On Friday, Oasis marked their triumphant return to the stage after a 16-year hiatus, launching a reunion tour with an electrifying concert in Cardiff, Wales. The band, known for their significant contributions to Britpop in the 1990s, delighted a crowd eager to relive their classic hits. The anticipation of fans from various corners of the world was palpable, and excitement filled the air as they bore witness to what many considered a long-awaited moment. The charismatic duo of Noel and Liam Gallagher, whose tumultuous relationship often overshadowed their musical prowess, had not performed together since the band’s notorious split back in 2009.
An eye-catching fan banner aptly encapsulated the momentous occasion, reading, “The great wait is over.” As the show began, fans were treated to a montage that highlighted the brothers’ well-documented rivalry, concluding with the phrase “the guns have fallen silent.” When Oasis finally appeared on stage, the reception was deafening. They opened with the fitting track “Hello,” which echoed through the stadium with its refrain, “it’s good to be back,” signaling a new chapter for the group.
While they did share a fleeting moment on stage by holding hands, Noel and Liam largely maintained a sense of distance from one another throughout the performance. Noel, at age 58, was primarily focused on his guitar, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia, while Liam, 52, donned a signature parka and belted out songs with abundant swagger. The duo’s chemistry was undeniably fundamental, igniting the enthusiasm of the over 60,000 attendees at the Principality Stadium, as they were treated to a meticulously paced two-hour set filled with songs that spanned the band’s iconic discography.
Their concert drew heavily from their debut album, “Definitely Maybe,” along with hits from their 1995 follow-up, “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory.” Tracks like “Supersonic,” “Roll With It,” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” induced powerful sing-alongs that resonated throughout the venue. Liam, ever the showman, encouraged audience engagement, inviting fans to unite by putting their arms around one another while he performed “Cigarettes and Alcohol.” A poignant moment came during “Live Forever,” when the band paid tribute to the late Liverpool Football Club player Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash just before the concert.
Noel alternated singing lead on certain tracks, including the sentimental “Half the World Away.” The evening concluded with a series of encores featuring enduring anthems like “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” “Wonderwall,” and “Champagne Supernova.” While technological elements like multicolored projections decorated the show’s visual appeal, the focus remained squarely on the music. Liam occasionally paused to check on the crowd’s excitement, humorously referencing the high price of admission as he questioned, “Was it worth the 40,000 pounds you paid for the ticket?”
The Cardiff concert served as the inaugural event of a 19-date Live ’25 tour across the U.K. and Ireland, with plans to continue to North America, South America, Asia, and Australia, culminating in Sao Paulo on November 23. In the lead-up to the performance, the streets surrounding the Principality Stadium buzzed with fans reveling in the band’s timeless hits and purchasing Oasis-branded merchandise, including bucket hats sold at £35 ($48).
Attendees like 44-year-old Rob Maule traveled from far and wide, cherishing the emotional significance of the event as they reunited with old friends who shared formative experiences with the band. Others, including Vicki Moynehan from Dorchester, expressed their determination to be part of the concert, even while being seven months pregnant.
Oasis, which originated in the working-class neighborhoods of Manchester in 1991, released eight U.K. No. 1 albums that solidified their status as one of Britain’s premier acts. The band’s sound, a potent mix of sing-along choruses and the contrasting yet complementary styles of Noel and Liam Gallagher, has endured through generations. Their history is marked not only by musical success but also by an intensely public and often tumultuous sibling rivalry, with quotations highlighting their contentious relationship providing colorful insight into their dynamic.
Despite pressure to reunite for the sake of fans, it took years for the brothers to agree on this tour that features former bandmates joining them on stage. The announcement of their reunion tour spurred a significant rush for tickets, leading to dissatisfaction among fans frustrated by inflated prices and technical difficulties on resale platforms. Such concerns even attracted scrutiny from the U.K. Parliament.
While the band currently has no plans for new music, this tour serves as a reminder of their lasting impact on the music scene. Critics view this as a chance for Oasis to reaffirm their legacy and reignite the adoration of their audience. The endurance of Oasis is evidenced by their loyal
