Heading to Eastbourne on a freezing January night might not be my most rock n roll moment; however, it was helped by the stunning starlings who were swooping over the pier as my friend and I parked up for an early dinner before our nineties adventure at Live Forever, reliving our misspent Britpop moments, at the supersize Congress Theatre, which was handily located close to the seafront.
After a warming beverage, we got to our seats which gave a great view of the stage (plus several enthusiastic Oasis fans who donned original parkas and bucket hats). Although I was more impressed by the number of teenagers who were showing up – presumably not “dragged” along by mum and dad, but here on their own accord – looking forward to Liam’s infamous banter.
Alas, this was not the actual Oasis brothers, it was the tribute act fronted by Degsy Williamson who has been a diehard Oasis fan since crossing paths with the Gallagher brothers in their South Manchester neighbourhood as a teenager whilst their mums used to work together at the McVities biscuit factory.
Created by Pete Jackson – a music industry stalwart for 25 years who actually supported Oasis on the band’s European leg of the ‘Don’t Believe the Truth Tour’ in 2005, he has been behind the Gallagher brothers since the beginning. It was a plan to make a show about “the biggest band to come out of Great Britain since The Beatles” that celebrated the rollercoaster story of the Gallagher brothers’ fight to revive the soul of the 60s, put guitar bands back to the forefront and give the music back to the people once again.
Live Forever, a must see for all die hard Oasis Fans
With more than 30 legendary hits including Some Might Say and Don’t Look Back In Anger, Live Forever is a must-see for all Oasis fans and children of the 90s when this legendary band created their iconic anthems.
Although it wasn’t a stadium, the theatre’s atmosphere was electric, with credible backdrops of milestone gigs including the 1991 hometown Boardwalk gig and video footage to accompany the nineties fashions – which at certain points did consist of a Man City jacket and bucket hat!
But mostly we were mesmerised by the slightly nasal, raw-edged drawl which Degsy – channelling – Liam would interact with the crowd between songs – along with an impressive swagger, lager swigging and fist-bumping the front row!
Derek McCabe who represents Noel – albeit with a Scottish accent, is impeccable – bantering with the audience and wowing with his vocals when the spotlight is on him during a recreation of the Oasis Unplugged show, singing and strumming to Masterplan” or “Don’t Look Back in Anger”.
After the intermission, the songs and performance stepped up a notch and when ‘Wonderwall’ and ‘Roll With It’ kicked in the crowd was encouraged to get up and dance which turned the second act into a mini gig, with the band getting a very lairy encore! The ideal antidote for a miserable January, Live Forever: The Rise of Oasis is a great gig to take you back to the heyday of Britpop and I guarantee you’ll feel energised, and have swag in your step if you’re a fan of classic 90s tunes.
CAST
Lead vocals: Derek McCabe and Degs Williamson
Guitarists: Alex Ward, Steve Allen and Jonny Knight
Drums: Matt Weston
Keys: Kevin O’Rourke
Production: Pete Jackson
For more information or to book tickets, click here.
