"Noel! Kosovo Gig With Weller, Travis and 'Phonics

Noel Gallagher saurprised the crowd by playing The Verve's "Bitter Sweet Symphony" at the benfit concert for Kosovan refugees at London's Kentish Town Forum last Sunday (May 30).

As predicted by The Maker weeks ago, Noel took a break from recording with the rest of Oasis in France to accompany Kelly and Richard Jones of Stereophonics, Travis and the Sixties and Seventies Godfathers of Mod, Ray Davies and Paul Weller, for a night of music and money-making.

Comperes on the night included actor Robert Carlyle, Fat Les' Keith Allen, Joe Absolom (Matthew Rose in 'Eastenders') and 'The Fast Show's' Simon Day.

Weller was the first major act to take the stage, appearing with Ocean Colour Scene's Steve Craddock and Damon Minchella. The roar of the crowd at the mere sight of him was worthy of any football stadium.

He opened with a version of Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On", and the rest of his set included the hit "Broken Stones" and the Style Council track "A Man Of Great Promise". But it was his last song, a cover of the The Beatles' "All You Need Is Love", that earned the most rapturous response.

Next up was Noel, who played an acoustic set of four songs to a delirious audience. It was his first performance since he unexpectedly showed up on three nights of Weller's summer tour last year. [Actually 7 nights supporting Weller; and subsequently guesting at Weller's outdoor show, an acoustic at "Rock The Dock" in October, and guesting with Goldie in November - Andrew]

Noel began with an acoustic version of "Better Sweet Symphony, without explanation, and continued with 0asis’ "Supersonic" - dedicated to "all the f***ing City fans", "Rock’n’Roll Star", and, finally, 'Wonderwall', for "the wife".

Meg Mathews was among many showbiz personalities present, including Liasm Gallagher (stageside for most of the evening) and plas Goldie and Kate Moss. Ocean Colour Scene's Simon Fowler and actor John Simm were spotted too. Many had watched Manchester City beat Gillingham at Wembley and were jubilant.

Kinks singer Ray Davies, probably the most surprising face of the night, performed Kinks classics "Dedicated Follower Of Fashion" and "Autumn Almanac". He was joined by Weller for a rendition of "Days", and finished off with the time-honoured riffing of "You Really Got Me".

The Jones boys played an acoustic set of Stereophonics songs old and new, beginning with "Local Boy In The Photograph" and what Kelly described as "a sleazy version" of "The Bartender And The Thief". After "Pick A Part That's New" and a particularly passionate "Just Looking", Kelly and Richard were joined by Davies for a fantastic rendition of The Kinks' evergreen "Sunny Afternoon". Weller then joined the Joneses on piano for their final performance, "Traffic".

Even at 11.30pm, there was more to go. A triumphant Travis turned out for full-band performances of "More Than Us", "Writing To Reach You", "Driftwood" and "Why Does It Always Rain On Me". Singer Fran dedicated their fifth song, "All I Wanna Do Is Rock", to Noel Gallagher, whom he described as "one of the nicest people I’ve met in this business". Then came "Happy", which appropriately described the crowd.

But it didn’t stop there, despite a flicker of the house lights: Keith Alien brought Noel back on for a grand finale of "Live Forever'.

Other acts on the bill were Toploader, who recently supported Weller, and Squeeze's lyricist Chris Difford. Noel's spokesman told The Maker why he'd wanted to take pact "Like everyone Noel has been watching the news about Kosovo, so when he got the call to do this gig he was glad to he able to help." The event, benefiting Kosova Aid (a charity founded by two Kosovan Albanians who spell their republic's name the Albanian way), was organised by Nicky Weller, Paul's sister, and her boyfriend Russell Reader....

Was it Benficial? Craig (20) and Srah (18), both from Hertfordshire.

Did you come to support Kosovo or to see the bands?

Craig: "Both."

Sarah: "Kosovo."

Who did you enjoy the most?

C: "Noel, it's got to be Noel. He's the bollocks, he's the best and everyone loves him."

S: "Noel and Stereophonics - I loved them, they were good as well. I loved them all, they were all brilliant." Who surprised you the most?

C. "Noel, singing 'Live Forever' at the end. That surprised me cos I didn't think he was gonna come back on."

S: "Noel, but they were all good and sang well. It was a good night. I'm glad I came."

Natalie (I7) and Melanie. (16), both from Essex

Did you come to support Kosovo or to see thebands?

Natalie: "Really the bands, but at the same time it was a good cause."

Melanie: "I didn't really know what bands were playing, but my friend invited me."

Who did you enjoy the most?

N: " Noel Gallagher was my favourite. I hoped he might come tonight."

M: "Paul Weller, I think he's briIIiant.

Who surprised you the most?

N: "Stereophonics being here as well, cos I love them too, they were really great."

M: " I think the Stereophonics because Kelly looked really nice in his tight top."

Andy (20), from London, and Karam (23), from Dundee.

Did you come to support Kosovo or to see the bands?

Andrew. "I came for the bands."

Karam. "I came for the bands, but I don't mind giving to Kosovo for the bands' sake. I came all the way from Scotland especiaIly for the gig.

Who did you enjoy the most?

A. "It's got to be Travis because they're quality, and Noel Gallagher, well, cos he's Noel Gallagher."

K: "Noel Gallagher, obviously. Weller was good, but he wasn't on for long enough. Travis are good as well, it was good to see a Scottish band."

Who surprised you the most.

A: "Travis, cos I've never seen them live before and they're good."

K: "Ray Davies. He was playing some right old classic tunes and stuff, it was well good."

• Melody Maker News Articles - index

c 1998 Andrew Turner

aturner@interalpha.co.uk

This page hosted byGet your ownFree Home Page