Oasis kick off anniversary tour

Oasis played three new songs at the Shepherd's Bush Empire

Oasis were joined by music legend Paul Weller as the band kicked off the first in a series of gigs to mark their 10th anniversary.

More used to playing arenas and stadiums, Oasis performed before 2,500 fans at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire on Sunday evening.

Former Jam singer Weller, a friend of guitarist Noel Gallagher, appeared on stage to support to the group on Champagne Supernova.

Fans were also treated to a taster of the Manchester band's fifth studio album, due out next year, with three new songs given an airing.

Noel was joined by his pal Paul Weller on stage

It is the first time the band has played in the UK for more than 12 months.

All the theatre-sized venues on the tour were sold out as soon as the dates were announced.

The cities were chosen, the band say, simply because they have a fondness for them.

New album

On the day the UK and US launched the war on terrorism, Liam Gallagher donned his own combat gear by sporting a camouflage jacket.

The band launched into a string of its past hits and classic album tracks, including Don't Look Back in Anger, Morning Glory, Cigarettes and Alcohol, and their first single from 1993, Supersonic.

As they played another early single, Live Forever, Liam's girlfriend Nicole Appleton and her sister Natalie were singing along from the balcony overlooking the stage.

The band premiered the songs The Hindu Times, Hung in a Bad Place and One Way Road, which sparked a great response from fans.

New album: The best since Definitely Maybe?

Since playing a US tour with The Black Crowes, Oasis have been working on their new album, intended for release early next year.

In an interview with NME magazine, Noel Gallagher described it as their "second-best album - better than what we've done since Definitely Maybe".

It will feature songs written by Noel's brother Liam and current band members Gem Archer and Andy Bell, as well as by Noel Gallagher himself.

Oasis play Shepherd's Bush Empire again on 8 October, the Apollo Theatre, Manchester on 10 and 11 October, and Barrowlands, Glasgow on 13 and 14 October.