With 2025 already in the history books as the year Oasis make their long-awaited reunion, it's fitting that the first ever theatre show telling the story of the rise of the legendary Manchester band through their songs also debuted three days into the New Year.
The 'Live Forever - The Rise Of Britain's Greatest Rock 'N' Roll Band' show was the brainchild of Pete Jackson, the shows writer and producer who sadly passed away in December, just a month before the show was due to go on tour. Pete's family and friends decided that the show must go on, and in memory of Pete, 'Live Forever' started its huge run of dates on January 3rd.
It's a fitting tribute to Pete that almost every date, in large theatres around the UK, has either sold out, or is very close to doing so. On Friday night (January 10th), the show landed in Manchester at The Bridgewater Hall for its seventh night of the tour, and playing in such a big, beautiful iconic building in Oasis's hometown surely has to be the most significant night on the tour. The band who star in 'Live Forever' are a part supergroup of the world's best tribute bands to Oasis. Degsy Williamson, from 'The Oasis Experience', stars as Liam Gallagher, and Derek McCabe, from 'Noel Gallaghers High Flying Carpets' stars as Noel Gallagher. Also joining the line up from Derek's band is highly respected and much-loved keyboard player Kevin O'Rourke.
Completing the 'Live Forever' line up at the Manchester show were session musicians Alex Ward, Matt Weston and Bailey Bienek. The show takes fans on a journey from the bands early days playing at Manchester's Boardwalk, to the legendary gig at Glasgow's King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, to TV appearances on The Word, Top Of The Pops, and MTV Unplugged, to their iconic shows at Manchester City's Maine Rd Stadium and the huge Knebworth gigs. It really is the story, told in music, of how five lads from Burnage, Manchester, went on to become the biggest band in the world, in just three years. The setlist in the show is stunning, it's absolutely perfect, and includes all of the usual Oasis classics are in there, along with a few nice surprises. I'm not going to write about the songs played in the show, as it's a show every Oasis fan really needs to go and see for themselves. Bridgewater Hall was virtually sold out on Friday night, and the crowd of all ages loved and sang along to every song. By the end of the show the theatre's crowd were on their feet, giving the Live Forever band the credit, respect, and thanks they deserved, for bringing so much joy to the City of Manchester on a cold wet Friday night.
Degsy Wiliamson and Derek McCabe are the perfect people to front this show, and if you are able to go to one of the shows remaining dates, i'd strongly recommend doing so. A full list of remaining dates and ticket links are available on the tour website www.liveforeverlive.com, and Degsy and Derek will also be back in Manchester with 'The Oasis Experience and 'Noel Gallagher's High Flying Carpets' at Bowlers Arena on Saturday 25th October for the Manchester Adored festival. 'Live Forever - The Rise Of Britain's Greatest Rock 'N' Roll Band' is an unbelievable show, and a real tribute to the show's founder Pete Jackson. Pete can look down, fondly on his team, knowing he's created a show which really will Live Forever.
