Liam Gallagher performed his first-ever solo show as a benefit concert at Manchester’s O2 Ritz on May 30th. The former Oasis frontman donated all proceeds from the show to aid the victims of the bombing that took place on May 22nd at Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman concert at the Manchester Arena. Gallagher, one of Manchester’s most notable locals, had already been slotted to perform in his hometown, but decided to partner with the British Red Cross in support of the victims and their families after hearing about the “outrageous” attack.
Liam performing 'Live Forever' a cappella in front of 22 candles for Manchester victims. #LiamGallagher #Oasispic.twitter.com/z1POTj3w6m
— Lemonbeats (@LemonbeatsCHNL) May 30, 2017
Gallagher explained his thoughts about his concert after hearing about the bombing to Manchester Evening News:
“I just knew I had to [donate the profits]. I’m not in it for the money. The gig was going to happen anyway and we all have to do what we can. I want to try and help pick people up. People like me, doing what we do, it’s our duty to give people a good time.”
Just five days after his solo debut in Manchester, Gallagher surprised the audience of Grande’s One Love Manchester benefit concert on June 4th by appearing alongside Coldplay to perform his new solo music as well as beloved Oasis tracks, including an emotionally-charged version of “Live Forever,” which you can watch at the top of this page.
Grande and Coldplay also came together to cover “Don’t Look Back In Anger,” the aptly-named Oasis track that has served as an anthem of strength for Manchester this past week.
Gallagher has shown his immense love for his hometown during this trying time, but it seems like he does not feel that same love for his brother and former bandmate, Noel.
Liam and Noel Gallagher were the two longest-running members of Oasis, but they’re not just famous for their English rock influence— the brothers are also infamous for their long and very public feud that can be traced as far back as 1994. The schism between the pair is alive and well, as Liam made clear on Twitter after the One Love Manchester concert.
Manchester id like to apologise for my brothers absence last night very disappointed stay beautiful stay safe LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) June 5, 2017
Later on in the night, he posted a number of harsh tweets demonizing his brother for missing the show, featuring a particularly heated message: “get on a f**king plane and play your tunes for the kids you sad f**k”.
Despite the ongoing sibling feud, Liam has stepped up as a hometown hero this week while Manchester continues to process this tragedy. Check out his performance of “Live Forever” with Chris Martin above!