Oasis’ hits have dried up, but not live act

Few can sneer about how we’ve all got to “love one another!” as convincingly as Liam Gallagher. That’s been his role with Oasis -- a voice and a liability, a singer of classic pop and the kind of guy most people would avoid at the pub.

Liam was on his best behavior at the Hollywood Bowl on Monday, singing the songs of his brother, guitarist Noel Gallagher, at the esteemed venue about a decade later than they might have expected. But headlining the Bowl is a milestone for any ambitious rock act, and Oasis carried it off with real force.

Late in the 90-minute set, the six-member band soared during the driving, psychedelic “Wonderwall” and “Champagne Supernova,” both from Oasis’ mid-’90s creative peak. They’ve remained the brooding Beatles progeny ever since, but the old songs continue to outclass anything the Gallaghers have done in years.

Their moment came and went in the ‘90s, spoiled for many by arrogance and mainly by a sudden scarcity of the vibrant rock hooks and epic sweep that first got Oasis its well-deserved attention. And for a while, the idea of Liam’s hooligan sneering at fans while riding the gravy train of his brother’s talent was amusing. Then the songs stopped coming so easily.

But they can still deliver on stage. And soon enough, the title song to 1995’s “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” got fans to their feet, ignited largely by Noel’s soloing.

And when Liam left the stage, Noel sang the new and emotional “The Importance of Being Idle.” He was perhaps less forceful a voice but arguably a more memorable singer -- not as smooth but more revealing, offering something more than bad attitude.

At the Bowl, many of the more recent songs could still rock effectively, including tunes from the band’s new album, “Don’t Believe the Truth,” but offered few hooks to remember later.

Liam managed to mumble something about how L.A. is where “you can’t smoke in places” but soon dedicated the anthemic “Live Forever” to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina -- a recent song with genuine spark and one more riveting guitar solo from Noel to close it out.

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Oasis

Where: KROQ’s Inland Invasion, Hyundai Pavilion, 2575 Glen Helen Parkway, Devore

When: Noon Saturday

Price: $35 to $80

Contact: (909) 880-6500