THE countdown is well and truly on for the grand return of Oasis after 16 years.
But locals in Cardiff may well get to hear the group before their comeback gig on Friday.
The set-up at the Welsh capital’s Principality Stadium is well under way.
On Monday, the city could hear a soundcheck where a string of songs were blasted out through the open roof, giving clues of what will be on the setlist.
Live versions of their 1995 No1 Some Might Say, 1994’s Cigarettes & Alcohol and Fn’ In The Bushes, from 2000 album Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants, were all played.
Noel and Liam Gallagher are not thought to have been there for the soundcheck, with Liam posting on X that “nobody rehearses on a Monday”.
But they are likely to take to the stage to practise before doors officially open on Friday afternoon.
A source said: “The stage is being set up in the stadium and everything is being tested to make sure the opening show goes off without a hitch.
“The band and their team are very much aware that the world will be watching, so they want it to be the best show possible.
“They will be doing a soundcheck in the lead-up to the first concert so the locals are likely to hear them performing before ticket holders will get to see them.
“It’s very exciting.”
In more good news for fans, the group have announced a deluxe 30th anniversary edition of their second album (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?, which will be out on October 3.
It will feature five new unplugged versions of classic recordings Cast No Shadow, Morning Glory, Wonderwall, Acquiesce and Champagne Supernova, and is available to pre-order now.
Meanwhile, Liam has been mouthing off on X in the run-up to the shows.
Asked if he’s “seriously not nervous” about it, he said: “No, coz I’ve prepared like a CHAMPION.”
To another, he added: “We wouldn’t be doing it if we sounded s**t.”
And he couldn’t help but have a playful dig at his big brother.
After one fan posted a dream setlist ending with Don’t Look Back In Anger, on which Noel sings lead vocals, another commented: “Not a chance Liam isn’t closing the gig.”
Liam replied: “Exactly . . . He is the boss but he’s not f***ing stupid.”
Clearly he still sees himself as the main attraction, even after all this time.
Liam and Noel Gallagher on stage with Oasis in 2009[/caption]
