Oasis knocked some rock and roll sense into 4,000 fans in San Francisco's newly reopened Civic Center. The multi-generational audience bore witness to the U.K.'s most convincing songwriting and performing outfit since the Smiths or The Clash. The quintet played well, opening with early singles "Supersonic" and "Cigarettes and Alcohol" romping through 8 new songs and concluding with a barnstorming feedback white wash of "I am the Walrus" with leadsinger Liam Gallagher rapid firing nasal vocals from behind a pair of Lennon-o-delic specs. Touring in support of (What's The Story) Morning Glory? Oasis delivered on the blush of attention attendant in a Rolling Stone cover, a number one song and a top ten cd.

Stylistically, Oasis combines Beatles, Glam Rock, and surly Punk bits into a new tapestry of British music magically intelligible to an American audience. The headstrong band from Manchester might have grated the audience with their limited stage movements and Liam's bad boy attitude if they hadn't warmed them up with Noel's solid melodies.

In stark contrast to Oasis' double guitar barrage was a mesmerizing solo acoustic mini-set by bandleader Noel Gallagher. For four songs played from a pinnacle of confidence, he stole the show. On "Cast No Shadow" Gallagher laid down hypnotizing guitar rhythms, alternating meaty chorus vocals and waifish high harmony responses. Taunting his current and future stardom Gallagher sang: "If they take my soul, don't take my pride."