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 and has now been extended until August 2026. 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.
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.
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.
Toyah Willcox
To celebrate 45 years in the music industry, 80s legend Toyah Willcox will be heading on tour in 2026. Her HUGE tour got 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.
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."
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 July 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 gigs ever. Due to take place in London on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th June 2026, the band will be playing to 44,000 fans for their shows called 'Two For The Road: Live At Emirates Stadium, London'. Their support acts will be S Club (Friday 5th June) and B*Witched (Saturday 6th June).
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.
Duran Duran
Duran Duran will headline a huge American Express presents BST Hyde Park gig, with support from the Scissor Sisters. The gig will take place on Sunday 5th July. This year's previously announced BST Hyde Park headliners include Garth Brooks (27th June), Maroon 5 (3rd July), Mumford & Sons (4th July), Pitbull (10th July) and Lewis Capaldi (11th July and 12th July).
Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie will be taking to the stage in August 2026 for a UK exclusive gig. The 'Hello' singer will be performing at the HeritageLive Festivals Royal Sandringham Estate on 20th August.
Westlife
After much excitement and teasing, Westlife 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).
The Stylistics
'Betcha by Golly, Wow' singers, The Stylistics, have announced a huge tour for 2026 in October and November. They will be playing 22 dates across the UK.
Transvision Vamp
The band, fronted by Wendy James, will play dates across the UK, starting in Newcastle on 6th October 2026, before continuing to venues in Glasgow, Leeds, Cardiff, Manchester, London and many more. They will end their tour in Belfast on 1st November.
Tony Hadley
Tony Hadley will be heading out on 'The Christmas Big Band Tour 2026', taking place in November and December 2026. Announcing news of his new tour, Tony told his fans: 'Following the huge success of last year's sold-out tour, The Fabulous TH Band and I are heading back out on the road this November and December for the Christmas Big Band Tour!'
He will perform songs by legendary artists including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Elvis Presley, along with big band versions of Spandau Ballet's 'True', 'Gold', and 'Through The Barricades'.
Del Amitri
The tour, called 'Past to Present - Four Decades of Their Greatest Music', will open at Leeds O2 Academy on Monday 9th November, and wrap up with two homecoming shows at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom on Sunday 6th and Tuesday 8th December.
Jack Whitehall
Jack Whitehall hosted the BRIT Awards in February 2026, and will be going on his 'Bad Influence' tour in January and February 2027 across the UK. The tour will start in Newcastle on 7th January 2027, and will see the comedian perform across the UK, finally ending in a month later in Derby.
Kim Wilde
Kim Wilde has announced a 13-date UK tour in March 2027. She will be joined by 'I Think We're Alone Now' singer Tiffany. Kim will start her tour in Bristol on 12th March, before travelling across the country and finishing her tour in York on 28th March 2027.
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