Oasis fans are gathering in numbers tonight as Liam Gallagher begins a run of homecoming shows. Burnage-born Liam is playing the first of four gigs at Co-op Live.
It is part of his UK tour marking 30 years since the release of Oasis' seminal debut album Definitely Maybe. The setlist will feature some of Oasis's biggest anthems like Live Forever, Slide Away and Supersonic.
Tickets for the show sold out in minutes with a bumper, sell-out crowd expected at the new venue, next door to the Etihad Stadium, the home Liam's beloved Manchester City.
READ MORE: Liam Gallagher at Co-op Live stage times, supports, setlist and how to get there
Tonight's much-anticipated gig will be his first performance in the city since he turned out at the Apollo in March with Stone Roses guitarist John Squire, with whom he released a collaboration album earlier this year.
Now performing solo, Liam is also playing the venue today, tomorrow and Monday (June 15 and 16) as well as Thursday 27 and Friday 28 June.
When Co-Op Live was beset by teething problems, Liam had joked he would 'Gig at Lidl' if the venue wasn't ready. So he will be relieved it is open and raring to go as his legion of fans get set to descend on east Manchester.
We will be bringing you build-up ahead of tonight's huge show in the live blog below
Simon Coyle
'Manchester vibes in the area'
Liam Gallagher is now on stage at Co-Op Live and started the show with Rock ‘n’ Roll Star.
Simon Coyle
Not long to go until Liam
It's Liam up next and there isn't long to go!
Simon Coyle
"You’re in for a treat tonight"
Cast frontman John Power telling the crowd they are in for a good night tonight.
Simon Coyle
Pictures - Fans arrive for Liam Gallagher gig - and there's no shortage of bucket hats
Fans have been arriving at the Co-op Live tonight for Liam Gallagher’s homecoming gig. There were Oasis t-shirts and bucket hats galore among the crowds as the fans queued up outside.
Simon Coyle
Cast on stage
Cast are warming up the crowds ahead of Liam Gallagher.
Liv Clarke
Cast take to the stage
Liv Clarke
It's bucket hats galore as excited fans arrive at Co-op Live
Liv Clarke
Liam’s not the only Gallagher on stage tonight
The first support act Villanelle have taken to the stage. The band features Liam’s son Gene as frontman. Liam previously said: "As long as they're happy and they can make a living out of it, it's a good thing being in a band, You get to see the world and all that stuff."
Indie legend Cast are set to come on at 7.45pm, ahead of Liam at 9pm.
Liv Clarke
Tonight’s gig will be filmed
Looks like there will be filming of tonight’s gig at the Co-op Live. Dianne has spotted a sign saying: “Please note, at the request of the artist, filming will be taking place in all parts of the venue tonight. Enjoy the show.”
So if you’re at the gig, make sure you’re looking your best for the camera!
Liv Clarke
Sneak peek at the merch - including bucket hats (naturally)
Our reporter Dianne Bourne has made it inside the Co-op Live, and she’s at the all-important merch stall. Of course there are bucket hats for sale which are priced at £40. For the mega fans, you can bag an LG jacket for £100.
Liv Clarke
…and the doors are now open!
Co-op Live has now opened its door ahead of the gig with fans queuing up to get inside - and it looks busy! The first support act, Villanelle, is set to take to the stage at 7pm. Liam is due on at 9pm.
Liv Clarke
Food, drink, bag policy and banned items at Co-op Live
If you’re off to see Liam tonight and it’s your first visit to Co-op Live, there’s a few things you need to know. When it comes to food and drink there’s several bars and stalls inside the venue, and a wide range of options including pies and burgers.
Each person is allowed to bring one bag, which should be no larger than A4 in size. Large bags, such as backpacks, are not permitted.
Some items including laptops, iPads and Go Pros are not allowed, and the same goes for food, glass, alcohol and larger umbrellas. For more details on other banned items and more information on the facilities at Co-op Live, click here.
Chris Slater
Toniiiiiiiiiiight.....
Our reporter Dianne, who is reviewing tonight's show, is now down outside Co-op Live. Liam's face is being projected onto the side of the venue
Toniiiiighttt @liamgallagher @TheCoopLive pic.twitter.com/EAVrWUjw5n
— Dianne Bourne (@diannebourne) June 15, 2024
Chris Slater
James Come Home
Last night, another local favourite, James played at Co-op Live. You can read our review of their show here.
Chris Slater
A Lidl bit of fun
Liam's run of Co-op Live gigs have seen him honoured with a cheeky blue plaque at a nearby supermarket. Whilst the venue's opening season was beset by delays and cancellations, Liam joked he would 'gig at Lidl' if it wasn't ready. It is, of course, having been opened by fellow local heroes Elbow last month.
And the branch of Lidl in Newton Heath, just around the corner, decided to have a bit of fun, putting a blue plaque saying that the 'legend' Liam Gallagher 'Almost played here. June 2024.'
You can read all about it here.
Chris Slater
Support acts
Support tonight comes from Villanelle, the hotly-tipped new band that features Liam's son Gene Gallagher as frontman.
Then indie legends Cast, fronted by former bassist in The La's John Power, will also perform before Liam takes to the stage
Chris Slater
Setlist
It's a hell of a setlist Liam has been treating to fans to so far on this tour. Every track from Definitely Maybe gets an outing and there are several other rare treats. You can read more here on what to expect if you are on the lucky ones heading to tonight's show
