Just before the encore, the band broke into more anthems than the band at the Olympics: "Wonderwall," "Cigarettes and Alcohol," "Don't Look Back in Anger," and perhaps their finest song, "Live Forever." There was something about hearing a packed Orpheum all sing out the climactic line of "Live Forever." Grown men hugging. Quibbles, can, of course, be found: where was "Champagne Supernova"? Where was "Some Might Say"? But then, who knew Oasis had so many songs that I would miss hearing?

Yes, it wasn't a particularly imaginative set. And yes, the new songs played were good but not in the hits-you-in-the-guts way of the earlier albums - not a good sign for the future. But all I could think of was a group of should haves: should've brought a lighter to wave, should've brought a camera to capture this moment. It all closes where it started: "Rock 'n' Roll Star," the first track off their first album. "Tonight / Gonna Be a Rock and Roll Star." And last Thursday night, Liam Gallagher was one.