Amy Doherty and her band, The Rising Sun, are returning to the music scene after a four year hiatus. Noel Gallagher is wondering if he's got still what it takes to be relevant in a cut throat industry. After an awkward meeting, the unlikely pair fin...
The nerves had left Amy now. They always did. She was back on stage, where she belonged.
"What can people expect from the new album, which is out after Glastonbury right?"
"Well...Michael got married and I got dumped, so they can expect some varied emotions I'd say," she said.
People around her laughed, and she got a small thrill of pleasure.
"But seriously, they can expect a slightly different sound I think. A bit softer and lighter than our old stuff, but I am really proud of these songs. People seem to enjoy them so far."
"Noel Gallagher had a lot to say about your stuff earlier this week, what do you think about that?"
Amy smiled tightly. There were two ways she could go about this. She could fan the fire or take the high road.
"I am a huge Oasis fan, so it's a real honour to know Noel listens to our music and has opinion on it. I don't really know much of his new stuff, but Oasis obviously was huge back then. He's influenced us for sure, so to it's nice to know he thinks of us at all."
He knew what she was saying. It was one of those bullshit, media spun answers, that on a surface level seemed nice but was meant as an insult. Don't know the new stuff? Back then? She was calling him a has been.
He angrily sipped his lager. She'd hit a nerve that had been fraying recently, now his brother was also enjoying success as a solo artist. Were his best days behind him? Was it sad for him to continue post-Oasis? What gave her the right to say that? Wasn't she returning herself after a break?
He had slagged of her heart felt song, he grudgingly thought. He felt guilty. It wasn't too bad a song now he'd seen her play it.
She'd been walking past him, her back to her dressing room soon. He had 20 minutes till his set, should he say hello? Should he apologise? He wasn't sure why he cared.
Maybe he'd just stand in his doorway as they walked past, just to give her a nod of respect. They were both going to be at Glastonbury, and contrary to popular belief, he didn't actually like being in the shit with his peers in the industry.
He heard people in the hallway, and he went over and opened his door. Amy was trailing behind her band mates.
"Hey, you. Amy," he called out to her.
Amy turned and Noel swallowed thickly. Her saw her eyes go wide as she registered who he was – deep, chocolate brown eyes surrounded by long dark lashes. Her facial features were fine and delicate – a heart shaped face with high cheekbones. She had the post performance glow about her and her cheeks were softly flushed from adrenaline. The lights glinted off her dark brown hair. She was pretty. Very pretty.
"Noel Gallagher. I just thought I'd say, um, your song was...I enjoyed your act," he said. His voice cracked on the end. Oh God. He cleared his throat. Why was he suddenly acting like a 14 year old boy?
Amy was gobsmacked. Noel Gallagher was standing across her in the hallway. Despite how long she'd been in the industry, she still got starstruck meeting some people.
While physically smaller than she thought in person, but his presence seemed to take up the whole space. He had a natural energy that told you to pay attention. She felt suddenly embarrassed. Had he heard her snide remark that she'd said in the studio? Was he trying to pretend he hadn't said what he'd said to look like the bigger person?
"That's a change of tune to the Stone," she said crossing her arms. She was determined not to show she was flustered.
Fuck. Noel inwardly grimaced. She wasn't going to let it go. She was smarter than he gave her credit for.
"Well maybe I just needed to see it live. Song always sounds better when there's something nice to look at too," he smiled at her. He was trying to be charming.
"Are you fliting with me?" Amy's brow furrowed.
Noel felt irritation spike. This is why he was still single after his divorce after a few years ago. Women these days didn't seem to be charmed by the tricks that worked in the 2000s.
"Listen I am just trying to give you a compliment. I misjudged you. It's a good song. Sad, but good," he said.
Amy softened a bit. She sensed this was some form of an apology, from the man who famously said what he thought and didn't apologise.
"Well thanks. I was sad when I wrote it, so, yeah. It's sad." God. She sounded so lame.
"Hope you're okay now." Noel looked right at her. It wasn't just a perfunctory statement. He meant it. Was she that obviously damaged by her relationship still?
His eyes were startingly blue. Amy couldn't even really look at them. She cleared her throat.
"Thanks. Um, I better get back to the guys.." Amy flicked her head towards her dressing room.
"Yeah of course. I better get going too. Got my set an' all." It seemed like she wasn't particularly impressed with him. Why was he so disappointed?
"Ok. See you then," Amy said and turned away. She closed her eyes and screamed internally. What had just happened??! She'd just had a conversation with Noel Gallagher and she'd come off totally tragic.
"Hey wait - ," she heard Noel calling out to her; she turned around.
"Maybe you could stop by my set at Glastonbury. So you can hear my new stuff."
Noel had no idea why he was suggesting it. He noticed Amy had the grace to blush a bit as well. It was...cute.
"Maybe, I'll be a bit busy though," she said. But she was smiling, the first genuine smile since he'd said hello. It was stunning.
She walked away. He couldn't quite place what he felt as he watched her go.
AN: A visual reminder below of what Noelly G looked like at 39. (I also imagine Amy as a sort of Lauren Mayberry from Chvrches look-a-like.)
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
