Not surprisingly, in a week when classic Mancunian Brit-rock came under the microscope with the on-sales of The Stone Roses, it was game-on for another major player from a later incarnation of that same scene. After firmly leaving his beloved Oasis behind, Noel Gallagher has been crafting his first proper project (while brother Liam has been casting his Beady Eye everywhere). Both brothers have tasted success with their new bands, with Noel hitting the top spot on the album chart this week with his self-monikered High Flying Birds - that's two places higher than his brother's band's peak. I'm sure Liam phoned him to offer his congratulations...

Where Beady Eye's music sits firmly in the rock 'n' roll chair previously occupied by Oasis, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds tread a more mid-paced, meditative and reflective path, as demonstrated by the singles, "The Death of You and Me" and "AKA, What A Life!". More singles are sure to follow, but meanwhile, the small matter of a UK tour will be getting followers into a lather.

The band will continue in a similar vein to their forthcoming October jaunt, by starting in Manchester on 13th Feb, followed by Belfast, Newcastle, Glasgow, London's O2 Arena and finally Birmingham. Tickets are on sale this Friday, except Belfast which hits the servers on Thursday at the same time. Prices will average out at £42.50 and should sell out as quickly as this autumn's tour.