Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds (NGHFB) played a 1.5-hour set beginning at 9:10 PM on the last day of Fuji Rock 2024. Gallagher recently entered a new phase as both a musician and songwriter, notable in his latest album, “Council Skies,” which embraces the theme of “returning to roots.” This was evident in their setlist, which traversed between recent songs back to Oasis classics, creating a nostalgic journey. A whimsical theme of flowers adorned the stage, featuring beautiful fauna displays like sunflowers, orchids, and hibiscus. Before the show, a Manchester United stand with a cardboard cutout of a bald man (who is he? I’m no soccer fan to know!) stared out at the audience for 30 minutes and throughout the show, adding a quirky touch. The band never brought up the significance of the Manchester stand, which contributed to their set’s mystique.

The lineup included Noel Gallagher (Vo/Gt), former Oasis members Gem Archer (Gt) and Chris Sharrock (Dr), and session pianist Mike Rowe (Key/Pf). They were joined by Russell Pritchard (Ba/Cho), Jessica Greenfield (Key/Ma/Cho), a support keyboardist, three backing vocalists, and occasionally a three-piece horn section—making it the largest ensemble NGHFB has ever had.

The members walked on stage to the sound of John Paul Jones’ “4-Minute Warning,” before kicking off the show with “Pretty Boy” from “Council Skies.” The title track, “Council Skies,” followed, showcasing a new sound with tropical rhythms and a relaxed groove. Tracks like “We’re Gonna Get There in the End” and “Open the Door, See What You Find” brought Gallagher’s signature Britpop melodies, compelling the audience to sway along. Visuals perfectly matched each song, from 90’s romantic music video footage to 70’s-inspired flower power cartoons.

Three songs in, Gallagher greeted the crowd with a simple “Hello,” which the entire audience echoed back. “You good?” he continued in his very British manner, before diving back into the music with a guitar change. Around 45 minutes into the set, a brief heavy rain shower reminded the crowd of the classic Naeba atmosphere without dampening spirits.

Gallagher engaged the crowd with a cheeky, “So I assume we’re all Oasis fans, yeah? Then this will go well,” before playing “Going Nowhere.” This second half of the set was a treat for Oasis fans, featuring an array of beloved tracks. Fan favorites like “Whatever,” “Half The World Away,” “The Masterplan,” and “Little By Little” had the crowd singing along joyfully. Gallagher played and sang Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” with him announcing, “This is our last song.”

Despite Gallagher’s declaration, everyone knew an encore was imminent. After a brief departure, NGHFB returned to perform “Stand By Me,” “Live Forever,” and finally, “Don’t Look Back In Anger.” Notably, the set didn’t include “Wonderwall,” a surprising omission that left the audience intrigued, yet, satisfied.

Noel Gallagher’s return to Fuji Rock after nine years was heartfelt for many, who were seen in the crowd (and on the big screen) with tears in their eyes. His 2024 set reaffirmed his place in rock history and provided fans with a memorable experience that meshed Gallagher’s own musical roots and the new direction that his band is heading.

Set List:
01. Pretty Boy
02. Council Skies
03. We’re Gonna Get There In The End
04. Open the Door, See What You Find
05. You Know We Can’t Go Back
06. We’re On Our Way Now
07. In the Heat Of The Moment
08. If I Had A Gun…
09. AKA… What a Life!
10. Dead In The Water
11. Going Nowhere (Oasis cover)
12. Talk Tonight (Oasis cover)
13. Whatever (Oasis cover)
14. Half The World Away (Oasis cover)
15. The Masterplan (Oasis cover)
16. Little By Little (Oasis cover)
17. Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division cover)
─ENCORE─
18. Stand by Me (Oasis cover)
19. Live Forever (Oasis cover)
20. Don’t Look Back in Anger (Oasis cover)