During this visit, he delivered a speech at the Friends of BJP forum in New York. This event drew a significant number of Indians residing in the United States, and Jyotindra Mehta, who was also present at the forum, shared his reflections on the occasion ahead of the Prime Minister’s September 21-23 US visit
The Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, were the heart and soul of Oasis. While the entire band contributed to their success, the brothers’ dynamic onstage presence inspired many young people to play rock and roll. Noel wrote most of the songs, but Liam’s powerful vocals were equally important. He could sing love and rock songs with equal skill. Liam’s vocals created a phenomenal and impactful music that made Oasis one of the most iconic bands of the 1990s. On the special occasion of the vocalist’s 52nd birthday, let’s revisit his top 10 songs:
Wall of Glass was the lead single from Liam Gallagher‘s debut solo album, As You Were. The singer kept the album’s sound rooted in guitar and drums, aiming to show the world who he is as a rock artist. The song made a clear mission statement in its lyrics: “And the stone you throw / Will turn back in its path / One day you’ll shatter like a wall of glass / Wall of glass.” It peaked at #21 on the UK Singles Chart and remains his best-selling single as a solo artist.
This song is from Oasis’ third album, Be Here Now. Don’t Go Away explores the sensitive emotions Liam experienced regarding his mother leaving him during a critical point in his life. The vulnerability in his vocals makes the song a deeply emotional experience, often leaving fans with tears in their eyes. The track remains unique to this day among their rock and roll masterpieces.
The opening track from Oasis’ debut album, Definitely Maybe, released in 1994, Rock ‘n’ Roll Star was aired on U.S. radio as a single. Liam’s voice, combined with a rock beat, perfectly delivers the young adult fantasy vibe the song was meant to evoke. The lyrics reflect his days living in Manchester. Liam’s performance in this song was considered a major breakthrough for Oasis as a prominent rock band.
Start Anew showcased Beady Eye’s potential as a band and was the final track on their last original album, BE. Departing from their typically loud rock and roll style, the song highlighted Liam’s potential as a strong songwriter, with vibes reminiscent of Carole King or James Taylor. The track felt like a prophecy for Liam’s solo career, with its optimistic message about starting fresh, even after the original band disbanded.
A standout track from Oasis’ fourth studio album, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, Roll It Over features Liam narrating his attempts to reconnect with a close friend after a long period of being out of touch: “I blame it on the changing of the seasons / The thoughts that I’ve conveyed—does it make it all right?” At the time, fans weren’t on the best terms with the band, but this song sent a clear message that Liam was here to stay.
Oasis’ first number one on the UK Singles Chart, Some Might Say, reminded fans what the band was all about. Liam’s vocals were phenomenal, with harmonies that helped the song reach new milestones. Lyrics like, “Some might say that sunshine follows thunder / Go and tell it to the man who cannot shine,” showcased the song’s depth and storytelling prowess.
Slide Away is another standout track from Oasis’ debut album. The song features a heavy rock base with a smooth melody, making it a perfect love song. The lyrics take you through the journey of a man who has found his love interest. Liam’s vocals convey a sense of being swept away by love, which resonated deeply with fans, even though the track slightly deviated from his signature rock style.
Despite being written by his brother Noel, Liam delivered the style and message of Live Forever flawlessly. The lyrics—”Maybe you’re the same as me / We see things they’ll never see / You and I are going to live forever”—are both powerful and inspiring. Liam’s commanding vocals on this track stand out as some of his best, making it a fan favorite at live shows. No other Oasis song quite matches the impact of this one.
Liam reached new vocal heights with I Hope, I Think, I Know, despite some public discontent with the band at the time. The chorus—”As we beg, steal, and borrow / Life is hit and miss, and this / I hope, I think, I know / If I ever hear the names you call / And if I stumble, catch me when I fall”—along with his stunning vocal harmonies, solidified his status as a fan favorite. Once again, Liam proved that he would remain beloved long after Oasis began to fade in popularity.
The second single from the 2008 album Dig Out Your Soul, I’m Outta Time reflects Liam’s personal struggles with family issues during that period, as well as his determination to rise above them. The track was praised by music critics, with some even comparing it to The Beatles. Fans also loved Liam’s heartfelt vocals. Unfortunately, despite its acclaim, the song peaked at #12 on the UK Singles Chart, just missing the top 10.
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Aqil, a senior Hezbollah military figure wanted by the United States for his role in the 1983 bombings of the US Embassy and Marine barracks in Beirut, was hailed by Hezbollah as one of its key leaders. Hezbollah confirmed his death, calling him a “great jihadist leader.”
The United States had placed a $7 million bounty on Aqil for his involvement in the 1983 bombings that killed hundreds of Americans in Lebanon. Aqil was also implicated in the kidnapping of American and European hostages in the 1980s.
The airstrike, which struck Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Beirut, left significant damage, including a massive crater and a destroyed high-rise building. Rescue workers continued to search the rubble for survivors. In response to the airstrike, Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets at Israeli military positions.
Aqil’s death marks a serious blow to Hezbollah’s leadership, especially as it comes just weeks after the death of Fuad Shukr, another senior Hezbollah commander, in a similar Israeli airstrike. Both men were top figures within Hezbollah’s military operations and played key roles in planning attacks against Israel.
The strike follows two days of explosions earlier in the week, which targeted Hezbollah’s communication devices and killed 37 of its members.
Israeli military officials said that Aqil was killed while meeting with other commanders to plan further attacks against Israel, including a potential invasion of northern Israeli territories. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the meeting as part of Hezbollah’s “Conquer the Galilee” plan, an operation aimed at infiltrating Israeli communities.
The United Nations and regional actors expressed concern over the growing escalation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, called for restraint from all sides. The strike has also drawn strong condemnation from Iran, which supports Hezbollah, accusing Israel of broadening the war’s geography.
Iran’s foreign ministry denounced the attack as a violation of international law, while Hezbollah vowed retribution. Israel, however, defended the operation as necessary for its national security. Admiral Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesman, stressed that Israel did not seek a broader conflict but was determined to neutralise threats to its citizens.
Hezbollah and Israeli forces have exchanged fire almost daily along the Israel-Lebanon border since the Gaza war began in October. The war, sparked by Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel on October 7, has drawn Hezbollah into the conflict. Hezbollah has launched rocket attacks into northern Israel, which have intensified in recent weeks.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that the strike killed 14 people and wounded 66 others, and they expect the death count to rise. Local residents have described the bombardment as some of the heaviest in years.