Liam Gallagher & John Squire Live in Kentish Town: A Monday Night Worth Breaking the Rules For

Attending a gig on a Monday night might seem mad to some, but post-Covid, I’ve adopted a new approach: if it brings joy, don’t say no. So, with little hesitation, I found myself heading to Kentish Town for the second time in just ten days, this time to catch a highly anticipated performance from two Manchester legends.

Accompanied by Hammy, we decided to keep things dry for this one. The evening started with a leisurely mooch around the area, punctuated by a couple of lemonade-heavy shandies and a decent plate of Jerk chicken. As we approached the venue, we soaked up the atmosphere outside: a diverse crowd had already started forming, some eager punters lining up since 4pm, others dressed in Stone Island, vintage football casuals, bucket hats, pudding bowl haircuts, and the ever-present Liam badge. The subculture was alive and well.

Jake Bugg Opens the Night

The support slot was filled by Jake Bugg, whose set took a while to land with the crowd. That changed the moment he kicked into his breakout track, “Lightning Bolt,” which finally drew some energy from the audience. Still, the excitement levels were reserved for what was coming next.

Gallagher & Squire Take the Stage

When Liam Gallagher and John Squire took to the stage, the reception was thunderous. Liam’s trademark swagger was in full flow, his vocals razor-sharp and distinct. On his left, Squire remained cool and focused, his guitar work flawless. It was a pairing that felt natural yet still remarkable to witness live.

The setlist focused squarely on their newly released collaborative material—a bold choice, but one that ultimately paid off. Tracks like “Just Another Rainbow” soared in the venue, confirming this wasn’t just a nostalgic cash-in but a legitimate musical union. They held off on playing old Oasis or Stone Roses classics, much to the dismay of the lads behind us who kept yelling for “This is the One.” But sticking to their new material gave the show integrity and focus.

The encore saw the duo cut loose with a ripping version of The Rolling Stones’ “Jumping Jack Flash,” ending the night on a high and sending the crowd out buzzing.

In Summary

This wasn’t just a gig. It felt like the start of something significant. Liam and John showed that not only can they still command a stage, but their new direction is more than worthy of attention. For a Monday night? It couldn’t have been better spent.