Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Kitty Empire

Liam Gallagher review – when he does eventually smile, it’s perfect

Liam Gallagher, tambourine in hand, at Koko, London, backed by a his band, with a dark blue backdrop and a lot of spotlights.
‘Deliciously on-brand’: a cagouled Liam Gallagher at Koko, London. Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian

Liam Gallagher, British rock star, is not known for smiling. Having stared down from stages and out from magazine covers for more than 30 years, eyeballing all-comers to step outside, it’s as though the younger Gallagher brother remains the brooding focal point not just for his erstwhile band Oasis – or his own solo afterlife, now three hit albums strong – but for the whole concept of moody rock stardom itself.

“ROCK’N’ROLL”, declares a shiny silver backdrop – in all capitals, like his tweets. Gallagher’s solo band includes a peak of four guitarists and, occasionally, two drummers, three backing vocalists, alongside keys and bass. It’s an outfit more suited to demolishing an arena than this compact Camden venue, which naturally sold out in seconds.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.