Boxer Ricky Hatton was on hand to offer Oasis protection as they kicked of their much anticipated UK tour in Liverpool last night (October 7th).

The boxing champion introduced the band by warning that anyone who planned on invading the stage would “have me to deal with.”

His threat referred to an incident in Canada last month which saw Oasis' Noel Gallagher attacked on stage, leaving the guitarist with three broken ribs.

After a string of cancelled gigs in the US, Gallagher and the band were on form last night as they performed tracks from new album 'Dig Out Your Soul' for the first time in the UK.

10,000 fans at the Liverpool's Echo Arena were also treated to tracks from Oasis' comprehensive back-catalogue, including 'Champagne Supernova' and 'Wonderwall'.

(by Jason Gregory)