After 16 long years, the iconic Britpop band oasis has finally returned to the stage, commencing their highly anticipated reunion tour with two electrifying nights in cardiff. The Principality Stadium played host to the momentous concerts on Saturday, July 5th, and Sunday, July 6th, 2025, marking the first live performances by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher together since the band’s acrimonious split in 2009. The kickoff events were met with overwhelming enthusiasm from devoted fans who had waited years for this moment, instantly declaring the shows nothing short of “biblical.”
The air inside and outside the stadium crackled with energy. Attendees were on cloud nine, describing the atmosphere as absolutely electric. Many fans had travelled incredible distances, some literally from “Half The World Away,” including dedicated followers from Chile, Colombia, and across the United States, all converging on the Welsh capital just to witness this historic return. This global pilgrimage underscores the enduring power and international reach of Oasis’s music and fanbase.
The Long-Awaited Return: 16 Years Later
Oasis last played in Cardiff in June 2009. That gig occurred merely months before Noel Gallagher famously announced his departure from the Manchester group. Citing irreconcilable differences with his brother, Noel stated he “simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.” This bitter end left fans heartbroken and hopeful for a future reconciliation that seemed increasingly unlikely over the years.
The 16-year hiatus was filled with separate projects and continued public feuding between the brothers. However, rumours of a potential reunion persisted, culminating in the official announcement that ignited a global frenzy. The Cardiff shows were framed as a monumental moment of reconciliation. Before the band even took the stage, a montage of headlines about the reunion ran, ending with the powerful declaration: “The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over.”
Electric Atmosphere and Global Pilgrimage
The sheer energy from the crowd was palpable from the moment the lights dimmed. Fans sang every word, creating a unified roar throughout the stadium. This collective singing became a defining characteristic of the night, with one fan noting there was “no silence during the set.” The feeling transcended simple enjoyment; for many, it was a deeply emotional and nostalgic experience.
Reporter Terel Edmunds spoke to jubilant fans leaving the stadium after the shows. Many were left speechless or struggling to articulate the depth of their feelings. Phrases like “fantastic,” “unreal,” and expressions of extreme happiness were common. Some felt transported back in time, recapturing the energy of their youth. Leigh from Cardiff shared that he felt “18 again,” calling the experience “crazy.”
Voices from the Crowd: Fan Experiences
Specific fan accounts highlight the impact of the return. Leigh emphasized the immense value of his ticket, saying he wouldn’t swap it for a family holiday. He also noted the multi-generational appeal, bringing his 22-year-old daughter and her boyfriend, both newer Oasis fans, who found the concert a “new level” experience. Jack from Stockport echoed the “biblical” sentiment, praising the band’s presence and the powerful crowd singing. His heavily pregnant partner, Beth, even attended, making it her twins’ first concert in utero, a poignant link given her birth shortly after the band’s famous Knebworth show.
Jarvis and Valentina, veteran fans who had seen Oasis around 40 times before, travelled from North London. They described an incredible performance. Jarvis specifically lauded Liam Gallagher’s vocals, stating he “hasn’t sounded that good since the mid-90s.” Valentina, who moved from Italy to the UK in 2000 because of the band, found the concert brought back “so many memories of happy, better times,” leading many attendees, including herself, to cry. She characterized Oasis as a “working-class band” drawing a similar audience, asserting that “no band has touched a generation like that.”
The Performance: Setlist Highlights and On-Stage Dynamics
The setlist for both nights in Cardiff largely featured 23 songs, packed with fan favourites and major hits that defined a generation. Staples like “Hello,” “Acquiesce,” “Morning Glory,” “Some Might Say,” “Cigarettes and Alcohol,” “Supersonic,” “Roll With It,” and the anthemic “Wonderwall” ignited singalongs that threatened to lift the roof. The performance of “Don’t Look Back in Anger” was particularly poignant, accompanied by visuals of bees on the big screen, referencing its status as an anthem for Manchester after the 2017 Arena bombing.
The shows culminated with powerful renditions of “Don’t Look Back in Anger” and “Champagne Supernova.” Notably, “Champagne Supernova” was the last song the Gallagher brothers had performed together live before their 2009 hiatus, adding a layer of emotional weight to its inclusion. While the core setlist remained consistent, the second night featured a subtle, unrehearsed moment when Liam Gallagher briefly sang lines from The Beatles’ classic “Octopus Garden,” a nod seemingly just for the live audience. Visuals also included an image of Liam’s rescue dog, Buttons, adding a personal touch amidst the rock spectacle.
Brotherly Interaction Under Scrutiny
Despite the euphoric fan reception and the success of the performances, observations of the Gallagher brothers’ interaction on stage offered a glimpse into their famously complex relationship. For the first show, they walked onto the stage hand-in-hand and held hands aloft on the second night. However, reports noted they “barely glanced at each other” during much of the set. One captured moment showed Liam bowing to Noel. At the end of the set, Liam was seen briefly clapping Noel on the back before quickly exiting.
A widely shared photo of the brothers walking out together was celebrated by many as the “photo of the decade,” symbolizing their reconciliation. Yet, some fans, viewing it from a different angle, voiced concern that Noel appeared unhappy or reluctant. Interpretations suggested he looked like he “doesn’t want to be there” or “just wants it to be over already.” Counterarguments suggested his expression might be due to being emotional and overwhelmed by the moment, or simply a fleeting look captured in a photograph. Despite the speculation, the reality of them performing together on stage after so long ultimately overshadowed any perceived tension.
Beyond the Music: Cultural and Economic Impact
The two nights in Cardiff drew massive crowds, with over 70,000 fans reportedly packing the stadium on the opening night alone. The energy spilled out into the city centre after the gigs, with reports of party scenes and dancing to street musicians well into the night. Fans proudly sported the unofficial “Oasis uniform” of band t-shirts and classic Adidas trainers.
The immense demand for the reunion shows had wider economic effects. Resale ticket prices for upcoming tour dates reached astronomical levels, with tickets originally priced around £462 being advertised for thousands of pounds on secondary market sites. Local businesses in Cardiff also saw an impact; Wetherspoons pubs implemented a £2 “price surge” on drinks, designating the gig days as “event days” requiring extra staffing and security. The events also attracted numerous celebrities from film, TV, music, and sports, highlighting the band’s broad cultural appeal. A family reunion even occurred behind the scenes, with Noel’s daughter Anais and Liam’s son Gene meeting up at one of the shows. Complementing the concerts, a special fan exhibition at Cardiff’s Tramshed showcased iconic memorabilia, including Noel Gallagher’s famous Union Jack Epiphone Sheraton guitar.
Looking Ahead: The Global ’25 Tour
Cardiff served as the perfect launchpad for the extensive ’25 Tour. Oasis is set to play across the UK and Ireland throughout July, August, and September, headlining major venues including Manchester’s Heaton Park, London’s Wembley Stadium, Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium, and Dublin’s Croke Park. Following these highly anticipated dates, the tour will head to international destinations, including Japan, South Korea, South America, Australia, and North America, bringing the reunion spectacle to fans around the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the setlist for the Oasis reunion gigs in Cardiff?
The Oasis reunion shows in Cardiff featured largely identical setlists over two nights, comprising 23 songs. These included many classic hits like “Hello,” “Morning Glory,” “Wonderwall,” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” The band also played “Champagne Supernova,” which was the last song they performed together before their 2009 split.
Where else is the Oasis ’25 reunion tour visiting after Cardiff?
Following the kickoff in Cardiff, the Oasis ’25 tour will play across the UK and Ireland through September at major venues such as Heaton Park in Manchester, Wembley Stadium in London, Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, and Croke Park in Dublin. The tour is then scheduled to visit international locations including Japan, South Korea, South America, Australia, and North America.
What was the fan reaction to the Oasis reunion concert after 16 years?
Fan reaction to the Oasis reunion in Cardiff was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees were described as being on “cloud nine” and called the experience “biblical” and “unreal.” Many felt intense nostalgia, with some stating they felt transported back to their youth. The global fanbase travelled from far afield to attend, underscoring the deep emotional connection fans maintain with the band.
The successful return of Oasis in Cardiff has reignited the passion of a generation of fans and introduced their anthems to new listeners. Despite the lingering questions about the brothers’ personal dynamic, the power of the music and the collective experience of seeing them perform together again proved triumphant. The Cardiff gigs set a high bar for the rest of the global ’25 tour, promising unforgettable nights for fans worldwide who have waited years for this moment.