Noel Gallagher Leaves Oasis

Well, it finally came to this. Noel Gallagher walking out on Oasis after one row too many with brother Liam.

Well I'm glad to say I did get to see them last year at one of the opening shows of this tour, in Sheffield. It was a great gig, though the seats we were in were rather shit, to be fair but still that communal sing-along is one great feeling and experience.

People might slag them off and say they should have packed in after What's the Story. To me that is people following the 'cool' opinion. And, I disagree with it. For me, all of their albums have been fantastic.

I know, they didn't 'crack the USA' and they're bickering/arrogance filled the papers but so what? They were a truly great, massive, iconic band who produced some of the finest songs ever made. They sold millions of records, set records and defined an era.

Oasis have also provided me many happy memories, lots of singalongs in particular one that stands out is singing Don't Look Back in Anger at Pete's stag do; five or six of us arm in arm in a crowded nightclub in Nottingham.

So, for all the joy they've brought me and no doubt will in hopefully future solo projects or a Noel-less Oasis (who can picture that? Not me.) I say thank you for the good times...

Woodstock Anniversary

It's the 40th Anniversary of this monumental, historical event and what better excuse than to air a little of my favourite band on my blog.



Here's a clip of Pete Townshend, spiked with acid (as they all were), smashing a guitar around political activist Abbie Hoffman. Hoffman interrupted them at the conclusion of Pinball Wizard, mid-way through their Rock Opera, Tommy. Earlier in the show Townshend had already booted a cameraman for getting too close to Roger Daltrey.

Easily the most exciting, dangerous and talented live band there's ever been.

Woodstock: The Director's Cut airs tonight on BBC 4 at 9pm.

Football

The Championship restarted last weekend with a lot more hype than usual amongst my friends; simply because of local team Middlesbrough's newfound position within the league. They visit Swansea today (mates Keith and Rob have gotten the train down and I'm already receiving some fantastic texts through of their exploits. I shall have to blog them later) for the Boro game.

But things really get going today with the return of the Premiership.

I'm currently watching Chelsea vs. Hull and I'm hooked already. As I type Didier Drogba's just confirmed how excellent it is with a delightful free-kick.

I think Chelsea are going to win the whole thing this season, they look like a much more fluid, attack minded force. Man Utd will miss the attacking menace and skills of Ronaldo. He's been far too important a player for them in too many matches in the last two seasons to not be missed. In contrast, Chelsea have lost no-one and brought in one or two whilst getting some key players back from injury. They've also got a player who I think has been one of the best players in the land for the last five years; Frank Lampard. His record is immense. He's scored 20 or more goals in all competitions in the past five consecutive seasons. I am a real admirer of his talent and ability to perform consistently throughout the season, every season.

I'm certain though that it will be as unpredictable as ever and I'm really looking forward to it.

Here's too another spectacular season and plenty to talk, blog and tweet about in the forthcoming season!

Les Paul RIP

Lovely.