Noel Gallagher’s new album title is inspired by his Manchester upbringing
THE title of Noel Gallagher's new album has been inspired by his upbringing on a Manchester council estate, I can reveal.
He has already teased the fourth album from Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds will drop in May.
It will be called Council Skies, and feature artwork depicting the old home of his beloved Man City — Maine Road in Moss Side, where he watched games as a kid.
The Oasis great’s first album in six years includes new tracks alongside last year’s surprise single Pretty Boy.
It comes after the songwriting genius recently opened up about his upbringing, and said he was “embarrassed” by career accolades.
Noel said: “I am a chancer from a council estate. I haven’t got a clue what I’m doing. It is all by feel and ear and that’s it.
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“I have never had a single music lesson in my life.”
The musician was raised with brothers Liam and Paul in a modest council semi in Burnage, Manchester.
Mum Peggy, who left their dad Tommy, worked at the local McVitie’s biscuit factory to support them. Even after their success with Oasis, Peggy refused to leave the area.
Noel recalls: “We offered to buy her a house but where we’re from in Manchester, she’s got seven sisters and about five of them live about a 15-minute walk from each other, so she wasn’t going to move.
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“The one thing she requested . . . we had a garden gate, which was really squeaky, and she said, ‘If you could just change the gate’.
“We bought her a brand-new gate with a gold No5 on it — and she was happy as Larry after that.”
Noel’s choice of album title is also a nod to his favourite artist, Sheffield-based cartoonist Pete McKee.
Pete released a book called Council Skies in 2019, giving social commentary on working-class life, music and sub-cultures.
I predict that, just like the rest of Noel’s album’s, this latest one will go straight to the top.
...and another Gallagher (no relation)
PREPARE to be blown away by the haunting vocal range of yet another Manchester-born songwriter called Gallagher – this time Tim.
He is gearing up to release his debut album this year and fans might already recognise the dulcet tones of the talented guitarist.
He amassed a huge TikTok following during the pandemic, after his ballads Lipstick and Altar were played on Love Island and his single Growing Pains became popular.
Tim said of getting into music: “I started playing the guitar aged 16.
“I enjoyed songwriting, I did it for fun and it felt natural to express myself.”
Dua has her sights set on Hollywood
DUA Lipa plans to make big moves in Hollywood this year, following in the footsteps of Lady Gaga.
The Levitating singer has already shot an upcoming Apple TV+ spy thriller called Argylle, opposite Henry Cavill.
But I hear that’s just the start as she hopes to produce her own projects.
An industry source said: “Dua’s received a tonne of scripts and is most interested in taking on serious drama that will receive Oscars buzz.
“She wants to really start pursuing acting. She is planning to set up her own TV and film production company so she and her team can option stories she believes in and take them to market with bigger studios.”
She recently said about shooting Argylle: “It was really exciting. But I think for me it’s, like, baby steps.
"That’s also the best way to discover yourself, rather than throwing yourself in the deep end with something that maybe you can’t completely tackle head on.
"My biggest fear would be taking on a really big role and being, like, f***, now I have to be an actor and feel these emotions and feelings on camera, when I haven’t brought myself up to that point yet.”
Harry Styles is a great example of how artists can straddle both industries – I can see Dua following in his footsteps.
Shy and mighty
I’VE been mesmerised by Swedish songwriter Shy Martin ever since I heard her starry-eyed song Feelings.
She has written for Ellie Goulding, Jess Glynne and The Chainsmokers and is backing herself to be a chart success.
She said: “I’ve spent the last year and a half only focusing on my own music and on creating a safe, creative space for myself.
“Writing these songs has been really important to me in a therapeutic way – and I don’t think I’ve ever found more comfort in writing than I did last year.
"I’ve intentionally stayed in my own bubble to create more honest music that I can’t wait to share.”
I can’t wait to hear it.
Danny in East after TV end
DANNY Dyer has whisked his wife Jo Mas off to the Maldives for a romantic break after leaving EastEnders.
The couple previously enjoyed a “no expenses spared” honeymoon on the Indian Ocean islands while the actor had a temporary break from the BBC soap in 2017.
And Danny, who is taking time out while he considers his future, wanted history to repeat itself after deciding to walk away from Albert Square for a second time.
His final scenes as Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter were screened over Christmas.
A source said: “EastEnders has dominated Danny’s life in recent years, and the last few months of filming were especially full on.
“So as soon as he finished, he made a point of whisking Jo away.
“They had a brilliant time in the Maldives in 2017 and couldn’t wait to go back.” He might have left Walford far behind, but Danny made a point of reaching out to fans after his on-screen exit.
He showed them a beach video taken as he downed a margarita cocktail and puffed on a shisha pipe.
And Danny made it clear they had no need to worry about his recently departed soap character Mick.
In the Instagram video, he said: “Mick needed a rest, a new chapter.
“It’s the end of an era. I really appreciate the years that I’ve had running the Queen Vic.
“Don’t worry about Mick, because Mick is . . . he’s sweet as a f***ing nut.”
Olivia refuses to look upset
THE smile was back on Olivia Wilde's face after her split from Harry Styles.
The actress and director, who dated Harry for 19 months before their November break-up, cheered herself up with some retail therapy on a break in Paris.
Olivia rocked casual chic in a Bella Freud jumper with the slogan Salon des Refuses, which means Exhibition of Rejects.
Her relationship might be on the rejected pile, but it’s great she’s looking happy again.
Go with the Flo
FLO have already created a huge buzz by scooping the Brit Award for Rising Star – plus being nominated for Best Newcomer at the Mobo Awards.
The trio formed in 2021 and comprise singers Stella Quaresma and Renee Downer, who met at the Sylvia Young Stage School in London, and Jorja Douglas, who they discovered on Instagram.
Their musical explosion began with single Cardboard Box, produced by MNEK, and Stormzy, Beyonce, Brandy and Missy Elliott reported to be fans.
I’m excited to see girl power return to the charts.
2023: your showbiz calendar for the new year
February
AWARD season will be in full swing with the UK’s biggest music awards – The Brits – coming to London’s 02 Arena on the 11th.
They are hosted by comic Mo Gilligan and London-based, Nigerian-born artist Slawn will be designing a new statue for 2023.
Rihanna makes a huge return at America’s top gig, the Super Bowl half-time show, on February 12.
Expect slick dance routines, exciting collaborations (hello Drake) and, of course, all her delicious hits.
April
DURAN Duran kick off a huge arena tour at Manchester’s AO Arena on April 29.
It comes a year after the band were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, headlined London’s Hyde Park, played the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Concert, the Commonwealth Games and had a sold-out tour of North America.
Frontman Simon Le Bon told me: “It was an extraordinary year for Duran Duran, mainly down to the incredible fans we have around the world.
"This spring we will be back on home soil once again to continue the party.”
Olly Murs also begins his Marry Me Tour of the UK, starting on April 21 at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro Arena.
He is supported by Scouting For Girlsduring the gigs and the singer plans to marry Amelia Tank soon after.
Olly said recently: “There’s a little bit of a break in the summer because that’s when I’m getting married.
“Then we do a summer tour, I think in August, September. So yeah, it’s exciting.”
May
THE Eurovision Song Contest heads to Liverpool, as the UK steps in to handle hosting duties on behalf of last year’s winners Ukraine.
Our 2022 UK success story Sam Ryder, who was runner-up with Space Man, will lend a hand as pomp and pageantry descends on the city, climaxing with the Grand Final in the Liverpool Arena next to the River Mersey on May 13.
June
GLASTONBURY Festival returns to Worthy Farm from June 21-25, with Elton John in the Sunday afternoon legends slot.
He has stated (again) it will be his last gig, and I bet it’s going to be a tear-jerker.
Harry Styles is on his way to Wembley Stadium as part of Love On Tour from June 13 to 17.
It will be the first time Harry has performed at the London venue since his former band One Direction played there nine years ago to around 3.5million people at the end of the lads’ Where We Are tour.
October
TAYLOR Swift is said to be bringing The Eras Tour to the UK, hitting several major arenas and singing hits from record-breaking album Midnights.
The singer said: “I’m making more albums at a more rapid pace than I did before, because I think the more art you create, hopefully the less pressure you put on yourself.
“Everybody’s different. There are people who put an album out every five years and it’s brilliant and that’s the way they work.
"I have full respect for that but I’m happier when I’m making things more often.”
November
ABBA have announced they are extending the run of their hugely successful Voyage hologram show in East London until November – and fans can still get seats.
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Bjorn Ulvaues said of 2021 album Voyage: “When you do a thing like that, you don’t know how people will receive it.
"It was with such pride we released that album. I don’t think there will be any more music with Abba.”