass out!!)

Words: Bazza Mills

Twitter: @bazzamills

Photos Glasgow