Noel Gallagher stunned staff and school children in Manchester on the last day of term with an impromptu appearance. The rock and roll star, who grew up just down the road in Burnage, caused quite a stir at the Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Primary School in Rusholme.
The former Oasis star told staff at the school he as in town for a photo shoot and asked if he could take pictures at the school. The school is built on the site of what used to be Maine Road - the former football ground of Noel's beloved Manchester City before they moved to the Etihad Stadium in 2003.
The area holds plenty of memories for Noel, who asked if he could use the playground of the school on Blue Moon Way for the photoshoot - which is where the Maine Road pitch once used to be. And while he was there he took time to meet staff and school children, even praising them for their singing skills.
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It might not have been an Oasis classic, but Noel was still full of praise for the song the youths were performing - Bruno Mars' You Can Count on Me. It was the last day of term for students at the school, and Noel even took the time to sign some of the shirts of the Year Six leavers.
Headteacher Ann Walsh said Noel was a "delight" during his visit. He was joined by his eldest daughter Anais Gallagher during his return to home turf on Thursday.
Mrs Walsh said: "He was absolutely delightful and very patient with the children. When he heard the children were singing in the hall, Noel said he absolutely loved it."
Noel stopped for photos with staff and school children at the school too before heading off on his way. It's not known where the photos will be used, although staff thought it was for his upcoming new album.
Mrs Walsh said: "He had asked to visit for an album cover shoot that he was doing. The school is built on the site of the old Manchester City ground and we think our playground is where the pitch used to be."
The MEN contacted Noel's people about his visit. A spokesman said: "Yes, Noel was in town for a photoshoot for a forthcoming project. More news to follow."
The singer-songwriter, 55, was wearing a casual ensemble of blue bomber jacket and skinny jeans and happily chatted to staff members and pupils in the school, which was preparing for its final day before the school summer holidays.
Noel and brother Liam Gallagher grew up just down the road from the school in Burnage, where mum Peggy still resides. They went on to form Oasis in 1991 and became one of the biggest rock bands in the world, before disbanding in 2009.
Noel, Liam and their older brother Paul Gallagher all went to primary school at the nearby St Bernard's RC Primary School on Burnage Lane when they were children.
During the peak of the band's powers in 1996, they performed two huge gigs at Maine Road that are fondly remembered by die hard fans who paid the princely sum of £17.50 for a ticket. Nowadays, Noel and Liam both sell out huge gigs as solo stars, although fans still live in hope that one day they'll bury the hatchet and reunite as Oasis.
Noel revealed earlier this year that he has been busy working on his fourth studio album with his High Flying Birds, and has hinted that it will be an epic sound with an orchestral vibe. The new songs are set to include more "strings and choirs" than his most recent solo work.
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