‘I live for now, not for what happens after I die.’-Liam Gallagher
When I originally planned my milestone birthday trip to Europe last winter, I had originally planned on going to Northern England. My dad is from the area and I wanted to check it out. Then, Liam Gallagher announced he was going on tour in the U.K. for the 30th Anniversary of Oasis‘ debut album, Definitely Maybe, a no skips record, I knew I HAD to go. The band is from Manchester so I impulsively bought tickets (at 3 am) to see the show-and while I had gone out of state for a concert but never out of the country however Oasis is my favorite band and there’s a first time for everything. Since it was in the summer, I decided to readjust my trip and ended up spending the night in Edinburgh. Then I almost didn’t go…I had a mouse problem, an emergency root canal, then a scheduling snafu meant I had a in person summer class but things converged and I was able to go. Plus, see Taylor Swift. But Liam was the reason I was there.
After time well spent in Liverpool, I took the train to Manchester-it’s a really quick ride. I stayed at the Clayton Hotel, booked via Expedia, and it was lovely. In the city center, close to the train and trolley system, and stunning views of the city. Plus an excellent price! I dropped my things off and headed to St. Helens!
I know that St. Helens is probably not everyone’s bucket list but it was on mine. It is where my dad’s family is from, where my nana grew up and my dad was born. I had visited when I was just a wee Kels but not recently. St. Helens is actually closer to Liverpool, about 20 minutes versus the 40ish from Manchester. But since my Liverpool days were filled with Taylor Swift and the Beatles, I decided I would just go from Manchester. I took the train and then the bus to the city center. Then walked the mile or so from the center of St. Helens to a residential area and why I was in the city.
See my great-grandparents ran a fish and chip shop from the front parlor of their row house. And while the family has not owned the home for a very long time (and my dad grew up primarily between Riverside, CA and outside of London), it is still there but now a Chinese Takeaway shop. So I arrived, found the shop but it was not open until 4 so I had an hour to kill. I also discovered it was cash only, so I went to the petrol station on the corner to use the ATM and grab a drink. Then went to the park across the street and just enjoyed the weather. It was pretty cold, especially for June but the sun was out (first time in days…I had less rain when I was in the U.K. in December). When it finally opened, I went in and ordered. I did share to the woman working that my family founded this shop and…she did not care and was like that’s nice. A couple people came in while I was there and she knew them so I really liked that the shop was still the neighborhood spot. I didn’t love the food, I probably needed a lot more sauces, but just went to Nando’s and it was awesome. I then got back on the bus to the train and back to Manchester.
The day of the concert, I just wandered around the city center. Did a little bit of shopping and enjoyed the sunshine. Manchester is very much a living city, reminded me of Belfast. That is is a place you go to enjoy the vibe of the city and not all of the museums or sites-particularly in comparison to Liverpool. I mean this in the best way. I really love Manchester and there is historical stuff to do-particularly involving English football- but I just wandered. My favorite thing to do in a new place. Sadly, I was unable to go Sifters record shop, it was closed the day I had free, and a key part of the Oasis origin story but contemplating going to Manchester to see Oasis just before I see them at Wembley because they reunited against all odds.
The concert was at the brand new Co-Op Live arena, which is the largest arena in England and part of the Etihad campus, where Manchester City plays. My ticket included a free ride on the tram system, which had special designated rides for the show. I do not know if this is always or because Liam is their favorite son but, regardless, it was really convenient. I also had the ticket option to get a VIP experience. It was maybe an extra $10, with a different security entry (awesome), separate concessions (very short lines) and merch stand (did not have all the merch, so went to somewhere else). The price and line in made it great but outside of that, not really that big of a deal.
I sat at the very tippy top of the arena, where I will also be for the Oasis reunion tour in London and Los Angeles, and it was EPIC. I was so glad that I was able to go. I cannot but it to complete thoughts why I love Oasis so much, and Definitely Maybe has my favorite song ‘Slide Away,’ not in the way I can about Taylor Swift but I just love this band. And that I was able to see my two favorite artists over the span of three days is still something I am in awe over. Dad look away but as I said in my last post, I really do want to get a tattoo over what this trip meant to me, a watercolor poppy which is full of deep meaning both of this trip and my family.
