S Poddar
Liam Gallagher, the face of Oasis, never was one to beat around the bush. So, when Sheffield-based rock band Bring Me The Horizon came out with the unexpected cover of Oasis’ 1995 classic Wonderwall, it was only a matter of time before Liam weighed in. True to form, his response was as explosive as it was succinct: “I f***ing LOVE it.”
The cover, out January 29 as part of Spotify’s Singles series, turns the iconic acoustic anthem on its head as a heavy metal behemoth. Boundary-pushing soundscapes aside, Bring Me The Horizon swapped Noel Gallagher’s iconic acoustic guitar riffs for roaring electric guitar solos and frontman Oli Sykes delivered vocals that were at once raw and electrifying. Drummer Mat Nicholls gave it relentless energy, turning the track into a headbanger’s dream.
Liam, 52, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share his two cents with his 3.8 million followers. His four-word enthusiastic verdict quickly went viral, and fans and music fans alike responded enthusiastically. For those who assumed Liam wouldn’t take kindly to the reimagined version of his brother Noel’s masterpiece, his response was a pleasant shock.
“I’m not [p*ed off], it’s absolutely incredible. Made my day. I’m out on my skateboard. Fk y’all,” he added in a follow-up tweet, doubling down on his praise. It’s not every day that Liam Gallagher gives a nod of approval to a cover of an Oasis track, especially one as iconic as *Wonderwall*.
Bring Me The Horizon didn’t stop there, though. They also remade the original Wonderwall music video, with the band members sitting in a straight line, mimicking the 1995 setup. Bassist Matt Kean even added a playful touch by reading a newspaper, just as Noel Gallagher did in the original.
Fans of the two bands could not help but express their delight. The cover was bashed all over social media for how great it is. “Masterpiece,” said one fan. Another exclaimed, “I just love the Wonderwall cover.” The third simply stated, “Thanks y’all for the gift. This made my whole week.
The adoration did not only come from fans, however. Liam would not endorse something he didn’t feel worthy, considering the fierce protective instincts that surround Oasis’ legacy. With him on board, Bring Me The Horizon proved that even the most iconic songs can be reimagined in fresh and exciting ways.
The cover also has a larger purpose. All the profits generated from the track will be given to the Teenage Cancer Trust, which has been a charity close to many people’s hearts in the music industry. So, there’s a bit more to this release than just the musical experiment it is.
With this cover of Wonderwall, Bring Me The Horizon seems to be riding on the crest of success. Recently, they played what was arguably their biggest gig ever, performing in front of 45,000 at São Paulo’s Allianz Parque stadium. Their live shows are being known for their use of a lot of tech – AI and augmented reality married to provide immersive experiences.
Later this year, the band is set to headline the Reading and Leeds Festivals for the second time, a testament to their growing influence in the rock scene. Reflecting on their upcoming performance, the band said, “Now it feels a little more exciting and like there’s a little more pressure because there are no ifs-and-buts about it. We’re the last band on that day, and once again, we’ve got something to prove.”
In March, Bring Me The Horizon will also compete for the BRIT Award for Best Group, a category they won in 2023 for Best Alt/Rock Act. Their continued success and willingness to take risks, like their Wonderwall cover, demonstrate why they remain one of the most exciting bands in modern rock.
As for Liam Gallagher, his skateboard comment might just be the most relatable part of this story. After all, what better way to celebrate a killer cover than by hitting the streets and living life unapologetically? Whether you’re a die-hard Oasis fan or a Bring Me The Horizon devotee, one thing’s for sure: this cover has brought a fresh energy to a timeless classic, and even Liam Gallagher is here for it.
So, crank up the volume, let the electric riffs take over, and enjoy the ride. When two musical worlds collide like this, it can only result in something epic.
