After 16 years of anticipation, one of Britain’s most iconic bands has finally taken the stage again. oasis kicked off their highly anticipated reunion tour, “Oasis Live ’25,” at a sold-out Principality Stadium in Cardiff on a recent Friday night. This momentous event marks the return of the Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, alongside a revitalized lineup, ending a hiatus that spanned precisely 5,795 days. The sheer scale of the comeback was evident long before the first chord, highlighted by a dramatic drone display forming the band’s classic logo above the stadium days earlier, signaling the wait was truly over.
The week leading up to the Cardiff launch buzzed with activity. Passersby near the stadium caught glimpses of the preparations, hearing fragments of classic tracks during soundchecks. Songs like ‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’, ‘Wonderwall’, and ‘Champagne Supernova’ echoed, building excitement. Even deeper cuts like ‘Some Might Say’ and ‘Stand By Me’ were reportedly soundchecked, confirming rehearsals were in full swing. Noel Gallagher himself captured the mood perfectly during a radio interview, stating the sound was “sounding huge” and emphatically declaring, “This is it, there’s no going back now.”
Unprecedented Demand and Ticket Turmoil
The announcement of the “Oasis Live ’25” tour sent shockwaves through the music world, triggering what was described as the biggest concert launch ever in the UK and Ireland. Initial ticket sales saw over 10 million hopeful fans from 158 countries vying for seats. Around 900,000 tickets were sold across the tour’s initial dates, a testament to the enduring global fanbase.
However, the massive demand wasn’t without controversy. Many fans voiced frustration over dynamic pricing practices, particularly on Ticketmaster. Standard standing tickets initially advertised around £135 plus fees were relabeled as “in demand” and subsequently appeared as “platinum” tickets priced significantly higher, reportedly reaching £355 plus fees, without offering any extra benefits. This pricing strategy drew scrutiny from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The CMA launched an investigation, suggesting Ticketmaster’s actions might have violated consumer protection laws by not clearly explaining the “platinum” label offered no additional value beyond standard entry. The inquiry led to the CMA instructing Ticketmaster to revise its future practices for labeling and revealing ticket prices, advice the ticket vendor stated it “welcomed.” Despite the ticketing issues, the fervor for the tour’s return remained undimmed among devoted fans.
A Global Pilgrimage to Cardiff
The controversy surrounding ticket sales did little to dampen the spirits of fans converging on Cardiff. People traveled from across the globe, with attendees noted from countries including Spain, Peru, Japan, America, and Kenya. The opening night saw a crowd of 74,000 packing into the Principality Stadium, creating an electric atmosphere.
One fan, Jeff Gachini from Kenya, visiting the UK for the first time specifically for the show, perfectly articulated the band’s appeal. He explained that Oasis represents “overwhelming optimism about being young and loving music.” Gachini praised their unique ability to distill complex feelings into simple, relatable songs, stating, “To write simple music that relays the simple truth of life is very difficult. For me, they do that better than anyone.” This sentiment resonated with the diverse crowd, united by their shared passion for the Manchester legends.
The Reunited and Expanded Lineup
For this landmark comeback, Liam and Noel Gallagher are joined by several familiar faces who were part of Oasis during various successful periods. Guitarist Gem Archer, bassist Andy Bell, and rhythm guitarist Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs are all back on stage, bringing back key elements of the classic Oasis sound and stage presence.
Beyond the core reunion members, the touring lineup is augmented to add new dimensions to their iconic tracks. Joey Waronker, a respected drummer known for his work with Beck and REM and who previously toured with Liam’s solo project, is behind the kit. Backing vocals are provided by Jess Greenfield, who also sings with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Additionally, a brass section has been added, promising richer, fuller renditions of fan favorites. This expanded ensemble suggests a commitment to presenting the Oasis catalog in a grand, stadium-ready format for the 2025 shows.
Setlist Buzz and Stage Logistics
With soundchecks publicly audible and the opening night imminent, speculation about the setlist reached fever pitch throughout the week. Rumors swirled online, fueled by a purported running order leaked on Reddit. This rumored list suggested the show would open with the high-energy track ‘Hello’ and culminate, fittingly, with the anthemic ‘Champagne Supernova’.
Other fan favorites hinted at or rumored to be included throughout the night featured quintessential Oasis hits like ‘Acquiesce’, ‘Roll With It’, ‘Live Forever’, and ‘Supersonic’. Fans also anticipated moments where Noel Gallagher would step into the spotlight for lead vocals, a common feature of later Oasis shows and his solo performances. Reports suggested Noel was expected to take lead on two distinct sections of the show, possibly including beloved B-sides and album tracks such as ‘Half The World Away’ and ‘The Masterplan’. The inclusion of a brass section further fueled speculation about which tracks might be given a new arrangement.
A Legacy Forged in Manchester
To understand the magnitude of this reunion, it’s essential to remember Oasis’s meteoric rise. From 1994 to 1997, they dominated British music, becoming the biggest band in the UK. Their first three albums – ‘Definitely Maybe’, ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?’, and ‘Be Here Now’ – sold tens of millions of copies worldwide and remain cornerstones of the Britpop era.
Liam’s distinctive, sneering vocals combined with Noel’s masterful songwriting and wall-of-sound guitar work injected a raw rock and roll swagger back into the charts, providing a stark contrast to the introspective sounds of Seattle grunge that had previously held sway. Hailing from working-class Manchester, the band’s origins were famously rooted in a desire to escape the limited opportunities of their background. Noel Gallagher once candidly remarked on the reality of growing up in Manchester: “In Manchester you either became a musician, a footballer, a drugs dealer or work in a factory. And there aren’t a lot of factories left, you know?” He highlighted their humble beginnings, emphasizing they weren’t a group formed through academic or shared musical theory discussions but rather out of necessity and raw ambition, starting the band “because we were all on the dole and we were unemployed.”
From The Rain to Knebworth and Beyond
Oasis began as Liam’s band, originally named The Rain. However, Noel’s arrival proved pivotal. After witnessing them perform, he agreed to join only on the condition that he became the primary songwriter and the band’s de facto leader. This ultimatum, though initially bold, propelled them to global fame.
The pinnacle of their initial run arguably came in the summer of 1996 with two legendary open-air concerts at Knebworth House. The demand was unprecedented; nearly five percent of the entire UK population applied for tickets. A then-record 125,000 people attended each night, witnessing Oasis headline a stellar lineup that included acts like The Prodigy, Manic Street Preachers, and The Chemical Brothers. Knebworth solidified their status as cultural icons.
The Infamous Feud and the Long Silence
Despite their immense success, the relationship between the Gallagher brothers was notoriously volatile. Festering tension frequently erupted into public insults and backstage altercations. Incidents like a fight in Barcelona in 2000, where Noel temporarily left the tour after Liam allegedly questioned his daughter’s paternity, became part of their turbulent narrative.
The in-fighting persisted, ultimately leading to the band’s dramatic demise on August 28, 2009. Minutes before they were due to perform at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris, a final backstage bust-up occurred. Noel released a statement shortly after, declaring he “simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.” He later recounted the Paris fight involved Liam wielding a guitar like an “axe,” claiming his younger brother “nearly took [his] face off.” This explosive argument marked the end of Oasis, leaving millions of fans devastated.
The Reunion Takes Shape
Following the 2009 split, both Liam and Noel embarked on successful solo careers, releasing multiple albums and touring extensively under their own names (Liam Gallagher, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds). However, questions about an Oasis reunion never ceased, constantly following the brothers in interviews.
Liam often expressed openness to the idea, notably suggesting a reunion to support NHS workers during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. He even mentioned a substantial £100 million offer for a tour that Noel had reportedly turned down at the time, jokingly suggesting Noel was “after a knighthood.” Despite the persistent speculation and lucrative possibilities, the reconciliation took another five years.
The official announcement confirming the “Oasis Live ’25” tour came on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, following widespread rumors, perfectly timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of their debut album, ‘Definitely Maybe’ (which is also getting a 30th-anniversary reissue). The exact reasons for the final thaw in relations remain largely private, as neither brother granted interviews regarding the reunion itself. Tabloid speculation suggested Noel’s divorce in 2022 might have eased tensions, while another theory proposed both brothers simply wanted a more dignified conclusion to the Oasis story than the infamous Paris bust-up. Tim Abbott, formerly of Creation Records (Oasis’s label), expressed optimism about their current dynamic, noting he’d heard they were “getting on great” and didn’t expect the kind of extreme friction seen in the past, like separate limos. The band themselves signaled the end of the long wait with a cryptic statement on social media: “The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over. Come see. It will not be televised.”
The Tour’s Immense Scale
The sold-out “Oasis Live ’25” tour is an extensive undertaking, featuring 41 confirmed shows scheduled between July and November 2025. The itinerary spans major regions globally, including the UK & Ireland, North America, Oceania, and South America. The initial announcement focused on the UK/Ireland leg, confirming dates at massive venues like Principality Stadium (Cardiff), Heaton Park (Manchester), Wembley Stadium (London), Murrayfield Stadium (Edinburgh), and Croke Park (Dublin).
The international response was particularly overwhelming. Oasis’s co-manager, Alec McKinlay, expressed genuine surprise at the global demand in an interview with Music Week. While expecting a strong UK turnout, he admitted they were “bowled over by how huge it was” internationally, significantly exceeding initial cautious forecasts based on pre-tour statistics. Supporting the band on the UK/Ireland dates will be Richard Ashcroft and Cast, adding further Britpop-era weight to the lineup.
The financial implications of such a massive tour are substantial. Analysis from Birmingham City University estimated the tour could generate around £400 million from ticket sales and merchandise alone.
Beyond the Music: Promotional Buzz
The buildup to the reunion extended beyond the stage. A series of unique promotional activities amplified the excitement. The dramatic drone display forming the Oasis logo over Cardiff was a visible marker of their return. Retail giant Aldi even temporarily rebranded a Manchester store to “Aldeh” as a nod to the band, while Lidl launched a ‘Lidl By Lidl’ jacket inspired by Liam’s signature style. The brothers also reunited visually to promote a line of Adidas Originals gear and collaborated with Bohemian FC on a new football shirt. These activities underscored Oasis’s continued cultural relevance and marketability even after years apart. For fans planning to buy merchandise, the band advised pre-booking slots at upcoming pop-up stores to manage expected queues.
Looking Ahead: Not Forever, But Now
Despite the immense success of the tour launch and the vast global itinerary, the band’s management has tempered expectations regarding new material or a permanent return. Oasis co-manager Alec McKinlay explicitly stated there were “no plans for new music” and described the “Oasis Live ’25” tour as their “last time around.”
As the tour gets underway, starting promptly at 8:15 pm UK time on opening nights as confirmed by Liam himself, details of their logistical approach have also emerged. In a move that eschewed typical rock star extravagance, Noel Gallagher was reportedly spotted arriving for the Cardiff gig via train, a surprisingly understated entrance for a musician returning to headline a stadium after 16 years. This detail offers a glimpse into a potentially more grounded approach from the famously volatile brothers as they navigate this highly anticipated, and possibly final, chapter of the Oasis story. The Cardiff kickoff wasn’t just a concert; it was a cultural event, a global gathering of fans eager to relive the anthems and energy of one of rock and roll’s most influential bands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened with the Oasis reunion tour ticket controversy?
The launch of the Oasis “Live ’25” tour saw unprecedented demand, leading to significant ticket pricing issues, particularly on Ticketmaster. Standard tickets were sometimes relabeled as “in demand” or “platinum” and sold at much higher prices (up to £355 plus fees compared to standard £135 plus fees) without offering additional benefits. This prompted an investigation by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which suggested consumer protection laws may have been breached. The CMA ordered Ticketmaster to improve transparency in its labeling and pricing displays for future sales.
Which former members are back for the Oasis 2025 tour?
In addition to founding brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, the core reunion lineup for the “Oasis Live ’25” tour includes former members Gem Archer (guitar), Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs (rhythm guitar), and Andy Bell (bass). They are joined by new touring musicians, including drummer Joey Waronker, backing vocalist Jess Greenfield, and a brass section, creating an expanded ensemble for the live shows.
Will Oasis release new music after this reunion tour?
According to Oasis co-manager Alec McKinlay, there are currently “no plans for new music” following the “Oasis Live ’25” reunion tour. McKinlay also described the extensive 41-date tour, spanning multiple continents from July to November 2025, as potentially being the band’s “last time around.” While plans can always change, official statements suggest the focus is on celebrating their existing catalog with this tour rather than recording new material.
Conclusion
The kickoff of the Oasis reunion tour in Cardiff wasn’t just the start of a series of concerts; it was the culmination of over 16 years of hoping, speculating, and waiting for millions of fans worldwide. Despite the ticketing hurdles and the long-standing tensions between the Gallagher brothers, the event proved the enduring power of Oasis’s music and their unique place in cultural history. With a global tour planned and a lineup blending familiar faces with new additions, the “Oasis Live ’25” shows are set to be a monumental celebration of their legacy. While the future beyond these dates remains uncertain – with no new music planned and hints that this could be a final run – for now, fans can finally witness the return of the Manchester icons on stages across the world, starting with that deafening roar in Cardiff. The great wait is truly over.
