Noel Gallagher on how the pandemic impacted his new album 'Council Skies'
He joined Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio
The fantastic Noel Gallagher joined Ken Bruce today (10th May) on Greatest Hits Radio, to talk about how the pandemic impacted his new album and what it's like being in his 50s.
The singer, who became famous back in the 90s as part of Oasis has been enjoying success with his High Flying Birds more recently, and opened up to Ken about how the Coronavirus Pandemic impacted his work on a new album.
Explaining that it wasn't all bad, Noel said: "My plan in 2019 was to always put a record out in 2023 anyway so I’ve not kind of lost any ground but it is a reflective album."
"None of us had been through it (the pandemic) before, we didn’t actually know how we were going to get out of it for a long time. I think of all the people who navigated the pandemic best I would have thought artists were the best because your world is kind of inside your head anyway.
"I, in particular, finished off every song that was half written and wrote some new ones. I would have preferred to have written it in a different atmosphere than kind of sat in silence - in an admittedly rather lovely writing room - but it was a weird time for everybody."
Watch the full interview with Noel Gallagher:
Noel also opened up about being in his 50s after he turned the big 5-0 in May 2017. "My 40s was my absolute peak but from the minute I woke up on the 30th May in my first day of my 50s (Noel turned 50 in 2017)" he said.
"I was like, it’s just been one thing after another! What I’ve found is that the slightest knock stays with you for ages and then once that’s cleared up its something else and then once that’s cleared up its something else. I can’t wait to get my mobility scooter if I’m being honest."
It’s not all bad news however, as the singer reflected: "There’s a lot of experience now. I find when you get to a certain age you just don’t care anymore. I’m not bothered what people think and I feel a lot more experienced now at life itself. But I’m not too good at dodging traffic anymore - I have to wait until the green man comes on. It’s a good job I don’t take the bus anywhere because I wouldn’t be catching any of them."
What is Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' next album called?
Noel's next album is called 'Council Skies'.
When is 'Council Skies', the album released?
'Council Skies' will be released on 2nd June.
How to listen to Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio
You can listen to Ken Bruce every weekday from 10am. Don't forget to tune in to listen to him through this website, or download the free app.
Take a look at tours to look forward to in 2023:
ABBA - 'ABBA Voyage'
ABBA's virtual tour 'ABBA Voyage' started in May 2022. The tour sees the ABBA avatars accompanied by a 10-piece live band, all taking place in a custom-built arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.
The shows were due to run until October 2022, but due popular demand from fans, they will now run until 2026.
Jason Donovan
Jason Donovan will be going on tour in February and March 2026 with his 'Doin' Fine Encore' tour. The singer said: "I am so excited about extending this tour. There were some places we were unable to visit on the 'Doin' Fine 25' tour for logistical reasons, so it's great to be able to go and perform in those venues.
"My performing career has been an incredible ride, and I can't wait to celebrate it by performing the songs that have been such an important part of my life. It's been a fantastic tour so far, and I look forward to sharing all those special moments with my fans."
Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys have announced a series of intimate gigs, taking place in April 2026. 'Obscure Pet Shop Boys', are truly for the biggest fans of the band, as they'll be performing non-single album tracks and B-sides, from throughout their long career.
Toyah Willcox
To celebrate 45 years in the music industry, 80s legend Toyah Willcox will be heading on tour from 2025 to 2026, starting by supporting The Human League at a series of shows in the summer of 2025, before her HUGE tour gets underway in March 2026. Entitled 'Songs & Stories Tour 2026', she'll take the tour to 49 intimate venues across England, Scotland and Wales — finishing on 14th June 2026.
Toyah also has a number of gigs in October and December 2025, in celebration of the release of her new greatest hits album, 'Chameleon: The Very Best Of Toyah'.
Rick Astley
Rick Astley has announced a huge UK tour with special guest Gabrielle. The 'Never Gonna Give You Up' singer will perform across the UK with gigs in Glasgow, London, Liverpool, Newcastle and many more, in April 2026.
Paul Carrack
Paul Carrack will be on tour throughout April and May 2026, celebrating 50 years in the music business and the release of his album 'The Country Side of Paul Carrack'. The singer said of the tour: "There's no feeling like performing live with this band. We've been through it all together, and we're excited to bring something new to these incredible venues. It's going to be a big one."
James Morrison
James Morrison has announced a tour for 2026 celebrating 20 years since the release of his debut album 'Undiscovered'. The singer will perform throughout May and the beginning of June, playing songs from his 5x Platinum album, along with some of this biggest hits.
Billy Ocean
In October 2025, Billy Ocean announced dates for his Summer 2026 tour where he will be performing across the UK from May until August. The singer will be joined by special guest, former Wet Wet Wet and solo artist Marti Pellow.
Foreigner
'I Want To Know What Love Is' band Foreigner have announced two UK dates for June 2026. The band will perform their biggest anthems from their back catalogue at the very special concerts.
UB40
UB40 have announced a huge tour taking place in June 2026. The band are expected to perform many of their iconic classic hits from their back catalogue and some brand new tracks which will feature on their upcoming studio album, due for release in Spring 2026.
The Human League
'Don't You Want Me' band The Human League have announced they will be performing a big outdoor show in 2026. The band, who will be joined by special guests ABC, will be taking to the stage for this one-off show in Leeds.
Boyzone
In September 2025, Boyzone announced they would be reuniting for their largest gig ever. Due to take place in London on Saturday 6th June 2026, the band will be playing to 44,000 fans for their show called 'One For The Road: Live At Emirates Stadium, London'.
Beverley Knight
Beverley Knight has announced a huge UK headline tour for 2026 called 'Born to Perform'. The show will see Beverley perform some of her biggest hits as she also takes the audience on a journey through her career of music and theatre. The tour takes place throughout June 2026.
Westlife
After much excitement and teasing, the band revealed they will be playing across the UK in September and October 2026, as part of their 'Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour'. The band will start their UK leg in Aberdeen on Tuesday 29th September, before performing across the UK, ending with FIVE dates in Belfast (previously announced).
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