Vernon Kay hosts Radio 2 show live from Oasis homecoming

Vernon Kay presented his BBC Radio 2 show this morning from backstage at Heaton Park in Manchester, where Oasis will play their first homecoming gig later after sixteen years.

Vernon broadcast live under the morning sun from a makeshift studio where his guests included musicians, photographers, superfans, and those whose lives have been touched by the music of Noel and Liam Gallagher.

Opening the show with Rock N Roll Star, Vernon said: “After sixteen long years it finally happened. Oasis walked back on to a stage together last weekend.

“After two incredible gigs in Cardiff, it is time for the Manchester homecoming. In about eleven hours’ time, Liam, Noel, and the boys will swagger onto the stage, and it is massive. It is going to be absolutely awesome.

“We are live at Heaton Park in Manchester, and this is the homecoming in the sunshine. The buzz in the city centre is something else. It is electric. In fact, it is magnetic it is infectious. There is a vibe, there is a buzz, and it is nothing but positivity.”

First guest Clint Boon from Inspiral Carpets, who gave Noel his first music job, described how Noel auditioned to be their singer but instead worked as their right-hand man for four years, saying: “He was a scamp but a grafter. We showed him the inner sanctum of the music industry.”

Other guests included Michael Spencer-Jones, the photographer behind many iconic Oasis album covers; Mike Knowles of Catchmen, who headlined the Boardwalk gig where Oasis first performed; and Debbie Ellis from Sister Lover, who played the infamous King Tuts gig where Oasis were signed.

Listener Karen moved Vernon to tears when she spoke about her mum with dementia still recognising Oasis songs, which helps them connect.

Joanne from Runcorn, seriously injured in the Manchester Arena attack, shared her story of Oasis songs giving her strength to survive dark times.

Ellie Brennan explored Manchester’s Oasis landmarks, meeting Peter Howard, aka Mr Sifter of Shakermaker fame, who said thousands visit his record shop for selfies. She also visited India House, where Noel wrote Oasis’ first two albums, and joined a Wonderwalk tour to hear local stories.

The show included voicenotes from Zoe Ball and listeners sharing memories of the band, while Noel and Liam selected some of their favourite tracks from the BBC Archive, including Talking Heads’ Once In A Lifetime and Stone Roses’ I Am The Resurrection.