CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — After a 16-year hiatus, Oasis made a triumphant return to the stage in Wales on Friday, marking the kickoff of their highly awaited reunion tour.
In front of an ecstatic crowd at the Principality Stadium, the band opened their set with the fitting song “Hello,” which echoes the sentiment of their return with its refrain of “it’s good to be back.”
As the audience cheered, Oasis emerged on stage following a montage chronicling the tumultuous relationship between brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, culminating in the powerful message: “the guns have fallen silent.”
The brothers maintained a palpable distance during the performance, with Noel playing guitar while Liam, clad in his signature parka, delivered an impassioned vocal performance.
Following their opening number, they pleased fans with classic hits such as “Acquiesce” and “What’s the Story, Morning Glory.”
Liam, tambourine in hand, engaged the crowd, urging them to sing along enthusiastically as he declared, “Turn around.” He further encouraged the audience to show their love for one another with the request, “Put your arms over each other.”
Earlier in the day, the streets of Cardiff were alive with the vibrant energy of tens of thousands of Oasis fans eagerly awaiting the band’s return.
Anticipation for the band’s first live performance in over a decade was palpable, described by one fan’s banner proclaiming, “The great wait is over.”
The tour’s success seemed promising as the two Gallagher brothers hosted two sold-out nights at the 70,000-capacity stadium, setting the stage for the beginning of their 19-date Live ’25 tour across the U.K. and Ireland, followed by performances in North America, South America, Asia, and Australia, ultimately concluding in Sao Paulo on November 23.
Warming up the capacity crowd were notable Britpop acts, Liverpool’s Cast, who paid tribute to the late Liverpool player Diogo Jota with their song “Walkaway,” and former The Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft, whose powerful ballad “The Drugs Don’t Work” transported fans back to 1990’s nostalgia.
Many fans, some traveling from as far away as Australia, shared their experiences of growing up with Oasis and expressed gratitude for their long-awaited reunion.
“It’s very, very special — emotional,” remarked 44-year-old Rob Maule from Edinburgh, Scotland.
“I’m here with three of my childhood friends, and we’ve attended countless Oasis concerts across the country.”
Maule emphasized that for many, the concert represents a significant moment in their lives, bridging generational divides as parents pass down their love of the band to their children.
Vicki Moynehan, who traveled from Dorchester in southwest England, illustrated that her life had changed since purchasing her ticket nearly a year ago.
“Seven months pregnant — ain’t gonna stop me,” she said, highlighting her excitement for the event.
Originating from the working-class streets of Manchester, England, Oasis burst onto the music scene in 1991, releasing their debut album, “Definitely Maybe,” in 1994.
The band rapidly ascended to become one of the dominant forces in British music during the 1990s, producing eight U.K. No. 1 albums and hits like “Live Forever,” “Roll With It,” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger.”
Their music was characterized by infectious singalong choruses and the dynamic chemistry between the Gallagher brothers, particularly the artistry of guitarist-songwriter Noel Gallagher and the swaggering presence of frontman Liam Gallagher.
Over the years, the brothers’ relationship has been tumultuous, marked by a series of barbed exchanges both onstage and off.
Liam once called Noel “tofu boy,” while Noel referred to his brother as “the angriest man you’ll ever meet, like a man with a fork in a world of soup.”
Oasis officially disbanded in 2009, following a confrontation between the brothers backstage at a festival near Paris, leading to Noel’s departure from the group.
Now, at ages 58 and 52, the Gallagher brothers have not performed together since, although they often play Oasis tracks during their respective solo gigs.
Initially reluctant to consider a reunion despite significant financial incentives, Liam Gallagher expressed a desire to reunite, claiming that’s not solely for the money but for the love of performing.
After years of speculation, the brothers agreed to reunite for this tour, backed by former Oasis members Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, Gem Archer, Andy Bell, and drummer Joey Waronker.
The announcement of the U.K. tour in August ignited a feverish ticket-buying frenzy accompanied by a myriad of issues, including long wait times, unexpected error messages, and mounting frustration over price hikes.
Some fans reported paying exorbitantly high prices, with regular standing tickets selling for 355 pounds ($485) instead of the anticipated 148 pounds ($202).
This pricing controversy even garnered the attention of the U.K. Parliament, leading to criticism from Arts Minister Chris Bryant regarding practices that exploit live music fans.
The U.K. competition regulator has since threatened legal action against Ticketmaster, which processed approximately 900,000 tickets for the Oasis tour.
While there are no current plans for new Oasis music, this tour is being framed as a one-off event, providing an opportunity for the band to celebrate their enduring legacy and reignite the connection with their fanbase.
Music journalist John Aizlewood articulated that the tour allows Oasis to “tend the legacy” of the band, asserting the enduring love for Oasis serves as a powerful testament to their impact on music and culture.
Fans headed to the concert were dedicated to enjoying this monumental experience, with one fan expressing insight into the brothers’ potential disputes.
“I’m the oldest sibling of four brothers,” stated Stephen Truscott from Middlesbrough in northeast England.
“I know they’ll fall out, but tonight is about celebration. They’re bound to have an absolute unbelievable blast. It’s undoubtedly going to be the best.”
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