Liam Gallagher & John Squire - Just Another Rainbow

A dream was sparked when John Squire performed with Liam Gallagher at the Knebworth shows in the summer of 2022. ‘Just Another Rainbow’ is the first machination of said dream. Originally written at Squire’s studio in Macclesfield, the pair then took to LA for sessions with Greg Kurstin. The single is released on January 5th via Warner Records.

*banner image courtesy of Fear PR. Credit Tom Oxley.

Artwork courtesy of Fear PR. credit: John Squire & Jamie Hutchinson.

We all know what Liam is bringing. He’s blessed with great vocals and, despite a below-par third solo album, has proven that the fire and magic remain post-Oasis time and time again. For Squire though, he has only written two tracks that have been released. ‘A Beautiful Thing’ proved he had “it”, whereas ‘All For One’ left room for doubt.

So, when Liam’s vocal snarls for the first minute with Squire loitering in the background, the tension building is agonising upon first listen. What is the guitarist of a generation bringing? That pensive stasis soon melts with the rip-roaring Townsend-esque bluesy majesty that follows.

The two giants of the rock ‘n’ roll scene, neither with anything to prove, come armed with more attitude than an Eastenders Christmas special. Liam’s opening delivery prowls like a caged tiger waiting to maul its owners to death. A fete that comes with obligingly when Squire’s background licks explode to the fore with the guttural power of Hendrix via The Who and Peter Green alongside thunderous drums.

Although the track is about disappointment and not getting what you want, their desire to forge this project and be this expansive evokes a beauty unique to rock ‘n’ roll. The urge to reach heavenwards, to kiss galaxies with their psychedelic power, remains as accurate now as it did in ’89 and ’94.

The sense that they have been good for each other in the studio is palpable. Squires playing, sprawling and vast as ever, is given an urgency, a Peter Green and Pete Townsend punchiness that Gallagher has yearned for since ‘Morning Glory’. With a guitarist to match his ability on the mic, once again he can prove he is more than just a snarl. He shows more ethereal and angelic touches to counter the raw power of Squire’s playing, elevating the record to another level.

‘Just Another Rainbow’ is released on the 5th of January. Brace yourselves!

One love: The Stone Roses @ Wembley Stadium

"I'm eating sand when I need air"

Perhaps an understandable mood for London considering its terrorist attacks, the appalling loss of young life in Manchester and the unnecessary tragedy of Grenfell Tower. The concourses were awash with talk of the latter as its blackened state loomed depressingly in the backdrop of this great stadium. 

Thank God, then, for four Manchester icons. Superstars to this adoring 90,000 crowd, they still represent everything great about working-class people in the UK. With roots firmly in the mid-80s Paisley scene and a peak in the second summer of love, The Stone Roses shows just how brilliant working-class people can be when they unite with passion and love.

Opening with ‘I Wanna Be Adored’, a vast euphoric release is unleashed the moment Mani snaps out the thumping bass line of this classic. Everyone knows a greatest hits set is coming but, the early appearance of the Mersey-psyche singles ‘Elephant Stone’, ‘Sally Cinnamon’ and Mersey Paradise’ gave a sweltering crowd a brevity so badly needed. Squire’s gliding guitars are exquisite as the spirit of Roger McGuinn echoes around this huge crowd. 

Whilst the Roses have been back in the consciousness for a few years now, the sense that every live gig is something special has not faded.