Here’s the list of the songs that Oasis played at their first ever gig with Noel Gallagher.
The Songs Oasis Played at Their First Gig with Noel Gallagher
It’s surprising to think that Oasis existed before Noel Gallagher joined. He wrote almost all their songs. Without him, their future would have been uncertain. On October 19, 1991, he made his live debut. This moment planted the seed for their rise to define the decade.
How Oasis Started Before Noel Gallagher
Oasis evolved from a band called The Rain, which included Paul McGuigan, Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, Tony McCarroll, and Chris Hutton as the singer. However, Hutton didn’t meet expectations. Bonehead then invited Liam Gallagher to audition, which became a game-changing decision.
Liam Gallagher impressed everyone and suggested renaming the band. He took inspiration from an Inspiral Carpets tour poster in Noel Gallagher‘s room. The poster mentioned the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon.
The First Gig Before Noel Gallagher Joined
Before Noel Gallagher joined, Oasis played only once. They performed at The Boardwalk in August 1991, opening for Sweet Jesus. The gig was a disaster.
Liam Gallagher recalled in an interview with Radio X:
“It was horrible because only our mates were there. Acting like Mick Jagger in front of them felt weird. They just wanted to go to the pub.”
He added:
“We told them to clap louder and stop messing around. Once you survive the hardest gig, the rest are easy.”
Noel Gallagher Joins and Changes Everything
After touring as a roadie with Inspiral Carpets, Noel Gallagher returned to Manchester. He asked to join Oasis under one condition—he would be the songwriter and leader. He had a vision for commercial success.
Bonehead later said:
“He had loads of songs. Before he came, we only had four tunes and made a racket. Suddenly, we had ideas.”
The First Gig with Noel Gallagher
On October 19, 1991, Oasis performed again at The Boardwalk, now with Noel Gallagher. They sounded like a new band. In 1995, he recalled that night to Q Magazine:
“There were about 20 people. We played four songs, including ‘Take Me,’ which Liam and Bonehead wrote. I wish they’d record it.”
The band also played:
- ‘Columbia’
- ‘Acoustic Song’, which was never performed again
- A 20-minute house cover, likely Cartouche‘s ‘Feel The Groove’, which later became ‘Better Let You Know’
The Beginning of a Global Phenomenon
This gig marked the true beginning of Oasis. The five lads from Manchester would soon take over the world. Noel Gallagher’s impact was undeniable. His time with Inspiral Carpets fueled his hunger for fame, and he achieved it.
Oasis’ First Setlist with Noel Gallagher
- ‘Columbia’
- ‘Take Me’
- ‘Acoustic Song’
- ‘Better Let You Know’
Source: Farout Magazine
Photo: Getty