30 May 1988: Noel Gallagher Meets Graham Lambert
On May 30, 1988, a pivotal moment in music history unfolded at the International 2 in Manchester, UK. The event, known as the "Anti-Clause 28 Gig (aka 'This Is The One')," brought together two future icons of the Madchester music scene: Noel Gallagher and Graham Lambert of the Inspiral Carpets. This chance meeting, set against the backdrop of a Stone Roses performance, would later be recognized as a key moment in the story of Oasis. Unbeknownst to Noel, his younger brother Liam Gallagher was also in attendance that night, experiencing a life-changing moment of his own.
The Anti-Clause 28 Gig: A Night to Remember
The gig was organized as a protest against the British government's Clause 28, which sought to ban the promotion of homosexuality in schools. The lineup featured James as the headliner, with The Stone Roses performing second. Despite their position on the bill, The Stone Roses delivered a performance that would become legendary. The night was not without its tensions, as the Roses deliberately extended their set, frustrating James and causing many attendees to leave before the end of the night.
For those who stayed, however, the energy of the performance was unforgettable. Sarah Champion, an NME journalist, reflected on the cultural significance of the event:
"I think 'Madchester' was born that night. It’s not just myth, somehow the drugs and music were combining and something big was happening."
The Anti-Clause 28 gig was more than just a concert; it was a cultural moment that captured the energy and spirit of Manchester's music scene at the time.
A Chance Encounter: Noel Gallagher and Graham Lambert
Amid the electric atmosphere of the gig, Noel Gallagher, who had celebrated his 21st birthday the day before, struck up a conversation with Graham Lambert, guitarist for the Inspiral Carpets. Lambert was bootlegging the Stone Roses' performance when Noel approached him. Lambert recalled:
"I first met Noel on his 21st birthday, 29 May 1988 I think. I was bootlegging James and a horribly out-of-tune Stone Roses at the International Two in Manchester."
Noel, intrigued by the recording, asked Lambert for a copy of the tape. This simple request sparked a conversation that revealed Lambert's connection to the Inspiral Carpets. Lambert continued:
"He asked me for a copy of the tape, I started talking to him and he asked me if I was going to see the Inspiral Carpets later on that week. I told him I was kind of in them sort of thing."
This brief exchange marked the beginning of a relationship that would later influence Noel's career, but on that night, it was simply a meeting between two music enthusiasts in the midst of a transformative gig.
Liam Gallagher's Life-Changing Moment
While Noel was busy meeting Graham Lambert, Liam Gallagher, then just 15 years old, was also at the gig. For Liam, the night was nothing short of transformative. Watching Ian Brown command the stage with The Stone Roses left a lasting impression on him and inspired his future as a frontman. Reflecting on the experience, Liam later said:
"That was my favourite gig of all time, killed me dead, changed me fuckin’ life. If I hadn’t gone that night, I’d probably be sitting in some pub in Levenshulme."
This moment planted the seed for Liam's eventual journey into music, setting the stage for the formation of Oasis just a few years later.
The Stone Roses' Performance
The Stone Roses' set that night was raw and unpolished, yet it captured the spirit of the burgeoning Madchester scene. A bootleg recording of the performance, made by Graham Lambert, has been praised for its sound quality despite the band's "rough" execution. Songs like "Sally Cinnamon" stood out, resonating with the audience and hinting at the band's future greatness. You can listen to the bootleg recording of the Stone Roses' performance on YouTube.
The International 2, a live music venue in Manchester, provided the perfect setting for this iconic night. Alongside other venues like The Haçienda, it was a hub for the city's vibrant music scene in the late 1980s.
A Night That Defined an Era
May 30, 1988, was more than just a concert. It was a cultural moment that captured the energy and spirit of Manchester's music scene at the time. For those in attendance, including Noel and Liam Gallagher, it was a night that would leave a lasting impression. The Anti-Clause 28 gig remains a defining moment in the history of Manchester music, remembered not only for the performances but also for the connections and inspiration it sparked.
Sources
Noel Was My Guitar Slave" (Graham Lambert - Loaded - January 1997)
Noel's experience as a roadie with Inspiral Carpets : r/oasis - Reddit
Oasis classic 'Some Might Say' flying high on UK singles chart - Rayo
The night that changed Liam Gallagher's life - I Love Manchester (By Dave Haslam)
Oasis Exclaim! (By Cam Lindsay, Published Oct 6, 2016)
