January 25, 2006 15:03

Liam Gallagher makes surprise London appearance

Oasis man helps out an old friend

Richard Ashcroft was joined onstage by Liam Gallagher at his London show last night (January 24).

The Oasis singer appeared onstage at Camden Electric Ballroom to help out on a version of ‘The Drugs Don’t Work’, a Number One hit for Ashcroft’s old band The Verve back in 1997.

According to fans at the show Ashcroft was struggling with a rendition of the song and was lying on the floor when Gallagher came onstage to pick him up and encourage him to carry on, which he did.

When he finished the song Gallagher came on again and started applauding. Then he spoke into the microphone to praise Ashcroft for being a “free spirit”.

The setlist ran:

'Keys To The World'
'Sonnet'
'Music Is Power'
'A Song For The Lovers'
'History'
'Science Of Silence'
'New York'
'Sweet Brother Malcolm'
'The Drugs Don't Work'
'Words'
'Lucky Man'
'Check The Meaning'
'Lonely Soul'
'Break The Night With Colour'
'Bitter Sweet Symphony'

Ashcroft, who released new album ‘Keys To the World’ on Monday (January 23), plays the same venue for the next two nights (January 25/26). The shows are sold out.

The singer has also added an extra date to his spring UK tour. He will play a second night at London Brixton Academy on May 21.

The shows are at:

Glasgow Carling Academy (May 8)
Blackpool Empress Ballroom (9)
Derby Assembly Rooms (10)
Newcastle Carling Academy (12)
Doncaster Dome (13)
Birmingham Carling Academy (15)
Exeter University (16)
Portsmouth Guildhall (17)
London Brixton Carling Academy (19/21)

For ticket availability, go to NME Tickets or call them on 0870 1 663 663.