After 16 long years, the wait is over. Britpop legends oasis have officially returned to the stage, kicking off their highly anticipated reunion tour in Cardiff, Wales. On Friday, July 4, 2025, the Principality Stadium erupted as brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher performed together for the first time since their band’s acrimonious split in 2009. The concert was a powerful and emotional journey through one of music’s most beloved catalogs. A capacity crowd, buzzing with excitement, welcomed the Manchester icons back. Fans had traveled to the Welsh capital from across the globe for this momentous event.
The Great Wait Ends: Anticipation Reaches Fever Pitch
Years of speculation and hope culminated in this single night. The legendary friction between the Gallagher siblings often made a reunion seem impossible. Banners held aloft by fans echoed the sentiment: “The great wait is over.” Before the band appeared, a dynamic video montage showcased headlines detailing the brothers’ past conflicts. This visual history was capped with the simple declaration: “the guns have fallen silent.” This set the stage for the band’s explosive re-entry into the live music scene. The roar from the crowd was deafening as Oasis walked onto the stage.
Cardiff Erupts: An Iconic Opening
The band launched straight into the fitting anthem, “Hello.” Its defiant refrain, “it’s good to be back,” resonated deeply with the adoring audience. Onstage, the dynamic between the brothers remained a focal point. There was a brief, symbolic hand-in-hand moment early in the set. For the most part, however, Liam and Noel maintained a professional distance. Noel, 58, focused intently on his guitar work and contributions. Meanwhile, Liam, 52, prowled the stage. Clad in his signature parka, he delivered vocals with an undiminished swagger. This stage presence has defined him for over three decades.
A Setlist Packed with Undisputed Classics
The two-hour performance delivered exactly what the 60,000-plus fans craved. The set list drew heavily from Oasis’s seminal 1990s albums. Hits from “Definitely Maybe” and “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory” formed the backbone of the show. A selection of later tracks and fan-favorite B-sides were also included. Songs like “Supersonic,” “Roll With It,” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” sounded as colossal as ever. They instantly ignited mass sing-alongs across the stadium.
Liam, clutching his tambourine, frequently engaged the crowd. Before “Cigarettes and Alcohol,” he urged them to embrace each other. “Turn around,” he commanded. “Put your arms over each other like you love each other.” This simple interaction captured the communal spirit of the night. Noel also took lead vocals on several songs. This included a moving rendition of “Half the World Away.” The main set built towards a powerful conclusion. Encores featured some of the band’s most universally recognized tracks. “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” “Wonderwall,” and “Champagne Supernova” brought the stadium to its feet.
Simple Stage, Powerful Moments
The production for the Cardiff show was intentionally understated. Multicolored, sometimes psychedelic projections provided the primary visual element. The focus remained squarely on the music and the performance itself. There was minimal banter between songs. Liam did check in with the audience periodically. He jokingly asked if the show was “worth the 40,000 pounds you paid for the ticket?” This was a lighthearted reference to the ticket resale market. The overwhelming roar in response confirmed the fans’ sentiment.
A particularly poignant moment occurred during “Live Forever.” An image of Liverpool Football Club player Diogo Jota was projected above the stage. He had tragically passed away in a car crash just the day before. This tribute added a layer of unexpected emotion to the night. It reminded everyone of life’s fragility even amidst celebration.
A Generational Pilgrimage: Fans Share Their Stories
The streets surrounding Principality Stadium were a scene of celebration hours before the show. Fans gathered in groups, spontaneously singing Oasis anthems. The atmosphere was electric. Merchandise stalls did brisk business. Oasis-branded bucket hats were a popular item at £35 ($48) each. For many attendees, this was more than just a concert. It represented a significant personal and shared history. Rob Maule, 44, traveled from Edinburgh, Scotland. He described the experience as “very, very special — emotional.” He attended with childhood friends he used to see Oasis with years ago.
“For us, it’s a generational thing,” Maule explained. “It’s a chapter of our lives.” He also noted how some fans were now bringing their own children. This highlighted the enduring appeal and intergenerational connection to the band’s music. Another fan, Vicki Moynehan from Dorchester, summed up the dedication. Seven months pregnant, she stated firmly, “ain’t gonna stop me” from attending. These stories underscore the deep cultural impact Oasis has had on multiple generations of UK music lovers.
The Business Side: Ticket Frenzy and Controversy
Oasis originated in the working-class heart of Manchester in 1991. They quickly became one of Britain’s defining bands of the 1990s. Their sound blended sing-along rock choruses with the volatile chemistry of the Gallagher brothers. Noel, the principal songwriter, possessed a gift for crafting memorable tunes. Liam provided the distinctive, snarling vocals. Their dynamic, both musically and personally, fueled their success. Their infamous feuding, played out publicly for years, only added to their mystique. Liam once labelled Noel “tofu boy.” Noel famously compared Liam to “a man with a fork in a world of soup.”
This history of conflict made the reunion seem unlikely for years. The brothers reportedly resisted offers of multi-million-dollar paydays. The eventual agreement for the Live ’25 tour included former Oasis members Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs and Gem Archer on guitar, bassist Andy Bell, and drummer Joey Waronker. The announcement of the UK tour dates in August sparked an immediate, massive ticket-buying frenzy. This rush was unfortunately marred by significant technical issues and controversy.
Fans reported lengthy online queues, frustrating error messages, and crushing disappointment. The most contentious issue involved dramatic price surges. Some fans who spent hours waiting online found themselves paying 355 pounds ($485) for regular standing tickets. This was a sharp increase from the expected 148 pounds ($202). This widespread ticketing trouble drew attention in the UK Parliament. Arts Minister Chris Bryant publicly criticized “practices that see fans of live events blindsided by price hikes.” Ticketmaster, which sold approximately 900,000 tickets for the tour, has since been threatened with legal action by the UK’s competition regulator.
Tending the Legacy: A One-Off Event?
Music writer John Aizlewood commented on the significance of the tour. He suggested it offers Oasis a crucial opportunity to “tend the legacy” of the band. It allows them to remind a global audience of the sheer power and enduring appeal of the Oasis brand. “There should be a sense of huge joy and life affirmation about these shows,” Aizlewood stated. If managed correctly, the tour could massively “burnish” their legacy. He highlighted the continued “enduring love for Oasis,” noting that “love means money” in the music industry.
As of now, the Live ’25 tour is being presented as a one-off event. There have been no announcements regarding plans for Oasis to record new music. This means the tour serves as a focused celebration of their past achievements. Despite the ticketing controversies and the Gallaghers’ history of volatility, the initial fan response to the Cardiff concert itself was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees described the experience as “unbelievable.” Stephen Truscott from Middlesbrough summed up the anticipation before the show. As the eldest of four brothers, he understood sibling arguments. However, he confidently predicted the first night would be “an absolute unbelievable blast.” The roar from the Principality Stadium crowd confirmed he was right. The iconic sound of Oasis is indeed back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was significant about the Oasis reunion concert in Cardiff?
The concert in Cardiff on July 4, 2025, marked the first time Oasis performed together in 16 years. It was also the first time estranged brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher shared a stage since the band’s split in 2009. This event launched their global reunion tour, bringing back iconic Britpop anthems to over 60,000 ecstatic fans.
Where is the Oasis Live ’25 tour playing after the UK?
Following the initial run of 19 dates across the United Kingdom and Ireland, the Oasis Live ’25 tour will extend internationally. Future stops are scheduled across North America, South America, Asia, and Australia. The tour is currently set to conclude in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on November 23, 2025.
What were the main issues fans faced trying to buy tickets for the Oasis reunion tour?
Fans encountered significant problems during the initial ticket sales. These included hours-long online queues, website error messages, and frustration. A major issue was sudden, substantial price increases for regular tickets, with some escalating from around £148 to £355. These ticketing issues drew criticism from UK politicians and triggered potential legal action against Ticketmaster from the competition regulator.
