Oasis Offer Stage To Local Band At Echo Arena
By
Stop Crying Your Heart Out
on
October 02, 2008
An unknown Liverpool band was invited by Oasis superstar Noel Gallagher to play in front of sell-out crowds at the ECHO arena.
The Sixteen Tonnes, who have never played for an audience bigger than a few hundred people, were handpicked by Gallagher to appear when the UK tour starts in Liverpool on Tuesday.
The guitarist and songwriter phoned singer Danny Roberts, who also plays guitar and harmonica for his band, and asked what the three-piece had planned for October.
The Sixteen Tonnes, also made up of bassist Anthony Foley, 25, of Hoylake, and drummer Danny Rogers, 22, of Aigburth, will now play at the 10,600-seater arena on October 7 and 8.
Roberts, 28, of Liverpool city centre, said: “I got a phone call from Noel about two months ago. He asked what we were up to and if we would be up for doing the shows in Liverpool.
“He was not sure of the date at first, but asked if we would be ready for October. I found out the first night would be my birthday.
“I probably would have gone to watch the gig, but now we are supporting them. It is mad – Noel is the guy who inspired me to pick up a guitar.”
Oasis will play in Liverpool to promote their new album, Dig Out Your Soul.
The rockers have always had close links with the city, the home of their heroes, The Beatles.
Roberts, a former Alsop high pupil, got to know Gallagher through his previous band, blues guitar duo The Hokum Clones.
He said: “I know what he is like about Liverpool. He loves The Beatles and comes to town a lot to see local bands.
“Noel is a proper down-to-earth guy.
Source: www.liverpoolecho.co.uk