Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds today release new single ‘Council Skies’ – the powerful title track taken from the eagerly anticipated new studio album, due for release on 2nd June 2023 (via Sour Mash Records).
Noel reflects, “All the dreams I had as a youth were underneath council skies.” ‘Council Skies’ opens an introspective and personal commentary on Noel’s most formative years and the wider themes of the forthcoming album. Wistful and evocative, the track has layered instrumentation, including strings recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios.
In keeping with the themes of ‘Council Skies’, the single is accompanied by a new video filmed in Manchester which captures the band performing inside the city’s stunning historic venue New Century Hall – a key location in Manchester’s musical heritage, having hosted performances by Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones. Directed by long-time High Flying Birds collaborators Dan Cadan and Jonathan Mowatt, the music video also features a cameo from another Mancunian legend… Fans can sign up for the official Video YouTube premiere here, taking place tonight at 6 PM BST.
This new single is the fourth to be revealed from the forthcoming album, following the singles ‘Pretty Boy’ (featuring Johnny Marr) and ‘Easy Now’, plus ‘Dead To The World’ which Noel says is “by some distance my favourite tune on the album.” All tracks have received critical acclaim from media and fans alike, building anticipation for the new record.
Listen to ‘Council Skies’ – BELOW:
A decade since the formation of High Flying Birds and having achieved four UK No.1 albums, ‘Council Skies’, produced by Noel and Paul ‘Strangeboy’ Stacey, is the band’s fourth studio album and Noel’s most complete solo statement to date.
The album’s artwork, shot by renowned Manchester photographer Kevin Cummins, sees Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds’ live equipment set up in the original centre spot of what was Maine Road football stadium. 2023 marks 100 years since the ground was opened and it forever remains Manchester City FC’s spiritual home.
The release of ‘Council Skies’ will kick start a huge live season for the band, starting with a 26-date American tour, co-headlining with US alternative rockers Garbage which will begin on 2nd June. The band then return to play an array of UK & Irish outdoor shows & headline festival performances, including a massive homecoming gig at Manchester’s Wythenshawe Park on August Bank Holiday weekend. Also recently announced – a full UK arena tour throughout December 2023. Tickets are on sale here.
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds UK & Irish Headline Summer Shows:
21 Jul Buckinghamshire, Pennfest
23 Jul Nottingham, Wollaton Park Splendour Festival
28 Jul London, Crystal Palace Bowl
30 Jul Brighton, On The Beach
04 Aug Bingley Weekender
05 Aug Saffron Waldon, Essex Audley End
19 Aug Monmouthshire, Caldicot Castle
20 Aug Sedgefield, Co Durham Hardwick Festival
24 Aug Somerset, Taunton Vivary Park
26 Aug Manchester, Wythenshawe Park
27 Aug Dublin, Royal Hospital, Kilmainham
30 Aug Hull, Bonus Arena
01 Sep Sheffield, Rock N Roll Circus, Don Valley Bowl
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds 2023 UK Arena Tour Dates:
14 Dec London, OVO Arena Wembley
15 Dec Birmingham, Utilita Arena
17 Dec Cardiff International Arena
18 Dec Leeds, First Direct Arena
20 Dec Glasgow, OVO Hydro
21 Dec Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
‘Council Skies’ Deluxe Album Tracklisting;
Disc 1:
I’m Not Giving Up Tonight
Pretty Boy
Dead To The World
Open The Door, See What You Find
Trying To Find A World That’s Been And Gone
Easy Now
Council Skies
There She Blows!
Love Is A Rich Man
Think Of A Number
Disc 2:
Don’t Stop…
We’re Gonna Get There In The End
Mind Games
Pretty Boy (Instrumental)
Dead To The World (Instrumental)
Council Skies (Instrumental)
Think Of A Number (Instrumental)
I’m Not Giving Up Tonight (David Holmes Remix)
Think Of A Number (Pet Shop Boys Magic Eye 12” Remix)
Pretty Boy (Robert Smith Remix)
Council Skies (The Reflex Revision)
Flying On The Ground (Radio 2 Session, 08.09.21)
You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere (Radio 2 Session, 08.09.21)
Live Forever (Radio 2 Session, 08.09.21)
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