One of the biggest, if not the biggest rock concerts of the year is focussed on in this entertaining music documentary from filmmaker Toby L, a film that’ll play in cinemas for a limited run, and then move to Paramount+ in December.
There have been many documentaries looking at the rise and legacy of Oasis – the brilliant Supersonic from 2016, and last year’s superb Oasis Knebworth 1996 (which we reviewed favourably here), but this is the first to specifically focus on the solo career of Liam Gallagher. What starts out as a feature that could be constricted to an audience of die-hards only, quickly morphs into something with a little more depth. Set largely during a seven day build-up to two massive gigs at the iconic Knebworth House estate north of London, the film follows the man as he prepares for the mammoth event, a return to a stage he once stood upon some twenty-six years previous, along with his band mates and now estranged brother, Noel. We also get some insight from a select group of fans – some local to his beloved homeland of Manchester, but then others from further afield across Europe and the world, Liam is as loved today as he was back in his nineties heyday.
In fact, the footage and interviews regarding his fans is one of the strongest aspects of the documentary, as too is Liam’s more humble approach to life and his career – communicated as he reminiscences of times gone by and the excitement and gratitude for what’s to come.
There’s a notable absence of Oasis songs in the climactic gig footage, performances saved for Liam’s solo stuff only, but the filmmakers offer up some stunning concert footage during the last twenty minutes, absolutely capturing the scale of an event on a stage where only the true legends get to play.
‘Knebworth 22’ is a rousing, enjoyable documentary of the evolution of an idol. Emotional, nostalgic, and sometimes humble – but equally very ‘Liam’. The film is a highly involving look into the build-up, and execution of one of the biggest rock gigs of the year on one of the most iconic stages. An absolute must for fans and Gallagher purists with enough there for non-believers, too.
Liam Gallagher – Knebworth 22 will be in cinemas worldwide from Thursday 17th November.
Liam Gallagher – Knebworth 22
Summary
A hugely enjoyable feature documentary that will appeal largely to fans of Liam Gallagher and Oasis lore, but this is a solid snapshot of a frontman still very much at the top of his game.
