🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Gavin Fitzgerald, Charlie Lightening
- Genre: Documentary, Music, Biography
- Release year: 2019
- Runtime (length): 1h 25min
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10 (3.8K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 78%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Aging rock star who hates his brother tries to prove he can still be a rock star without his brother, mostly by swearing a lot and showing his soft side to his mum.
🍿 Liam Gallagher: As It Was: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Aftermath of Oasis and Beady Eye
The documentary opens by chronicling Liam Gallagher’s life in the immediate aftermath of Oasis’s acrimonious split in 2009, and the subsequent dissolution of his band Beady Eye in 2014. It captures a period of personal and professional uncertainty for Gallagher, showing him navigating a quiet domestic life away from the spotlight he had known for decades. This section highlights his struggle with inactivity and the emotional toll of his musical hiatus.

A Reluctant Return to Music
Despite initial hesitations and a stated belief that he might never perform again, the film depicts Liam’s gradual re-engagement with music. It shows him being encouraged by his family and management to explore a solo career. This phase captures the raw, unfiltered moments of him rediscovering his passion for songwriting and performing, setting the stage for an unexpected comeback. His characteristic wit and bluntness are evident throughout these early creative processes.

Crafting ‘As You Were’
The documentary details the recording sessions for his debut solo album, ‘As You Were’. It offers an intimate look at Gallagher’s creative process, collaborating with producers and songwriters to shape the sound that would mark his return. This period showcases his dedication to producing a record that felt authentic to his style while embracing new musical partnerships. The film captures the anticipation and effort involved in building an album that would relaunch his career.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Liam Gallagher (Liam Gallagher): The charismatic former Oasis frontman documenting his personal struggles and professional comeback as a solo artist.
- Debbie Gwyther (Debbie Gwyther): Liam Gallagher’s devoted girlfriend and manager, instrumental in guiding his career and personal life during his solo resurgence.
- Adam Noble (Adam Noble): The music producer who collaborates closely with Liam Gallagher to shape the sound of his successful debut solo album, ‘As You Were’.
- Jay Mehler (Jay Mehler): Liam Gallagher’s long-time friend and guitarist, providing consistent musical support and camaraderie throughout his solo journey.
- Peggy Gallagher (Peggy Gallagher): Liam and Noel Gallagher’s mother, offering a familial perspective and insights into Liam’s upbringing and character.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Liam Gallagher: “As you were.” – His signature sign-off, representing moving forward and embracing his solo identity after the Oasis split, a recurring theme in the film.
- Liam Gallagher: “I’m not a songwriter, I’m a singer, man. And I’m just here to rock and roll.” – Stated as he defines his role as a performer, emphasizing his natural talent and drive amidst the challenges of creating new music independently.
- Liam Gallagher: “You gotta keep going, don’t you? You can’t just sit on your arse.” – A reflection of his determined spirit and resilience in rebuilding his career from scratch, highlighting his commitment to his music and fans.
- Liam Gallagher: “I’ve still got it. I’ve still got the voice, and I’ve still got the swagger.” – A confident declaration affirming his belief in his enduring talent and stage presence, central to the film’s narrative of his successful comeback.
- Liam Gallagher: “I love my brother, man, but… you know.” – A poignant, candid acknowledgment of his complex and often tumultuous relationship with Noel, which remains an underlying emotional current throughout his solo journey.
💰Box Office
- Budget: £1,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $0
- Worldwide Gross: $477,009
💥 Liam Gallagher: As It Was Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I finally watched ‘Liam Gallagher: As It Was,’ and honestly, it was a proper rollercoaster. As a huge Oasis fan, I went in curious about what Liam would be like without Noel, and I was surprised by how much of his personal side they showed, especially with his mum and sons. There were moments where I genuinely felt for him trying to get back on his feet, showing a different side to the usual swagger. But then, at times, it felt a bit too curated, like a PR push to make everyone forget the old antics, and I kept wishing for more unvarnished honesty or a deeper dive into the Oasis drama. Still, seeing him back on stage, belting out those new tunes, gave me chills. It’s definitely a film that makes you feel connected to his journey, even if it leaves you wanting a bit more of the real ‘warts and all’ Liam.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Oasis and Liam Gallagher’s distinctive personality”
- “Enthusiasts of rock and music documentaries”
- “Anyone interested in stories of artistic comeback and personal resilience”
- “Viewers who appreciate candid, unfiltered celebrity portrayals”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong language and frequent expletives”
- “Discussions of past struggles and family feuds”
- “Mature themes related to the music industry and rock and roll lifestyle”
Professional Reviews
- Music Scene Daily: “Liam Gallagher: As It Was offers a surprisingly candid look at the rock icon’s journey back to center stage. Far from the swaggering persona, the film reveals a more vulnerable artist grappling with his past and forging a new path. It’s an inspiring comeback story, proving that even after Oasis, the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll burns brightly within him.
- The Cinematic Chronicle: “While ‘As It Was’ certainly delivers on its promise of documenting Liam Gallagher’s solo resurgence, it often feels more like a carefully managed PR exercise than a truly raw exposé. Fans will appreciate the access, but those hoping for a deeper dive into his infamous past or a more balanced perspective on the Oasis split might leave feeling slightly underwhelmed. Still, his stage presence remains undeniable.
Audience Reactions
Viewers particularly loved seeing Liam’s softer, more vulnerable side, especially his interactions with his family and his determination to make a comeback.: Many agreed that the documentary successfully portrayed Liam’s resilience in building a successful solo career, often praising his undeniable stage presence and charismatic personality, even if some felt it was a bit one-sided regarding the Oasis split.
Overall Consensus: Liam Gallagher: As It Was is largely seen as an engaging, if somewhat curated, look at a rock ‘n’ roll icon’s inspiring solo comeback, showcasing his raw determination and charismatic presence.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Noel Gallagher reportedly forbid Liam Gallagher from using any Oasis songs in the film, forcing Liam to rely on his new solo material.”
- “The documentary was filmed over a long period by director Charlie Lightening, who had been documenting Liam’s life for years, providing extensive personal footage.”
- “Unlike the ‘Oasis: Supersonic’ documentary which heavily relied on archive footage and animation, ‘As It Was’ focuses on current, personal interviews and Liam’s post-Oasis journey.”
- “The film highlights Liam’s growth as a musician, showing him collaborating on songwriting for his solo career out of necessity, as he typically relied on Noel for compositions in Oasis.”
🖥️ How to Watch Liam Gallagher: As It Was?
Liam Gallagher: As It Was is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms. You can typically find it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and Vudu. Prices for rental usually start around $3.99, while purchasing options begin around $9.99, though these prices may vary by platform and region. Check your preferred streaming service for the most current availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Liam Gallagher: As It Was, you might like these similar films:
- Oasis: Supersonic (2016): This direct comparison offers essential context by chronicling Oasis’s meteoric rise and eventual breakup, setting the stage for Liam’s solo story in ‘As It Was’.
- The Stone Roses: Made of Stone (2013): Another documentary focusing on the reunion and dynamics of an iconic Manchester band, appealing to fans of British rock history and the complexities of band life.
- Amy (2015): A poignant thematic similarity, this documentary provides an intimate and often raw look into the life and struggles of another celebrated British music icon.
- George Michael: Freedom (2017): Explores the career and personal journey of another British music legend, delving into the pressures of fame and the artistic process, resonating with the comeback theme.
- Dig! (2004): A cult classic documentary that offers a raw, unfiltered look at the egos, creative processes, and rivalries within the music industry, appealing to fans of candid rockumentaries.
🛒 Liam Gallagher: As It Was Related Products
- Liam Gallagher – As You Were (Deluxe Vinyl/CD): The critically acclaimed debut solo album from Liam Gallagher, featuring hit singles like ‘Wall of Glass’ and ‘For What It’s Worth.’ Available in special deluxe vinyl and CD formats.
- Liam Gallagher: The Official Biography (Hardcover): An in-depth biography exploring Liam Gallagher’s life, from his early days with Oasis to his successful solo career. Features exclusive interviews and previously unseen photographs.
- Liam Gallagher ‘As You Were’ Album Art T-Shirt: High-quality cotton t-shirt featuring the iconic album artwork from Liam Gallagher’s ‘As You Were,’ symbolizing his powerful solo comeback.
- Knebworth 22 (Live Concert Film) – Blu-ray/Digital: Relive the electrifying energy of Liam Gallagher’s historic Knebworth performance, showcasing his incredible stage presence and the massive success of his solo career. Includes the full concert film and behind-the-scenes footage.
🎧 Soundtrack
Liam Gallagher: As It Was features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Wall of Glass” – performed by Liam Gallagher
- “For What It’s Worth” – performed by Liam Gallagher
- “Greedy Soul” – performed by Liam Gallagher
- “Paper Crown” – performed by Liam Gallagher
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘Liam Gallagher: As It Was’ is available for digital rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and Vudu. It is not typically included with a standard streaming subscription service at this time.
While the film acknowledges Liam Gallagher’s past in Oasis as the foundation of his career and the context for his hiatus, its primary focus is on his journey post-Oasis and Beady Eye, specifically leading up to and including the release of his debut solo album, ‘As You Were’. It delves more into his personal struggles and professional rebirth rather than a detailed history of Oasis.
The documentary ‘Liam Gallagher: As It Was’ has a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes (85 minutes).
While fans of Liam Gallagher and Oasis will undoubtedly enjoy the film, ‘Liam Gallagher: As It Was’ can also appeal to a broader audience interested in rock documentaries, comeback stories, or narratives about personal resilience and artistic reinvention. Its focus on human struggle and triumph transcends specific musical tastes, though familiarity with his persona enhances the viewing experience.
🔥 Bonus Content
Sacha Baron Cohen’s WORST Night with Liam Gallagher | #shorts
Ever wondered what it’s like to encounter Liam Gallagher outside of a concert? This hilarious short reveals Sacha Baron Cohen’s ‘worst night’ involving the Oasis frontman – it really gives you a glimpse into Liam’s famously unpredictable personality!
Liam Gallagher – Live Forever (BRIT Awards 2018)
If ‘Live Forever’ is one of your favorite Oasis anthems, you’ll love this powerful performance by Liam Gallagher from the BRIT Awards. It’s a reminder of the timeless power of their music and shows Liam carrying the torch for the band’s incredible legacy, especially with that heartfelt tribute.
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