Oasis, one of the most famous bands of the 90s, kicked off their reunion tour at Cardiff's Principality Stadium last night, marking the first time in 16 years they have performed together. Fans were eagerly awaiting this occasion after a hiatus that stretched over 5,795 days since their last concert. The band’s soundchecks leading up to the event filled the air with familiar tunes like “Cigarettes & Alcohol,” and “Wonderwall,” garnering enthusiastic responses from fans nearby. "It's sounding huge," said Noel Gallagher in a radio interview, emphasizing the significance of this moment.
The Oasis Live '25 tour has proven to be incredibly popular, with over 10 million fans logging in from 158 countries to secure tickets last summer, making it the largest concert launch in the UK and Ireland's history. While approximately 900,000 tickets flew off the virtual shelves, some fans voiced dissatisfaction over ticket prices that rose significantly from £135 to £355 due to "in demand" rebranding. This issue led to an investigation from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which found potential breaches in consumer protection laws regarding the sale of "platinum" tickets that did not offer added value.
Despite the ticketing controversy, the atmosphere in Cardiff was electric, with fans coming from around the world to witness the legendary band live. Jeff Gachini, a fan from Kenya, shared how Oasis symbolizes youthful optimism and genuine musical expression for him. “To write simple music that relays the simple truth of life is very difficult. For me, they do that better than anyone,” he explained while attending the show.
The concert featured not only the Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam, but also former bandmates Gem Archer, Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, Andy Bell, and drummer Joey Waronker. Rumors circulated regarding the show’s setlist, hinting at classics like “Hello” and “Champagne Supernova.” Noel reportedly took the mic for a few songs, including “Half The World Away.”
Oasis, birthed out of working-class Manchester, initially drew the music world’s attention in the mid-90s, revitalizing British rock music with their raw sound and lyrical prowess. Their rise to fame was not without friction, with infamous sibling arguments leading to their breakup in 2009. After years of speculation regarding a reunion, recent familial changes and a desire for closure seemed to ease tensions, culminating in this historic performance.
As anticipation builds for what's anticipated to be a colossal tour, reports indicate that the band could rake in £400 million in ticket sales and merchandise. While Noel Gallagher has made it clear that there are no plans for new music, fans are cherishing this last opportunity to see Oasis together on stage again, beginning their 41-show tour across the globe.
