On this day in history – 16 September 2011 – Liam Gallagher was stepping onto a Middle East stage for the first time, fronting Beady Eye – not Oasis. Tickets had gone quickly, fans had travelled from across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and beyond, and by the time the band hit the stage the venue was close to capacity.
According to Emirates 24|7, rock fans from “all across the capital and Middle East seized every ticket available” for Beady Eye’s UAE debut and, judging by the response, they weren’t disappointed.
“Liam Gallagher proves why he is the ‘greatest frontman of all time’. Beady Eye’s show was ballsy rock and roll from start to finish.”
Emirates 24|7
Gallagher arrived in familiar fashion, hands behind his back, zipped into his jacket, and immediately set about turning the temperature inside up another few degrees. The National noted that despite the impressive air conditioning, Gallagher’s outfit choice quickly became part of the night’s narrative.
“The award to the sweatiest man at the Beady Eye concert goes to… Liam Gallagher.”
The National
Within fifteen minutes, the damp patches were already showing. An hour later, after powering through almost the entirety of Different Gear, Still Speeding and returning for an encore, the battle was well and truly lost.
The band opened with Four Letter Word, its eastern-tinged riff earning a mention from Emirates 24|7, who praised Gallagher’s vocal performance and Andy Bell’s guitar work. From there, Beady Eye moved briskly through their debut album, including Beatles and Stones, a track whose title neatly summed up the band’s influences and intent.
Crucially, and as promised, no Oasis songs were played. Liam avoided any commentary on his former band, something The National highlighted, noting that he remained unusually quiet on the subject throughout the set.
The crowd, however, was a mix. Some were there purely because of Gallagher’s past.
“I don’t actually know Beady Eye that well. I’m really just here because of Oasis.”
Ian Dickenson, fan, quoted by The National
Others were discovering the band in real time, including at least one attendee who admitted he had never heard of Beady Eye or Liam Gallagher and was simply using a spare ticket. That contrast only added to the atmosphere, with some singing every word and others learning the songs as they went.
For many, just seeing Gallagher live was enough.
“To see Liam Gallagher live is a dream come true.”
Peter Redding, fan, quoted by Emirates 24|7
Beyond the music, the night carried a sense of occasion. Emirates 24|7 noted that the show doubled as Gallagher’s introduction to Abu Dhabi, a city that had also played a role in the revival of his beloved Manchester City.
By the end of the night, sweaty jacket and all, there was little debate left. Whether fans came for Beady Eye, Oasis, or simple curiosity, Gallagher had delivered exactly what both reviews agreed on.
A loud, uncompromising, UAE rock and roll debut.
Beady Eye — Flash Forum, Abu Dhabi (16 September 2011)
1. Four Letter Word
2. Beatles and Stones
3. Millionaire
4. Two of a Kind
5. For Anyone
6. The Roller
7. Wind Up Dream
8. Bring the Light
9. Standing on the Edge of the Noise
10, Kill for a Dream
11. The Beat Goes On
12. Three Ring Circus
13. Man of Misery
14. The Morning Son
ENCORE
15. Wigwam
16. Sons of the Stage (World of Twist cover )
