Rock 'n' Roll Star

The outstanding, outspoken Liam Gallagher sticks to his roots on his upcoming solo debut, as you were. after all, when you’re one of the greatest frontmen of all time, why change?

- Lily Moayeri

There is more than one misconception when it comes to Liam Gallagher’s persona. The former frontman of Oasis and, later, Beady Eye owned his role with maximum swagger—not to mention tremendous vocal prowess—but has constantly been blamed for disputes with his older brother and ex-Oasis bandmate Noel. The fact is, Gallagher’s affable nature is not prone to confrontation (unless provoked). He is honest and straightforward, and will talk to anyone, having gone so far as to open his home to autograph-seeking fans. Contrary to what the media may suggest, Gallagher doesn’t hold grudges—as soon as an apology is offered, his acceptance is smooth and gracious. He takes responsibility for the mistakes he has made in his personal life, which have been tabloid fodder for the duration of his 20-plus-year career. Such attention has kept Gallagher out of the music sphere for some time (although his high-end clothing line, Pretty Green, has flourished), but he marks his return next month with As You Were, to be released on Warner Bros. Records. The solo album nods to the unapologetic, guitar-based rock ’n’ roll of Oasis and, more importantly, delivers Gallagher’s immortal voice. With songs like the brash “Wall of Glass,” the deceptively simple “Bold,” the serenading “I’ve All I Need,” and the Lennon-esque “For What It’s Worth,” the record is much like a worn but still stylish jacket. On a short break between never-ending gigs, Gallagher tells us what led him to As You Were.

There is little in the current musical landscape that walks a straight line of guitar rock ’n’ roll, which makes for great timing for As You Were.