After a 16-year silence, Britpop giants oasis have roared back onto the stage, kicking off their highly anticipated reunion tour in Cardiff, Wales. The iconic band, fronted by the famously volatile brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, played the first of 41 global dates on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the packed Principality Stadium. This momentous return marks a significant event for music fans worldwide, reigniting the passion for the band known for anthems like “Wonderwall,” “Supersonic,” and “Champagne Supernova.”
Cardiff Explodes with Oasis Fever
The Welsh capital transformed into a pilgrimage site for Oasis devotees ahead of the opening night. Tens of thousands of fans thronged the streets around the 70,000-capacity stadium, many arriving from across the UK and as far afield as Australia. The atmosphere crackled with palpable excitement and deep emotional connection. Crowds spontaneously erupted into singalongs of classic hits, their voices echoing through the city as they celebrated the end of the “great wait.”
Fan enthusiasm was undeniable. Merchandise stalls did brisk business, with Oasis-branded bucket hats proving a particularly popular — and costly (£35, or around $48) — souvenir. For many, this wasn’t just a concert; it was a generational touchstone. One fan from Edinburgh shared how he was attending with childhood friends, revisiting a formative chapter of their lives. He also noted how the band’s appeal now spans generations, with some original fans bringing their children to experience the magic live. Even late-stage pregnancy wasn’t enough to deter some dedicated ticketholders, highlighting the extraordinary lengths fans went to witness the return.
The Live ’25 Tour Takes Flight
Cardiff serves as the launchpad for the ambitious “Live ’25” world tour. Following two nights at the Principality Stadium, the band embarks on a 19-date run across the UK and Ireland. This initial leg culminates in a seven-night residency at London’s Wembley Stadium, a testament to their enduring pulling power. The tour then branches out, hitting stages in North America, South America, Asia, and Australia before concluding in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on November 23. Fans in mainland Europe will need to travel to catch a show.
Setting the tone for the Cardiff gigs were support acts steeped in 1990s British music history. Liverpool veterans Cast warmed up the crowd, even dedicating a song to a deceased Liverpool player. They were joined by former The Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft, whose stirring performance of “The Drugs Don’t Work” further cemented the nostalgic atmosphere, transporting fans back to the Britpop era. The lineup for the tour reportedly sees Liam and Noel joined by familiar faces from past Oasis configurations: Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs and Gem Archer on guitars, Andy Bell on bass, and Joey Waronker on drums.
The Volatile Legacy: Brothers and Britpop
Oasis formed in Manchester in 1991, quickly rising to become one of the dominant forces in 1990s British music. Their 1994 debut album, “Definitely Maybe,” laid the groundwork, but it was the follow-up, “(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?”, released in 1995 and celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, that cemented their global superstar status. The band delivered eight UK No. 1 albums during their initial run.
Their success was fueled by anthemic, singalong rock choruses crafted by guitarist and principal songwriter Noel Gallagher (now 58) and delivered with compelling swagger by frontman Liam Gallagher (now 52). However, just as central to the Oasis narrative — and appeal — is the famously fraught relationship between the siblings. Their public spats, witty insults (Liam once called Noel “tofu boy”), and backstage altercations became legendary. Music journalist John Aizlewood points out that this “fractious brothers” dynamic adds an element of risk and contributes to the “alternative aura” that makes Oasis so compelling.
The band’s original run ended abruptly in 2009 after a backstage dust-up between the brothers at a festival near Paris, which saw Noel quit the band. Despite both pursuing successful solo careers and regularly performing Oasis songs, a reunion seemed unlikely for years. They reportedly resisted numerous lucrative offers. Liam had previously stated his motivation for the band was fun and seeing the world, downplaying the financial aspect. Yet, after 16 years apart, the stars aligned for the “Live ’25” comeback.
Ticketing Turmoil and Economic Impact
The announcement of the UK tour dates in August 2024 triggered an immediate ticketing frenzy. Fans reported hours-long online queues, website crashes, and immense frustration. A significant controversy arose regarding dynamic or “platinum” pricing on platforms like Ticketmaster. Reports surfaced of standard standing tickets suddenly surging from an expected £148 (around $202) to £355 (around $485) just before purchase.
These issues sparked outrage among fans and even drew attention from the UK Parliament. Arts Minister Chris Bryant criticized the ticketing practices, and Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation. The CMA later accused Ticketmaster, which sold approximately 900,000 Oasis tickets, of potentially misleading fans about “platinum” seats and threatened legal action. Compounding the issue, tickets quickly appeared on resale sites for vastly inflated sums, some reaching up to £6,000. In response to this secondary market activity, the band reportedly cancelled over 50,000 tickets identified as being resold.
Beyond the stage and the ticketing woes, the Oasis reunion is poised to deliver a massive economic boost. Research suggests the 17 UK shows alone could generate an astonishing £1.06 billion in total spending, potentially surpassing even the economic impact of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in the UK. This spending isn’t just on tickets; it includes significant contributions to transport, accommodation, food, retail, and merchandise. Analysts highlight the “experience economy” trend, where fans prioritize spending on creating lasting memories, even at considerable expense. A large portion of this spending is expected to benefit local communities hosting the concerts.
Looking Beyond the Horizon
While the “Live ’25” tour is framed as a significant event, there are no announced plans for Oasis to record new music. Their last studio album was “Dig Out Your Soul” in 2008. The tour is primarily presented as a “one-off” opportunity for the band to celebrate their legacy and for fans to relive past glories.
Experts suggest this comeback allows Oasis to “tend the legacy” and remind a global audience of the power of the brand and their iconic song catalog. The enduring love for the band remains strong, and as one analyst put it, “love means money.” Despite the persistent question mark over the Gallagher brothers’ volatile chemistry, the overwhelming sentiment among fans is pure joy and anticipation for the music. As one fan optimistically put it, while they might fall out, the first night is guaranteed to be “unbelievable.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Oasis to break up originally?
Oasis initially split in August 2009 following a backstage dispute between brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher at a festival in Paris. The altercation reportedly involved equipment damage, leading to Noel Gallagher’s immediate departure from the band and subsequent announcement that he could no longer work with Liam.
Where is the Oasis Live ’25 tour playing after Cardiff?
After starting with two nights in Cardiff, the Oasis Live ’25 tour includes 17 more dates across the UK and Ireland, notably a seven-night residency at Wembley Stadium in London. The global tour then continues with stops in North America, South America, Asia, and Australia, concluding in Brazil in November 2025.
Is Oasis releasing new music as part of the reunion?
As of the start of the Live ’25 tour in Cardiff, there have been no announcements or indications that Oasis is planning to record or release new music. The tour is being presented primarily as a one-off event focused on performing their extensive back catalog of hits and albums.
