Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds have announced details of a new album which will be released later this year and pays homage to the singer's Mancunian roots.
The former Oasis guitarist and co-vocalist's forthcoming album, entitled 'Council Skies', will be released on June 2 via Sour Mash Records ahead of a summer series of shows including a homecoming at Wythenshawe Park in August. From the evocative album title to the cover art nodding to an iconic Manchester location, Noel's fourth solo studio album is being described as his most "varied and accomplished to date".
The new album's limited edition formats also feature remixes by The Cure's Robert Smith and Pet Shop Boys while the first single from the record, 'Easy Now', which has been released today, features vocals from Critics Choice Award-nominated Milly Alcock - who recently starred as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in the HBO smash hit series House of the Dragon.
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Speaking of the album, Noel said: “It’s going back to the beginning. Daydreaming, looking up at the sky and wondering about what life could be… that’s as true to me now as it was in the early 90s. When I was growing up in poverty and unemployment, music took me out of that.
"Top of the Pops on TV transformed your Thursday night into this fantasy world, and that’s what I think music should be. I want my music to be elevating and transforming in some way.”
‘Council Skies’ takes its title from a book by acclaimed northern illustrator and friend of Noel, artist Pete McKee. It covers themes of "youthful yearning, and unbridled ambition".
The album was recorded at Noel’s own Lone Star Sound Recording Studios in London, with the record's orchestrated strings recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Produced by Noel with long-time collaborator Paul ‘Strangeboy’ Stacey, it also features performances from Johnny Marr on three tracks, including recent single ‘Pretty Boy’.
The artwork, shot by renowned Manchester photographer Kevin Cummins, sees Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds’ live equipment setup placed on the original centre spot of what was Maine Road Football Stadium in Moss Side. This year marks 100 years since the ground was opened as the former home of Noel’s beloved Manchester City FC.
The accompanying artwork for the album also captures location's linked to the singer's formative years including an image of Manchester’s Piccadilly train station, marking the moment Noel left his home city for London.
Since 2011, the band has released three studio albums, a range of EPs and have played hundreds of live shows to fans across the world. Last summer Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds headlined a host of outdoor live shows culminating in a widely applauded performance at Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage.
This summer, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will return to Manchester for a special homecoming show, marking their first full headline performance in the city since 2019. Not shy of delivering top-tier performances at prestigious outdoor venues, Noel will grace the stage at Wythenshawe Park with its first-ever summer concert of this scale on August 26.
There are some massive support act joining him too, with both Primal Scream and Future Islands joining the singer on stage. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds will also headline venues in Buckinghamshire, London, Essex, Monmouthshire and County Durham this summer.
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