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Gallagher returns to stage for first time since attack

08/10/2008

Noel Gallagher has taken to the stage with Oasis for the first time since being injured by an intruding fan at a show in Toronto.

The songwriter was playing the band's song (What's the Story?) Morning Glory, when Daniel Simpson, 47, rushed the stage at the V festival in September and shoved him from behind.

Though Gallagher, 41, suffered three broken and dislodged ribs in the attack - for which Simpson was charged with assault - he looks to have recovered from his injuries and kicked off Oasis' UK tour in Liverpool on Tuesday night.

A 10,000-strong audience saw Oasis showcase material from their new album Dig Out Your Soul alongside classic tracks such as Wonderwall and Champagne Supernova.

And in introducing the band, boxer Ricky Hatton made reference to the Toronto stage attack, joking: "Anyone jumps up tonight, they'll have me to deal with."

After the concert fan Craig Coats, 25, told the BBC: "Oasis are back.

"Oasis have always been the best band and they always will be, they've come up with some new material, they've done a concert and they've pulled it off," he added.

"Oasis will always be our favourites - the people's favourites."

Another audience member, Dave Booth, said Gallagher seemed "a bit quiet" at the show, with brother Liam singing all but four of the 21 songs.

"I didn't think [Noel] sung as much as I thought he would, but he was top class," Mr Booth continued. "Can't have no complaints."

Dig Out Your Soul sold 90,000 copies in the UK on Monday October 6th, which puts it on track to become the fastest-selling album of the year, according to Music Week magazine.