I remember buying a compilation cassette sometimes back in 1996, it had a brown cover with the title “Alternative Rock” smeared across in red. This was the cassette that introduced me to songs like Girl from Mars by Ash, You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette , and Good by Better than Ezra.
But the one song from the compilation that made the biggest impression was Oasis’s Wonderwall. It was a song that struck everything in the right cord, with lyrics that Brandon Flowers of The Killers can only dream of writing. From then on I picked up songs like Don’t Look Back in Anger and Champaign Supernova, and Oasis became an integral part of my play list.
Our tickets to rock!
So when Gareth told me about Oasis coming to Singapore for a concert a few weeks ago, I replied “Lets make it happen!” without thinking twice.
For rock concerts, I never settle for anything less than the grand stand tickets. We managed to con Kim & Horny to each also fork up $98 SGD for a ticket (to fill up a car, you know, save money!) to the concert even though Horny didn’t actually know who is Liam or Noel. Amanda was a late addition to the road trip cos she was just too crazy over Oasis; plus, her relatively small size means that she fits in the center of the backseats.
chicken rice balls were yummy!
So last Sunday we departed from KL just before noon and decided to get our lunch (without any breakfast/brunch) at of Melaka, which also make a nice half way rest stop for the long journey.
We had an over fulfilling meal of chicken rice balls at Hoe Kee, and then stuffed ourselves with a bowl of cendol at Jonker88.
Which was all nice and dandy until we drove by this pohpiah stall and had to just cry in agony cos we were too full to even have a bite. Very tragic!
Subway with pork ham and pork bacon!
By the time we hit the road again it was around 2:30pm, we needed to collect tickets by 7pm for the 8pm concert. We thought we had plenty of time.
We didn’t factor in the stupidly inconsiderate drivers at Johor. It seems like the only way to overtake is via the left lane. The kiasu factor of those drivers really got into our nerves.
Alas, we got to the immigration at around 6pm, and forgot to bring along any immigration cards… So we had to go to the immigration office and witness the inefficiencies that infect even the Singaporean officers. It was a long an excruciating 45-minute (I had to call to make sure we could redeem our tickets past 7pm) process before we got out of there.
we were at the front with the crowd, and Liam being a badass
With the help of Gareth’s little portable Garmin GPS unit, we finally arrived at the Singapore National Stadium at 7:30 or so. Got our tickets and went to Subway for some pork sandwich goodness. By the time we got into the hall it was around 8:15.
Then Oasis came out and it was completely awesome!
pic taken without any zooming, that’s how close we were!
While the other two old men hang out at the side, Kim, Amanda and I made our way to the front of the crowd and managed to get ourselves about 4-5 rows back from the stage. The atmosphere was electric, and the crowd was crazy. Lotsa squeezing and pushing but generally everyone was just having blast.
At one particular point a dude with mohawk started dancing like a maniac and hit a lot of ppl within 2 feet of him. A burly dude grabbed his body and I sorta helped flip his legs up, and the dude got body surfed all the way to the back. We high five-ed ๐
Wonderwall!
With the last bit of GPS juice (car charger died) we managed to find our way back to the Johor border after the concert. By the time we got back to KL it was more than 3am already. We stayed in Singapore for a total of less than 5 hours. My shortest trip yet.
Next trip would be Melbourne to see Mell for a week. Can’t wait!
Check out Horny, Kim, and Gareth‘s account of the tour.
u didn’t con me. and i didn’t have to pay for my tix. jajajajajja
I need a holiday too. ROAR!
DAMN YOU KYYY! Sob sob hahahaha =p
Hahaha, best trip ever! Can’t wait for the next big act.
But honestly, I don’t think many can beat Oasis – they are living legends.
Garmin FTW!
kimberlycun,
Which reminds me of the fact that I haven’t collect the concert ticket money back yet! ๐
Nigel,
Make it happen!
David,
Hahahahha ๐
ShaolinTiger,
Yah, most definitely, but I want to go to KILLERS too!
and all the lights that lead us there are blinding… sniff love oasis
honestly neither Liam nor Noel i know. but I know OASIS ok.
Wow, lots of concerts in S’pore. Just few weeks ago is Cold Play and now Oasis. Wonderwall is definitely a hit during my school days, and everyone is singing it. Do You Know What I Mean?….hahaha
oh man!! u had the chance to go see Oasis?? :'( no fair….why la SG so happening? then again…SG has always been more happening than here… sigh
ky,
u look like ah gua lah.
Wow, Wonderwall really is that old now! I’m so not an Oasis person except for that and Don’t Look Back In Anger but hello, Britney Spears live in Australia end of the year, BY HOOK OR BY CROOK I WILL BE THERE!
First time to your blog. Really pays tribute to you for compiling such detailed makan hunts.
All the best to you, and keep the food (reviews) coming ๐
kyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
suanie,
๐ stim!
Myhorng,
ooOo hehe okay. ๐
JD,
I know how old you are now. hahaha
panda aka racoon,
Oh well, they’re less restrictive when it comes to giving permits on concerts. ๐
Mellissa,
Hahah I know you’ll definitely go! <3
SK,
Thankss. ๐
Stephanie K,
Apa? ๐
Your blog gets such high traffic in a short time. Nice pics though.
quick trip indeed…wonderwall is a legendary song la..
I’m so sad! cos i don’t get to squeeze in the middle! even i was willing to pay 100 SGD for the concert! The Killer faster come! “are we human? or are we dancer?”
Diana,
Thanks thanks ๐
lotsofcravings,
Definitely.
Rachying,
Next time when Mell buys her SUV we can all go! ๐
i sure remember the cassette.. you play that tape over n over at home. sometimes it’s on too loud, mom wud say she’s having a headache…and dad wud say…it’s too loud cos ur getting old. gosh i miss all that.
HA! tak ajakkkk~ *bluekkk…
wah what an exciting day for you!
melisa teoh,
Yah those were the days ya, I miss that too.
Jade Zheng,
Hahhaha blek
eiling,
Very! ๐
yeah, one of the better rock bands way back in the 90’s. then things started to fizzle out for the guys.
What’s The Story is still their BEST album. ever.
oasis kickc @$$!! ๐
J2Kfm,
I must agree! ๐
panda aka racoon,
Yes! ๐
i have exactly the same cassette that you’re talking about… it’s a superb compilation.
vipervr,
Yah, very awesome. ๐