Introduction
Liam Gallagher and John Squire are two of the biggest names in British rock music, known for fronting two of the most influential bands of the 1990s Britpop era. Liam first shot to fame as the lead singer of Oasis, the Manchester rock band he formed with his brother Noel in 1991. With their debut album Definitely Maybe in 1994, Oasis brought working-class attitude back to rock music and defined the Britpop genre with massive singalong anthems like "Supersonic" and "Live Forever". Liam’s iconic voice and bravado made him one of the last true rock stars.
Meanwhile, John Squire was the guitarist and sometime vocalist of The Stone Roses, whose 1989 self-titled debut album is considered one of the greatest British albums ever. With Squire’s brilliant psychedelic guitar work and frontman Ian Brown’s effortless cool, The Stone Roses pioneered the "Madchester" scene and paved the way for Britpop. Songs like "I Wanna Be Adored" and "Fools Gold" incorporated dance beats into rock and inspired a generation.
Both Oasis and The Stone Roses burned bright but fast in the 90s before interpersonal issues led to their breakups. Liam Gallagher and John Squire went on to various solo and band projects over the years but have never performed onstage together until now. This highly anticipated collaboration at Glasgow’s legendary Barrowland Ballroom represents the first time these two titans of Britpop have joined forces. Seeing Liam Gallagher and John Squire share the stage is a historic event fans have been dreaming of for decades.
The Venue and Audience
The historic Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow was the perfect venue for this momentous performance. With a capacity of around 2,100, the intimate venue enabled Liam Gallagher and John Squire to connect with fans.
Originally built in 1934, the Barrowlands is one of Scotland’s most iconic and beloved venues. From the sprung dance floor to the Christmas lights lining the balcony, it oozes character. The venue has hosted everyone from David Bowie to Oasis over the decades.
As showtime approached, hardcore fans and casual listeners alike packed in. Teenagers rubbed shoulders with original Britpop fans in their 40s and 50s. Oasis and Stone Roses t-shirts mingled in the queues outside.
Inside, the anticipation was palpable. Lifelong fans exchanged stories of seeing Oasis at Knebworth or The Stone Roses’ legendary Glasgow Green gig. Others relived memories of hearing Definitely Maybe or The Stone Roses for the first time.
When the house lights dimmed, a roar went up from the crowd. The stage was set for two Manchester legends to make magic together in one of Scotland’s most storied venues.
Liam Gallagher & John Squire’s Stage Presence
The moment Liam Gallagher confidently strode on stage to the opening chords of "Rock ‘n’ Roll Star," the energy in the room was electric. Dressed in his signature parka jacket and tinted glasses, Liam oozed rock star swagger. His distinctively gritty vocals were on full display as he belted out the lyrics, working the crowd into a frenzy.
Meanwhile, John Squire’s entrance was more understated but just as impactful. The iconic guitarist walked out, guitar slung low, and launched right into the unmistakable riff of "I Wanna Be Adored." Squire seemed totally locked in, eyes closed as his fingers flew across the frets. His soloing was effortless yet intricate, showing why he’s considered one of the greatest British guitarists ever.
When Liam and John finally joined each other on stage, their chemistry was palpable. Trading smiles and inside jokes between songs, their long history together was evident. During their duet of Oasis’ "Champagne Supernova," Liam’s voice soared over John’s melodic guitar lines. It was a spine-tingling moment for fans to hear this classic collaboration live.
Overall, both rock legends proved they’ve still got unmatched presence and musicianship. Their vocals remained powerful, guitar skills sharp, and onstage personas just as magnetic as during their heyday. Seeing Liam Gallagher and John Squire share the stage was a once-in-a-lifetime experience fans won’t soon forget.
Full Setlist & Song Highlights
Liam and John delivered a dream setlist spanning songs from Oasis, The Stone Roses, and their solo catalogs. They seamlessly traded off lead vocals and guitar duties as they powered through over 20 songs.
The show kicked off with a string of Oasis classics like "Rock ‘N’ Roll Star," "Morning Glory," and "Champagne Supernova" with Liam on vocals and John handling lead guitar. John then took over lead for a run of Stone Roses hits including "I Wanna Be Adored," "Fools Gold," and "Love Spreads" as the Glasgow crowd sang along word-for-word.
Some of the biggest crowd reactions came during the one-two punch of Oasis’ "Supersonic" and The Stone Roses’ "I Am The Resurrection" midway through the set. Liam and John faced off on stage trading vocal lines as the audience clapped and cheered along.
Other standout surprises included John taking lead vocals on Oasis’ "Live Forever" and the pair duetting on The Stone Roses’ "Waterfall." The crowd roared as Liam and John came together at the mic for the song’s soaring chorus.
The night built to an epic crescendo during the encore as Liam and John led a mass singalong of Oasis’ "Don’t Look Back in Anger" before closing out the legendary night with The Stone Roses’ "This Is The One."
Show Production & Performance
The show production and overall performance from both rock legends was simply spectacular. From the moment Liam Gallagher and John Squire walked on stage, the lighting and visuals amplified the excitement in the room.
Spotlights danced around the venue as the opening notes rang out, building the energy level even higher. Flashes of color and Oasis logos splashed across the giant screens on stage, paying homage to Liam’s iconic band. The sound quality was pristine and crystal clear, allowing Liam’s vocals and John’s guitar solos to truly shine.
On stage, Liam and John showcased incredible chemistry and showmanship that only comes from being music veterans. Liam worked the crowd with his signature bravado, while John let his guitar playing speak volumes. During their joint performances, they played off each other seamlessly, making it clear just how much mutual respect exists between the two rock icons.
Of the two, Liam Gallagher stood out as the most captivating performer. He has a natural charisma that infuses the audience with infectious energy. His vocals were commanding and he nailed every note, demonstrating how he earned his reputation as one of the greatest rock frontmen of all time. Between songs, Liam’s banter and storytelling enthralled the crowd. By the end, he had the audience hanging on his every word and song.
Crowd Reactions
The crowd at Barrowland Ballroom was electrified from start to finish, singing along word-for-word to classics by both Liam and John. As soon as the iconic guitar riff for "Fools Gold" rang out, a massive mosh pit opened up in the center of the venue, with fans pushing and shoving each other gleefully.
"The energy was absolutely mental once Liam walked out," said Robert, 32. "As soon as I heard his voice I was transported back to the 90s. My mates and I were going absolutely mad in the pit, it was just like the good old Oasis gigs back in the day."
Fans held up lighters and cell phones, swaying and belting out every lyric to "Live Forever" and "Champagne Supernova." The acoustic segment featured rapturous singalongs to "Cast No Shadow" and "Breaking Into Heaven," with thousands of voices coming together in unison.
"I legit cried real tears when Liam dedicated ‘Live Forever’ to the people of Manchester," posted @OasisFanGirl96 after the show. "Hearing him and John do that song together was a spiritual experience."
When Liam and John came together at the end for "I Am The Resurrection," mosh pits opened up again as fans bounced wildly and screamed the lyrics at the top of their lungs. Videos from the show capture the sheer euphoria and adrenaline rushing through the venue all night long.
The Meaning of This Collaboration
This legendary team-up represents a monumental moment for Britpop fans who grew up idolizing Oasis and The Stone Roses. It’s the closest thing to seeing the two iconic bands share a stage, something that seemed unfathomable during the 90s.
While an Oasis/Stone Roses joint tour is likely out of the question, Liam and John’s surprise collaboration opens the door for more potential reunions between Britpop legends. Their infectious camaraderie and musical chemistry on stage also hints at the possibility of future recordings or even an entire album together.
Seeing Liam Gallagher and John Squire join forces passes the torch to younger generations who may be discovering their music for the first time. Their timeless songs gain new life and relevance when performed by the men who made them classics in the first place. This collaboration ensures their rightful place in the pantheon of British rock remains strong.
What’s Next For Gallagher and Squire?
With such an electrifying and successful joint live performance now under their belts, fans are understandably excited to see what Gallagher and Squire will collaborate on next.
Both artists have hinted at more live shows and festival appearances together this summer, though no dates have been formally announced yet. There’s hope that Glastonbury, Leeds, Reading or TRNSMT could host the duo on their iconic stages.
As for new music, neither Liam nor John have outright confirmed an album or extended project is in the works. However, their obvious on-stage chemistry and complementary musical styles have many speculating that more studio collaborations are inevitable. Even just one or two new original songs co-written by the pair would be momentous.
Outside of their team-up, Gallagher continues to ride high off his recent solo album C’mon You Know, which topped the UK charts this May. He’s sure to be playing cuts from it at festivals and headline shows throughout 2022 and beyond. A follow-up seems likely within the next 2-3 years if he maintains this prolific pace.
Squire remains focused on his current band The Madcaps, who are due to release their self-titled debut album this year. However, his live cameos with Gallagher demonstrate his Stone Roses legacy will never be left behind. Fans hope more crossovers between the two bands could happen down the line.
Wherever they turn up next – either together or separately – one thing’s for sure: Gallagher and Squire remain two of the most captivating frontmen and guitarists in British rock n’ roll. This recent performance was just the beginning of their next era sharing the stage.
Final Thoughts
This unforgettable show was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans of Liam Gallagher, John Squire, Oasis, and The Stone Roses. The electric atmosphere and sheer euphoria in the crowd was palpable from start to finish.
Seeing these two legendary frontmen share the stage was a monumental event. Their natural chemistry and seamless collaborations made it seem like they had been performing together for years. Moments like their duet on Oasis’ "Morning Glory" gave fans chills and will surely go down in Britpop history.
Both Liam and John were on top form, with stellar vocals and guitar skills on full display. John’s intricate and melodic guitar lines perfectly accentuated Liam’s powerful voice. Fan favorites like "Don’t Look Back in Anger" and "I Wanna Be Adored" exemplified why they are considered two of the greatest rock stars Britain has ever produced.
This show transcended mere nostalgia – it represented the meeting of two musical icons still at the peak of their powers. Anyone who loves rock music and its history absolutely must witness one of these performances.
It’s clear Liam Gallagher and John Squire have formed a special creative bond. Their collaboration, though unexpected, feels so natural that one hopes it continues. Could this be the start of a more permanent musical partnership? An album and full tour would undoubtedly be massive.
Regardless, this performance will go down as one of 2022’s most monumental concerts. The stars aligned for a legendary night that won’t soon be forgotten. Gallagher and Squire’s musical legacies are intertwined now, cemented with this reunion for the ages.
Conclusion
Liam Gallagher and John Squire’s live performance together at the legendary Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow was truly an historic night for Britpop fans. Getting to see these two titans of 90s UK rock share the stage was a once-in-a-lifetime event. Their obvious on-stage chemistry and respect for one another made for an incredible show that both artists’ fans won’t soon forget.
Seeing their biggest hits performed live alongside new collaborative tracks gave the show a nostalgic yet fresh feeling. This certainly felt like a ‘full circle’ moment, bringing the Britpop era into the present day. While it remains to be seen if Gallagher and Squire will partner up again, this show was the perfect way to reignite interest and introduce their music to a new generation.
If you’re a fan of Oasis, The Stone Roses or British rock in general, this is one performance you absolutely have to catch live if given the chance. Keep your eyes peeled for any future tour date announcements or surprise appearances. Liam and John have proven they still have that magic spark together on stage. Follow both artists on social media and streaming platforms to stay updated on their latest solo endeavors as well. The musical journey for these two legends is far from over, and their collaboration is just beginning.