The wait is finally over. After 16 long years, Britpop giants oasis have officially returned to the stage. Liam and Noel Gallagher played their first show together since 2009 tonight, July 4, 2025, at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. This monumental concert kicked off their highly anticipated reunion tour, “Oasis Live ’25.” Fans packed the stadium for a euphoric night filled with classic hits and deep cuts, marking a truly historic moment in music. The performance featured a massive setlist spanning their iconic career and showcased the brothers back in their element.
The Long Awaited Return to the Stage
The air in Cardiff crackled with anticipation. The reunion itself felt almost surreal for many. Oasis famously broke up in 2009 before a show in Paris following years of bitter feuding between siblings Liam and Noel Gallagher. Both brothers went on to successful solo careers, Liam under his own name and Noel with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Rumors of reconciliation had circulated for years. The official confirmation last year ignited a global frenzy among fans. Their press statement dramatically declared, “The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over. Come see. It will not be televised.”
Seeing Liam and Noel walk out together was a powerful moment. They reportedly emerged from backstage side-by-side, even holding each other’s arms aloft. This simple visual gesture symbolized a significant step towards burying the hatchet after their prolonged public disagreements. The band lineup for the Cardiff show included familiar faces. Co-founding rhythm guitarist Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs made a welcome return, his first time on an Oasis stage since 1998. Longtime members Gem Archer (guitar) and Andy Bell (bass) were also present. They were joined by new additions, drummer Joey Waronker and keyboardist Christian Madden, along with a brass section featuring Joe Auckland (trumpet), Steve Hamilton (saxophone), and Alastair White (trombone), plus backing vocalist Jess Greenfield. The assembled lineup delivered a tight, powerful performance that reminded everyone why Oasis dominated the 90s.
The Setlist That Blew the Roof Off
Oasis treated the capacity crowd to a sprawling, 23-song setlist. The show fittingly began with “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” album opener “Hello.” This set the tone for a night heavily focused on their most beloved records. Their 1995 masterpiece, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, was particularly well-represented. Eight tracks from that seminal album made the cut. The main set leaned heavily on fan favorites and anthems that defined a generation.
Hits like “Supersonic,” “Cigarettes & Alcohol,” and “Live Forever” from their debut album Definitely Maybe proved the band hadn’t lost their edge. The encore featured three absolute classics. “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” “Wonderwall,” and “Champagne Supernova” closed the night in spectacular fashion. These singalong anthems had the entire stadium roaring along.
Unearthing Deep Cuts and Fan Favorites
Beyond the massive hits, the setlist included several surprises. The band dusted off songs they hadn’t played live in many years. “Acquiesce” hadn’t been performed since 2006. “Some Might Say” and “Bring It on Down” were played for the first time since 2002 and 2006 respectively. Liam sang “Fade Away” with the band for the first time since 2002. Rarities like “Talk Tonight” (first time since 2005), “Little by Little” (first time since 2005), and “Stand by Me” (first time since 2001) delighted long-time fans. A truncated version of “D’You Know What I Mean?” last heard in 2002 also made an appearance. “Cast No Shadow” (first time since 2002) and “Whatever” were other welcome additions. Notably, Liam sang “Whatever” with the band for the first time since 1996. “Don’t Look Back in Anger” was performed with the full band for the first time since 2007. The encore kicked off with “The Masterplan,” a fan-favorite B-side. The band dedicated “Live Forever” to Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away the day before the concert. This poignant moment added a layer of emotion to an already highly charged night. The carefully curated setlist balanced iconic singalongs with rare gems, making it a truly memorable experience for everyone in attendance.
Here is the full setlist from the Cardiff kickoff show:
Hello
Acquiesce
Morning Glory
Some Might Say
Bring It on Down
Cigarettes & Alcohol
Fade Away
Supersonic
Roll With It
Talk Tonight
Half the World Away
Little by Little
D’You Know What I Mean? (Shortened)
Stand by Me
Cast No Shadow
Slide Away
Whatever
Live Forever
Rock ‘n’ Roll Star
The Masterplan (Encore)
Don’t Look Back in Anger (Encore)
Wonderwall (Encore)
Champagne Supernova (Encore)
Beyond the Music: Atmosphere and Moments
The energy inside Principality Stadium was electric. Thousands of fans, spanning multiple generations, came together to witness this historic comeback. Support acts included Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft and the band Cast, setting the stage perfectly. Richard Ashcroft described the night simply as “historic.” Critics hailed the performance as “euphoric” and declared that Oasis “brought the house down.” One review called it the “rock reunion to end them all,” noting the band tore through two hours of uninterrupted hits.
Liam Gallagher couldn’t resist referencing the tour’s controversial ticket pricing. At one point, he lightheartedly asked the crowd if the show was “worth the £40,000 you paid for the ticket?” The remark drew laughter, acknowledging the “dynamic pricing” model from Ticketmaster that has faced scrutiny from European regulators. Pre-show buzz included a vibrant drone show over the stadium spelling out “OASIS.” Noel Gallagher even travelled to Cardiff by train, a surprising and understated choice that delighted one young fan he encountered. That 16-year-old fan spoke to the band’s lasting appeal, important to both his parents’ generation and his own. Liam ended the main set with a heartfelt message to the crowd. “Nice one for putting up with us over the years,” he said, acknowledging the band’s tumultuous history.
The ‘Live ’25’ Tour: Global Reach and Challenges
The Cardiff kickoff is just the beginning of a massive global undertaking. The “Oasis Live ’25” tour is planned for 41 shows across Europe and the Americas. The initial leg runs through August 2025. It includes multiple shows in major UK and Irish cities like Manchester, London, Edinburgh, and Dublin. Dates in North America, South America, and Australia are scheduled for the rest of the year. The tour will hit cities like Toronto, Chicago, East Rutherford, Los Angeles, Mexico City, and conclude in São Paulo in November. The tour is reportedly globally sold out, with around 900,000 tickets purchased.
Despite the excitement, the tour hasn’t been without its issues. The aforementioned exorbitant ticket prices caused by “dynamic pricing” have been a point of contention. This issue has even led to attention from European regulators. Security concerns and large crowds were also part of the lead-up, with fans queuing for merchandise stands hours before the show. A concert film documenting the tour is also in production. It’s being produced by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace are directing the film. The scale and scope of “Oasis Live ’25” position it as one of the year’s biggest concert events. Sources close to the band emphasize how seriously they are taking this comeback. They want every night to be “massive.”
Oasis in 2025: More Than Just the Tour
The reunion tour isn’t the only thing happening in the world of Oasis this year. The band was nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. However, they ultimately did not make the final cut for induction this time around. Separately, they recently announced plans to reissue their landmark second album. (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? will receive a deluxe 30th-anniversary edition. This special release is due out on October 3, 2025. The reissue promises to include previously unreleased material. Unplugged versions of tracks like “Cast No Shadow,” “Morning Glory,” “Wonderwall,” and “Champagne Supernova” are confirmed. The B-side “Acquiesce” will also feature an unplugged version. A new book titled ‘And After All: A Fan History of Oasis’ is also being released. These activities underscore the enduring legacy and continued relevance of the band in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What songs did Oasis play at their Cardiff reunion concert?
Oasis performed a 23-song setlist at their reunion kickoff show in Cardiff on July 4, 2025. The set heavily featured tracks from their classic albums Definitely Maybe and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?. It included major hits like “Wonderwall,” “Champagne Supernova,” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” as well as deep cuts and songs played for the first time in many years like “Acquiesce,” “Some Might Say,” and “Talk Tonight.” The full list can be found in the article body above.
Who was in the Oasis band lineup for the reunion tour kickoff?
The lineup for the Oasis reunion concert in Cardiff included brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher on vocals/guitar. They were joined by former bandmates Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs (guitar), Gem Archer (guitar), and Andy Bell (bass). The live band was rounded out by new additions Joey Waronker (drums) and Christian Madden (keys), along with backing vocalist Jess Greenfield and a brass section. This expanded lineup supported the Gallagher brothers through the extensive setlist.
What other news or events are happening alongside the Oasis reunion tour?
Beyond the “Live ’25” tour, Oasis has several other notable activities in 2025. They were nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame but were not inducted this year. They have announced a 30th-anniversary deluxe reissue of their album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?*, set for release on October 3, 2025, featuring new unplugged tracks. A concert film documenting the current tour is also in production, and a new book titled ‘And After All: A Fan History of Oasis’ is being released.
The Verdict: Was the Wait Worth It?
Based on the initial reports from Cardiff, the answer seems to be a resounding yes. The energy, the setlist, and the sight of Liam and Noel Gallagher sharing a stage again delivered the monumental moment fans had dreamed of for 16 years. While challenges like ticket pricing persist, the focus for the night was clearly on the music and the magic Oasis can create live. The “Live ’25” tour is off to a powerful start, promising an unforgettable run for the nearly one million fans worldwide who secured tickets. It was a night that reminded everyone why Oasis remains one of Britain’s most important and beloved bands.
