On Friday, Oasis thrilled fans by ending a 16-year hiatus with a powerful performance that showcased one of Britpop's most iconic songbooks. The highly anticipated reunion tour kicked off in Cardiff, Wales, where an excited crowd celebrated the band's legendary 1990s hits. Fans from around the globe flocked to the Welsh capital, many believing this moment would never come, especially given the notorious feud between brothers and bandmates Noel and Liam Gallagher.
The Gallagher brothers had not shared a stage since their bitter split in 2009. One fan's banner encapsulated the sentiment of the night: "The great wait is over." As a montage of headlines detailing their tumultuous relationship played on screen, the audience erupted into cheers. Oasis took the stage to the opening notes of "Hello," a fitting choice with its lyric, "It's good to be back." Although the brothers shared a brief moment onstage, they maintained their distance throughout the performance, with Noel, 58, playing guitar while Liam, 52, delivered vocals with his signature swagger.
Performing in front of over 60,000 fans at the Principality Stadium, Oasis delivered an exhilarating two-hour set that featured tracks primarily from their debut album, Definitely Maybe, and its follow-up, (What's the Story) Morning Glory, alongside a selection of later favorites and B-sides. Classic hits like "Supersonic," "Roll With It," and "Rock 'n' Roll Star" ignited mass sing-alongs, creating an electric atmosphere. Liam, holding a tambourine, encouraged the crowd to "put your arms over each other like you love each other" before launching into "Cigarettes and Alcohol."
During the performance of "Live Forever," a poignant tribute was made with an image of Liverpool Football Club player Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident just days prior. Noel took the lead vocals for several songs, including the heartfelt "Half the World Away." The night culminated in a powerful encore featuring some of Oasis' most beloved tracks, including "Don't Look Back in Anger," "Wonderwall," and "Champagne Supernova." As the final song ended, the brothers shared a brief hug, a moment that resonated with fans.
The concert was enhanced by multicolored, slightly psychedelic projections, which complemented the band’s music while keeping the focus on the performance itself. While there was minimal banter, Liam occasionally checked in with the audience, humorously asking if the £40,000 ticket price was worth it, referencing the frantic ticket-buying process that saw fans paying hundreds for a seat.
This show in Cardiff marks the beginning of Oasis's 19-date Live '25 tour, which will travel across the U.K. and Ireland before heading to North America, South America, Asia, and Australia, concluding in São Paulo on November 23. Before the concert, fans filled the streets around the stadium, gathering in groups to sing along to Oasis hits and purchasing branded merchandise, including bucket hats priced at £35 ($48).
Rob Maule, 44, from Edinburgh, expressed the emotional significance of the event, stating, "It's very, very special." He reminisced about attending shows with childhood friends, highlighting the generational connection that Oasis has fostered among fans. Vicki Moynehan from Dorchester, who is seven months pregnant, also shared her excitement, noting that nothing would stop her from attending this memorable concert.
Formed in 1991 in the working-class neighborhoods of Manchester, England, Oasis quickly became one of the dominant forces in British music during the '90s, releasing eight U.K. No. 1 albums. Their signature sound, characterized by sing-along rock choruses, was driven by the dynamic between Noel Gallagher, the band's primary songwriter and guitarist, and his brother Liam, known for his distinctive vocal style. Despite their infamous rivalry, which has led to many public feuds, the brothers have managed to keep the Oasis legacy alive.
The announcement of the U.K. tour in August triggered a massive ticket-buying frenzy, resulting in technical glitches, lengthy online queues, and frustration among fans due to soaring prices. These issues even prompted discussions in the U.K. Parliament, with Arts Minister Chris Bryant criticizing ticketing practices that unfairly impact music lovers. The competition regulator has threatened legal action against Ticketmaster, which sold around 900,000 tickets for the tour.
As of now, there are no plans for Oasis to record new music, and the tour is being promoted as a one-off event. Music writer John Aizlewood remarked that this reunion serves as a chance for Oasis to reaffirm their legacy and showcase the enduring power of their brand. With a deep-rooted affection for the band still strong among fans, the concert series promises to be a celebration of their impactful history.
As fans reflect on the Gallagher brothers’ journey, Stephen Truscott from Middlesbrough noted, "I'm the oldest sibling of four brothers, so I know they'll fall out. But the first night, they're going to have an absolute unbelievable blast. It's going to be the best." Indeed, the reunion tour is not just a performance; it's a monumental moment for fans and the band alike, marking a new chapter in the storied history of Oasis.
