The Oasis star dedicated a song to the late The Royle Family actress who died in 2016
Noel Gallagher with Caroline Aherne(Image: Mirrorpix)
It’s been an exciting year since Oasis announced their surprise return and reunion tour 16 years after the Gallagher brothers split. The band kicked off their tour in Cardiff to rave reviews last week and now they have returned home to Manchester for their next gigs.
Heaton Park was buzzing with activity on Friday with around 80,000 fans who had eagerly snapped up tickets last August. With temperatures soaring some fans had been queuing for hours before the gates swung open at 3pm.
It was a further five hours until the brothers walked on stage hand in hand as Liam Gallagher held maracas to greet the crowd.
Despite the ongoing heatwave Liam donned his iconic parka, sparking a flurry of comments across social media platforms.
During the first gigs in Cardiff the band honoured Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota after his death at the age of 28. Starting their first of five nights in Manchester, Noel paid tribute to actress Caroline Aherne, which was met with support from the crowd, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Diogo Jota tribute in Cardiff(Image: Ellie Gosley)
He dedicated their hit Half the World Away to the beloved The Royle Family star, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 52 after a battle with lung cancer.
Noel approached the microphone and said: “This one is for Caroline.”
This tribute follows reports that Noel has extended a generous offer to the Teenage Cancer Trust. Rumours suggest that Noel intends to donate a portion of the proceeds from Oasis’ global tour to the charity.
The band haven’t performed together since V Festival in 2009 which led to a backstage fight at a gig in Paris and the band’s split. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
In a statement posted on the band’s website that day Noel said: “It’s with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight. People will write and say what they like but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.
“Apologies to all the people who bought tickets to the shows in Paris Konstanz and Milan.”
Although they went their separate ways in 2009 both Gallagher brothers continued their careers as musicians. Noel founded the High Flying Birds and secured chart triumph with his eponymous debut record featuring anthems like If I Had A Gun and AKA….What a Life.
Oasis catapulted to fame following Definitely Maybe’s launch in 1994, which kickstarted their lengthy run of achievements before they disbanded.
The group continued their incredible success with the subsequent releases of (What’s the Story) Morning Glory, Be Here Now, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, Heathen Chemistry, Don’t Believe the Truth, and Dig Out Your Soul.