Spezial Night
Adidas Spezial and Liam Gallagher recently staged an incredible one-off charity concert at Blackburn’s King George’s Hall revealing a much-anticipated new trainer collaboration
Super-fans applied in their tens of thousands to attend a surprise, intimate gig with Liam Gallagher to launch a trainer partnership with the adidas Spezial collection, while raising vital funds for local homeless charity Nightsafe.
Gallagher debuted the new LG2SPZL shoe – a take on the iconic Barrington Smash – on stage at the concert at King George’s Hall, which is celebrating its centenary year.
The adidas Spezial range was founded and curated by lifelong three-stripes fan Gary Aspden from Darwen. The pair, who are good friends, have worked together on a number of projects over the past two decades, including the launch of their first collaborative shoe – the LG SPZL – in 2019.
The gig came hot on the heels of the release of Gallagher’s new single Better Days and ahead of the launch of his third solo album on 27th May.
Fans who were joined by celebrities including boxer Rick Hatton and loyal adidas Spezial follower Fenners, from Soccer AM, chanted Gallagher’s name as he arrived on stage just after 9pm.
During the thrilling set he debuted his new song World in Need and performed Oasis anthems including Wonderwall, Slide Away and Cigarettes and Alcohol.
Tweeting afterwards, the showman said: “Blackburn, Lancashire, top night! You smashed it. Thanks for having us. Until next time.”
Speaking afterwards, Gary, said: “What happened in Blackburn last night was so much more than a gig. It showed the importance of community and looking after one another. I am very grateful to both Liam Gallagher and adidas for supporting the idea.
“Liam messaged me to say that it was a top crowd and described Nightsafe’s efforts as ‘biblical’.”
This is the third event Gary has shone the adidas spotlight on Blackburn with all three events supporting Nightsafe – a charity Gary is an ambassador of and is proud to support.
Jan Larkin, Nightsafe CEO, said: “We are thrilled that Liam and Gary have chosen to support Nightsafe at a time when our services are needed more than ever.
“Liam’s song Better Days couldn’t be more poignant. Nightsafe can look forward to better days ahead thanks to last night’s event.”
Blackburn with Darwen is widely regarded as the birthplace of Spezial and the concert was the first time Gallagher has ever performed in Blackburn.
Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Denise Park added: “What a huge coup to have Liam Gallagher perform at King George’s Hall in its 100th year. The gig has brought a real boost to the town while supporting the fantastic efforts of Nightsafe.”
