Once upon a time, at Hungary’s grandest music festival, Sziget, a moment of pure magic unfolded. The legendary Liam Gallagher, former frontman of Oasis, graced the stage on August 9th and stunned the audience with a touching tribute to the late Carl Bevan, a talented artist and musician who had recently departed this world at the young age of 51.
As the festival’s headliner, Liam Gallagher paused his performance to honor Carl Bevan, the drummer of 60ft Dolls who had supported Oasis in their early days. He dedicated the timeless Oasis classic, Live Forever, to the beloved Welsh artist and musician. This emotional moment was a fitting tribute, especially as Liam is currently on a 30th-anniversary tour of Definitely Maybe, the album that propelled Oasis to stardom.
Looking back, it’s evident that the bond between Liam and Carl dates back quite some time. The 60ft Dolls had the privilege of witnessing Oasis’ meteoric rise firsthand during a 1994 tour, including a memorable gig at Newport’s renowned TJs. And as time passed, Liam demonstrated that he never forgot those early shows, making the dedication of Live Forever all the more poignant.
In a recording of Liam’s full set at Sziget, there’s a moment where he connects with the crowd, mentioning the 60ft Dolls before the performance of Live Forever. This gesture was a true testament to the lasting impact that Carl Bevan had on Liam Gallagher and the music industry as a whole.
Before his untimely passing, Carl Bevan made headlines for his philanthropy efforts, auctioning off items donated by esteemed artists such as Cerys Matthews, Manic Street Preachers, and Skindred to raise funds for charity. Additionally, the 60ft Dolls played a significant role in the Welsh music scene during the Cool Cymru era, when Newport was even heralded as “the new Seattle” by the New York Times in the 1990s.
The band’s musical journey took them across the UK, Japan, and Europe, even opening for the iconic Sex Pistols at their 1996 Finsbury Park reunion gig. Their sound, described by NME as “grunge mod…proto-pub metal blues of the first order,” resonated with music lovers far and wide.
Beyond his accomplishments in music, Carl Bevan also found success as a revered landscape artist, with his exhibitions consistently selling out within minutes. His artwork, often depicting scenes from his beloved Cardiff and Newport, found a global audience, showcasing his undeniable talent and creativity.
In one of his poignant reflections, Carl shared, “It was much to my relief that I quickly found out that the same creative drive I had for music has been easily re-routed directly into art. It’s exactly the same currency. This is very good news for me as I think I would have driven everybody I know insane (not least myself ) without it.”
Ultimately, Liam Gallagher’s dedication to Carl Bevan at Sziget was a beautiful tribute to a remarkable artist and musician. Carl’s legacy lives on, touching the hearts of music enthusiasts and art connoisseurs alike. His profound impact on the world of music and art will be forever cherished, leaving an indelible mark on the soul of Wales and beyond.
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