Oasis Played Oracle Arena - Setlist, Pics, Review

Following Ryan Adams' solid opening set, Oasis took the stage at Oracle Arena to deliver a set that fulfilled all the hype, pomp, and showmanship that one would expect from one of the world's most mega rock bands. The lights were big, the set was big, the video screens were big - all of it was designed to be larger than life and completely wow the crowd. What's more, the setlist was a fantastic blend of the band's material over the years, and even included a few treats for the diehards.

It was actually quite remarkable how easily the band jumped from old material, to new, and back again. Despite the fact that the band's records have taken on a decidedly darker production aesthetic in the past few years, they've clearly been putting in the time to make sure that they can deliver on all the classics as well - material from Definitely Maybe sounded just as solid as anything off the recent records.

In many ways, Oasis' US gigs are doomed to be greatest-hits affairs: most Americans aren't super familiar with the deep album cuts, and moreover they pay money to see those well known tunes. That being said, given the infrequency of Oasis' touring in the US, that's not necessarily a bad thing: it is really and truly great to see the band rock out to "Morning Glory" under a full bath of lights with 6' guitar cabinets roaring away.

Even in light of delivering the hits, the band did manage to slip something in for the die hard fans (of whom there were many). They performed both "The Masterplan" (best known as the title track of the band's B-Sides collection), and "Slide Away" - a seldom played track from Definitely Maybe. It's nice to see a band that is so thoroughly an "arena act" still have the awareness and promotion of their rarer material. Although with a library of b-sides and rarities as rich as Oasis', it's easy to see why they would do so.

The only disappointing moments in the set for us were a somewhat half-hearted "we have to do this" version of "Wonderwall", and the closing of the night with "I Am The Walrus". In both cases it felt more like a band doing what was expected, as opposed to what came naturally. And still, a slightly weak version of two songs out of the whole night is hardly a damning report. We walked away feeling more than satisfied by the set. Oasis delivers absolutely what you'd expect from them: loud, unadulterated, unabashed rock and roll. And we loved every minute of it.

Setlist:
Fucking In The Bushes (Intro)
Rock N' Roll Star
Layla
The Shock Of The Lightning
Cigarettes And Alcohol
The Meaning Of Soul
To Be Where There's Life
Waiting For The Rapture
The Masterplan
Songbird
Slide Away
What's The Story (Morning Glory)
Ain't Got Nothin'
Importance Of Being Idle
I'm Out Of Time
Wonderwall
Supersonic

Don't Look Back In Anger
Fallin' Down
Champagne Supernova
I Am The Walrus

Many more pictures at the HAD Archive

Ryan Adams Played Oracle Arena - Pics, Review, Setlist

Last night, bookended by two massive neon Cardinals roses, Ryan Adams and The Cardinals kicked off the first night opening for Oasis on their North American tour. Despite suffering some of the typical "opener" roadblocks (non-full audience, lesser stage setup, quieter mix), the band delivered a solid set, and by the end they had a solidly delivered on their latest material, as well as some Adams classics.

Throughout the show, the band was under a pretty low level of light. We have no idea whose decision it was (or maybe it was a stage fright thing), but it did make it a little harder to engage the band's on stage persona. Still, there's no question that the band delivered on their musical potential. Newer material like "Cobwebs", "Fix It", and "Magick" was thoroughly fleshed out, and made the album versions pale by comparison. Perhaps the only weakness was that "I Taught Myself How To Grow Old" lacked the epic guitar jam that's usually present at Adams' headlining shows.

Even more impressive than delivering on the new material, it seemed that Adams has accepted that he needs to "play the hits" in order to engage a less familiar audience. The band delivered solid versions of "When The Stars Go Blue" and "Two", not to mention and awesome, rocking version of "Come Pick Me Up" that was the highlight of the set.

Playing a large venue, to an unfamiliar audience, as an opener, is always a tough act to pull off. However, it speaks to the continuing growth and maturity of the Cardinals that they jumped into the situation and managed to avoid any pratfalls. If they continue in this direction (and frankly, bring a bit of their live rawness into the studio), we're thinking that 2009 could be a big year for the Cards.

Setlist:
Cobwebs
Crossed Out Name
Everybody Knows
When The Stars Go Blue
Fix It
Let It Ride
Go Easy
Sinking Ships
Come Pick Me Up
I Taught Myself How To Grow Old
Two
Magick

More photos at the HAD Archive

Oasis And Ryan Adams Kick Off North American Tour At Oracle Arena Tonight

We're guessing that if you're planning on going to this show, you probably don't need to be reminded. You already have tickets, and are most likely barely concentrating on whatever it is that you're supposed to be doing this afternoon. But, just in case, here's one last reminder: tonight will be host to a super rock blowout over at Oracle Arena as Ryan Adams and The Cardinals join Oasis for a night of rock massivity. The show kicks off two weeks of a North American tour for the two bands, leading right up to Christmas. Be there or be square.

Ryan Adams And The Cardinals and Oasis, Winter 2008 Tour:
December 3 - Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA
December 4 - Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
December 6 - The Pearl, Las Vegas
December 8 - Broomfield Events Center, Denver, CO
December 10 - Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
December 12 - Allstate Arena, Chicago, IL
December 13 - Palace of Auburn Hills, Detroit, MI
December 15 - John Labatt Center, London, ON
December 17 - Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
December 19 - Susquenhanna, Camden, NJ
December 20 - GMU Patriot Center, Washington DC

Oasis + Ryan Adams = Love

Cheeky picture stolen from pitchfork

So, were you a little annoyed that Oasis only toured in Canada? And did you kind of want to see that Oasis/Ryan Adams double bill because it sounded like it kicked a huge amount of rock and roll ass? Well, you're in luck: Adams and the Gallaghers will be reuniting to the band's North American tour, and here in the Bay Area they'll be making a stop at the Oracle Arena on December 3rd. Yes, we're as psyched as you are, despite it being in that gigantic concrete monolith. I mean, come on, for a show this big the arena vibe is almost suitable, no?

Tickets go on-sale this Friday, pre-sale is tomorrow. Password is "OASISINET"

BONUS: Stream the new Ryan Adams' tune "You Picked Me Up". Great!

Springsteen @ Oracle Arena In October

If you're into this sort of thing (which I'm not), then you'll be pleased to know that a Mr. Bruce Springsteen has both a new album and a tour scheduled for this fall. On said tour, the Boss will be gracing the Bay Area with his presence at the Oracle Arena on the 26th of October. The show is a full live experience, complete with E Street Band in tow. Tickets go on-sale 9/15 via ticketbastard.

mp3: Bruce Springsteen - Radio Nowhere (free iTunes download)