Noel Gallagher is the first reminder that this year’s award show is somewhat of a Britpop nostalgia fest, with Blur (rivals to Oasis in the ever so slightly manufactured North vs. South war of 1995) the recipients of the outstanding contribution award. But while Blur are just about hanging in there together, Noel and brother Liam called it quits a while ago. Since going their separate ways, Liam’s Beady Eye would be lucky to get an invite to the show, let alone be asked to perform on it whereas Noel’s High Flying Birds put out a record which far exceeds late-career Oasis but still can’t live with the early years. Sensibly, Noel showcased the standout track, “AKA…What A Life!” And would you look at that, Chris Martin is helping out on piano! The entire endeavor was admirable enough, but it appeared that Noel knew the Brits stage was not his true calling — he never appeared comfortable enough to let rip and belt the words out with anything approaching gusto.
Grade: B-