It promises to be quite the celebration tonight for Noel Gallagher at The Olympia in Dublin as he plays a sold-out show at the venue.
His beloved Manchester City trashed Manchester United 6-1 in Premiership this afternoon. And his debut solo album has soared to the top of the album charts — helping him to score a point against brother Liam.
The former Oasis guitarist and songwriter flew into number one with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Brother Liam’s post-Oasis band Beady Eye peaked only at number three when they released Different Gear, Still Speeding last year.
Noel’s album also stopped rival Matt Cardle, last year’s X Factor winner, from getting to the top spot with his first album Letters, according to figures from the Official Charts Company.Gallagher’s album notched up sales of over 120,000 in its first week alone, outselling Letters by some 40 per cent.
But former painter and decorator Cardle may be happy with number 2, earlier this week praising Gallagher as “a legend”. “If someone had told me last year I’d have a top 10 single, I’d say ’how the hell did that happen?’,” he said on Tuesday. “I’m over the moon with it.”
Both acts nudged Steps - last week’s number one - down to number three with their Ultimate Collection. The only other new entry in this week’s Official Albums Top 10 was from Irish crooner Daniel O’Donnell, who notched up his 14th top 10 with greatest hits release The Ultimate Collection in at number seven.
In the Official Singles Chart, Rihanna held on to number one for a third week with We Found Love featuring Calvin Harris. Boyband The Wanted came straight in at number two with new single Lightning, the lead track from their second studio album Battleground released next month.
Meanwhile, Noel Gallagher has also announced details of more Irish shows for 2012 — and he's stepping things up a bit.He will play the O2, Dublin on February 17 and the Odyssey in Belfast the night before, on February 16. Tickets for both are on sale this Thursday from usual outlets.
For the full charts, don't miss tomorrow's Irish Daily Star and its Hotzone column.
Enjoy some of the new entries in the charts below...
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - AKA... What A Life! on
MUZU.
The Wanted - Lightning on
MUZU.
Rihanna - We Found Love on
MUZU.