That Night I Was a ‘Rock ‘n Roll Star’
By Matt Mackowiak
On October 26, I had the distinct pleasure of seeing “Supersonic,” a fantastic documentary about the Rock band Oasis directed by Mat Whitecross, the critically acclaimed director of “Amy,” about the late-Amy Winehouse.
I’ve been a huge Oasis fan since at least 1996.
I saw them in what was my first concert on April 21, 1996 at the old Austin Music Hall as part of the “What’s The Story Morning Glory” tour.
Your first concert is always loud, and I’ve been to more than 200 concerts, but this one was the loudest I have ever attended. I lost hearing for several days. It was an experience I will never forget.
This film is so beautifully done, capturing the utter insanity of Oasis’ meteoric rise over a three year period from being a completely unknown band in Manchester, UK to becoming the biggest band in the world.
Their first album, “Definitely Maybe” remains a classic album that stands the test of time, with great rock songs like “Live Forever”, “Supersonic”, “Rock and Roll Star”, and “Slide Away”.
I’ve always loved their second album, “What’s The Story Morning Glory”, which also has instant classic rock songs like “Hello” and “What’s The Story Morning Glory,” and a ballad like “Wonderwall” that became a worldwide hit.
Whitecross collected never-before-seen interviews, video footage and live concert footage that is truly incredible, and it’s woven together in a very compelling way.
I was left finally understanding the complementary and rivalrous relationship between Liam and Noel in a way I hadn’t before, despite having read a lot about them and having read the autobiography of their former drummer.
Unexpectedly, I will be traveling to Manchester twice in the next 12 months and may even have a real chance to meet Liam or Noel on the second trip, which I am eagerly anticipating.
Noel Gallagher is a musical genius at the highest level in modern music and that is no overstatement. His ability to write beautiful and simple rock songs and ballads, quickly (as he did ‘’Live Forever’), is evident after seeing this film. He is a master guitarist and that is clear also. His drive to succeed in music is impressive.
Liam Gallagher fits the stereotype of rock band frontman: mercurial, dynamic, difficult and brilliant. Oasis was at its peak when Noel was writing and Liam was singing. It was never the same when he stopped being the front man, in spite of the incredible job Noel does singing (he taught himself to sing after growing tired of Liam’s unreliability).
If you love music, you will absolutely love this film.
If you love Oasis, you will never forget it.
Film website: http://www.supersonic-movie.com
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IfNzWPKU8o
