The rock world erupted with anticipation as oasis, the iconic Manchester band fronted by brothers Liam Gallagher and Noel Gallagher, took the stage for their first full concert in 16 years on Friday, July 4th. Kicking off their highly awaited reunion tour at a sold-out Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, the band delivered a powerful performance that reminded fans why they remain a seminal force. Yet, amidst the celebration of their return, a deeply poignant moment unfolded as Oasis paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Liverpool footballer, diogo Jota, who tragically died just the day before.
For years, fans of all generations had clamored for the return of Oasis, whose string of hit albums in the 1990s defined an era. The reunion tour was finally confirmed in August 2024, sparking immense excitement. The Cardiff show marked the Gallagher brothers’ first time performing together since the band’s 2009 breakup, and despite playful speculation about potential sibling disagreements, the concert showcased the band’s enduring chemistry and catalog, reportedly feeling as though they had never left the stage. The setlist spanned seven albums, featuring 23 tracks including fan favorites like ‘Supersonic’, ‘Champagne Supernova’, and ‘Roll With It’, during a high-energy two-hour performance.
Toward the close of the momentous concert, a profoundly moving tribute unfolded during the performance of their classic anthem, ‘Live Forever’. The Gallagher brothers, well-known avid supporters of Liverpool’s Premier League rivals, Manchester City, paused during the outro of the song to honor Diogo Jota. As the powerful chords of ‘Live Forever’ echoed through the stadium, a large screen behind the band displayed a simple yet impactful image: the back of Jota’s number 20 Liverpool FC jersey. This visual dedication reportedly drew a loud and emotional ovation from the estimated 75,000-strong crowd, with some attendees displaying a Portugal flag and setting off red flares as a mark of respect for the Portuguese player.
The tribute came in the wake of the devastating news that Diogo Jota, 28, and his younger brother, André Silva, 25, were killed in a car crash on Thursday, July 3rd. The accident occurred near Zamora, Spain, when their vehicle, a Lamborghini, reportedly went off the road shortly after midnight local time and became engulfed in flames. While the investigation into the exact cause is ongoing, initial reports from Spanish police suggest a potential tyre blowout while the car was overtaking may have contributed to the tragedy. The rapid and unexpected loss of the two brothers sent shockwaves through the football world and beyond.
Tributes for Diogo Jota and his brother have continued to pour in from across the globe since the news broke. Following the crash, the brothers’ bodies were returned to Portugal on Thursday. A wake was held in their hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, on Friday, with the funeral taking place there on Saturday, July 5th, attended by numerous figures from the football community, including teammates past and present, alongside family and friends. The widespread mourning highlighted Jota’s impact both on and off the pitch, and his personal life; he had recently married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, and the couple had three children. It was also reported that Liverpool Football Club intended to honor the remainder of his contract with his family.
The Oasis concert wasn’t the only place where tribute was paid in Cardiff that night. The support act, Liverpudlian indie rock band Cast, also dedicated a song to Jota. Before performing their track ‘Walkaway’, lead singer John Power addressed the crowd, stating, “This is Walkaway. This one is for Diogo Jota. Take it easy, brother,” ensuring the fallen footballer was remembered by multiple artists on the bill. Beyond the music scene, moments of remembrance were seen in other sports: Portuguese footballers João Cancelo and Rúben Neves were visibly emotional during a moment of silence observed at the FIFA Club World Cup in Orlando, Florida, before their match. At Wimbledon, Portuguese tennis players Nuno Borges and Francisco Cabral received special permission to wear black ribbons on their all-white attire as a sign of mourning.
The “momentous” return show itself received rave early reviews, described by some attendees as ‘class’ and a ‘supersonic reunion’. While crowd interaction from the Gallagher brothers was reportedly minimal, limited to brief exchanges like Liam asking the audience if they were “alright,” the focus remained firmly on delivering a powerful musical performance. The extensive setlist pleased long-time fans, reaffirming the band’s place in music history. The concert’s backdrop was also noted for opening with a montage of headlines teasing the band’s return, and a fleeting reference by Liam Gallagher seemingly nodding to the dynamic ticket pricing controversy that surrounded the tour’s announcement, where prices soared based on demand, prompting an investigation. Oasis reportedly later decided to drop dynamic pricing for their US dates following the criticism and regulatory attention.
The Cardiff shows kick off a substantial worldwide tour for Oasis, continuing with another performance at Principality Stadium on Saturday, July 5th. The tour will then move through the UK, hitting Manchester, England; London; and Edinburgh, Scotland, before dates in Dublin and across the globe, culminating in Sao Paulo on November 23rd. The tour is expected to be a massive financial success, with projections suggesting potential revenues in the hundreds of millions, cementing the enduring legacy and commercial power of the Gallagher brothers and Oasis. The poignant tribute to Diogo Jota served as a reminder that even amidst a triumphant return, the wider world of sport and tragedy can intersect, uniting fans and musicians in a shared moment of sorrow and remembrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Diogo Jota and his brother?
Diogo Jota, a 28-year-old Portuguese footballer who played for Liverpool FC, and his 25-year-old brother, André Silva, tragically died in a car crash on Thursday, July 3rd, near Zamora, Spain. Their vehicle reportedly went off the road and caught fire. An investigation is ongoing, with police exploring potential causes including a possible tyre blowout while the car was overtaking.
How did Oasis pay tribute to Diogo Jota at their first reunion show?
During the first night of their reunion tour in Cardiff, Wales, on July 4th, Oasis paid tribute to Diogo Jota during the outro of their song ‘Live Forever’. As the music played, the back of Jota’s number 20 Liverpool FC jersey was displayed on the large screen behind the band. This visual dedication prompted a loud ovation from the sold-out crowd at Principality Stadium.
Were there other tributes to Diogo Jota after his death?
Yes, tributes poured in globally following Diogo Jota’s death. At the Oasis concert, the support act, Cast, also dedicated their song ‘Walkaway’ to him. In the sporting world, Portuguese players showed emotion during a moment of silence at the FIFA Club World Cup, and Portuguese tennis players received special permission to wear black ribbons at Wimbledon. Jota’s funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, was attended by numerous football figures.
