Loving all the Oasis build up but also struggling with it. Grief sneaks up and bites when I am not expecting it these days and all the talk of music that means a lot to people and two brothers from Manchester getting back together is just a bit overwhelming. Innocently driving to work yesterday listening to Radio 2 and a simple request from Jo Whiley to write in with your best Oasis memories pushed me over the edge and I found myself just sobbing, not just a few tears but deep, guttural sobs. So I guess, yes, there are a few memories triggered by the boys from Burnage.

The mid ’90’s was a time when kids were being born and music was in the background rather than the foreground of life. It was a time where two brothers from Swinton were playing at being adults & parents in different parts of the country but stayed close even in these pre-internet and pre-social media days. We didn’t see Oasis live, or frankly anyone live, through those years so how come the music and stories now mean so much? Perhaps it is because we largely loved that music independently and separately, both recognising the roots of it, talking about it on the phone and playing it whenever we got together ‘say it oud, and sing it proud today’. All I really want to do right now is talk to Arkid about all the hype and fuss and nostalgia and find out which of the Heaton Park gigs he managed to get tickets for.

I can’t do that obviously so writing some of this down is as close as I can get, although it pleases me a lot that both my niece and nephew did get tickets and will be attending. It feels kind of correct that I won’t be going if Arkid can’t and I am happy about that. I can be content with memories of sitting drunk on the floor of my dining room in Broughton Astley singing dodgy karaoke style versions of Wonderwall, an occasional sighting of Noel G at Maine Road or dancing late at night at Low Mill Farm with Champagne Supernova booming out of the speakers. Good times Arkid.

If you are going to one of the gigs, I really hope you have a fantastic time and that the music speaks to you in the way that only good honest rock’n’roll can. If you really want to Live Forever it is very possible, just show love and kindness to the people around you and pass that love on to the next generation, they will make sure your spirit lives on, long after you’ve gone. For Arkid, my Dad and my Grandad – Live Forever.