Oasis, Ash and 40,000 of U2!

It's bigger and louder than anything you've ever seen before!

It's Pop Mart mania and it's sweeping Ulster.

This weekend, the usually tranquil Botanic Gardens are being converted into a technological metropolis.

The famous golden arch is already towering over the city and a record- breaking 56ft by 170ft screen will be put in place for Tuesday's concert.

But as U2 and Ash hog the limelight on stage, Oasis' Gallagher brothers are expected to grab the spotlight behind the scenes.

Liam and Noel will celebrate their No 1 album by flying into Belfast on Tuesday afternoon to meet Bono and the rest of U2 backstage, before enjoying the show from the comfort of a specially constructed hospitality area.

One band insider said the brothers jumped at the chance of returning to Ireland, the birthplace of their parents and a summer holiday hangout during their childhood.

He told me: "Noel and Liam have always considered themselves to be half Irish."

And the concert, which with an expected crowd of 40,000 will go down in Ulster's live music history as the biggest show here ever, will be something of a reunion for the Oasis lads and U2. "Oasis forged a good relationship with U2 when they supported them in America earlier this year. It's the perfect chance for them all to meet again," the insider said.

And Bono has quashed rumours that Pop Mart will be U2's last world tour.

He said: "All these rumours that the tour is our last are just nonsense. This is the best thing we have ever done. It will always be hard to top the likes of Pop Mart but who knows what we will come up with next time?"

Remaining tickets to the show have been snapped up, with many fans eager to see the new-look Ash, who will showcase material from their new album.

Lead singer Tim Wheeler was in no doubt that the experience would be a memorable one.

"I can't wait for this one," he said. "I admire U2 and all that they have done for music. It will be a privilege."

Charlotte's

a really class act

On Tuesday she'll play to 40,000 screaming Ulster fans as the newest member of supergroup Ash.

But guitarist Charlotte Hetherley nearly turned down the chance to join one of the world's most popular bands - because she was too busy doing her A-levels.

"Initially I said no because I was studying at the time," says 18- year- old Charlotte. "But as I sat there with all my revision in front of me I thought, 'Oh God, I can't refuse this offer!' So I soon changed my mind."

Boyzone could be swapping their shiny stage suits and microphones for red swimming trunks after being offered a cameo role in the hit TV series Baywatch.

Steven Gately was originally invited to star in the show, but said he would only consider the role if the rest of the band joined in too.

Blur set to announce

Dublin date

Only days after coming under fire for failing to include an Irish date as part of their winter tour, I can exclusively reveal that Blur are set to announce a one-off show at The Point in Dublin.

Lead singer Damon Albarn assured me the band couldn't wait to play in Dublin, which is one of their favourite venues.

He said: "Our record company is trying to delay the announcement but it will be added soon. The concert will be in early December."

When I asked if a Belfast date was on the cards he replied: "Last time we were in Belfast we had a really good laugh. The problem is the tour's very short, only about 10 days, so it might be hard to slot some places in...we'll see."

Blur will visit all the UK's main arenas in December to promote their latest album.

GIG GUIDE

U2: BOTANIC GARDENS AUGUST 26

U2: LANSDOWNE RD AUGUST 30,31

NO DOUBT: THE POINT SEPTEMBER 29

BUSH: ULSTER HALL OCTOBER 12

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