Each time I’ve talked to anyone in Australia about heading to the UK to see Oasis, the response has been almost unanimous: “That’s a great idea, because there’s no way they’ll make it here!”
It’s a fair point, at least on the surface. Until the announcement of Oasis’ comeback tour in August last year, the Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam, had barely spoken a word to each other since the split in 2009. Ever since then, the pair have publicly and repeatedly slagged one another off. Until the tour was announced, it was widely accepted that Oasis would never reunite.
But here we are, four shows into their worldwide tour, and life is good. The band has been tight, the crowds have been stellar, and most importantly, Noel and Liam appear to be getting on.
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Predictably, though, there’s been speculation that everything is not as well as it seems.
Liam jumped in a car right at the end of the band’s first show in Cardiff? Gasp. A rift must exist because Noel and Liam – two men in their 50s – don’t share a dressing room or even stay in the same hotel? Gasp again.
But they don’t even talk much on stage? … Did they ever?
Of the four shows, each performance has started and ended with the Gallagher brothers arm in arm, sharing the occasional hug and bow. Footage has also been captured of the rock duo sharing a laugh backstage, sometimes even right before they go on stage together.
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Let’s also remember past reports of offers for the brothers to reunite being flatly rejected because the rift between the two was reportedly too untenable.
So let’s be honest about this, Australia: pending utter disaster, Oasis will be hitting our shores in October and November.
From the second Oasis hit the stage on Saturday night in Manchester’s Heaton Park to “Fuckin’ in the Bushes” – their second of five hometown shows – it was clear the Gallaghers were there for a good time. “This is the place, Manchester,” Noel told the 80,000 in attendance, as Liam added: “Oasis vibes in the area!”
From there, it was hit after hit. “Hello”, “Acquiesce”, “Morning Glory”, and “Some Might Say” were all rolled out to the adoring crowd. The band – also featuring Oasis legends Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs on rhythm guitar and Andy Bell on bass – have arguably never sounded better.
Over the years, one of the many famous run-ins between the brothers involved Liam hitting Noel with a tambourine on stage. Not on this tour. If Liam wasn’t playing along to the tunes, he was literally biting down on the instrument when he wasn’t commanding the audience with every lyric.
When it came time for Noel’s leading segment of the show – filled with favourites like “Half the World Away” and “Little by Little” – there were no ego moves from Liam. Quite the opposite in fact. Tea in hand, Liam gave a friendly fist bump to Noel, blew a kiss to the crowd and casually waltzed off stage in his signature style.
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The final third of the performance was littered with as many classics as the beginning of the set – “Live Forever”, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star”, “Don’t Look Back in Anger”, and “Wonderwall”. At over two hours in, Oasis were giving fans the show of a lifetime. And they looked like they were having as much fun as we were.
But it’s what Liam said right before the band finished with “Champagne Supernova” (complete with a fireworks display) that should ease any doubts from Aussie fans that Noel and Liam’s family reunion won’t last until October: “Over the years, I know it’s hard work and all that tackle, but we appreciate it. You’re the best fucking fans, man. You’re mad as fuck, but you’re the fucking best ones, man.”
Is money involved in the reunion? It undoubtedly plays a part. Both reportedly stand to make anywhere between £50-100 million for the shows. But large sums of money have been thrown at them before.
Forget the rumours. Oasis are back. From what we’re seeing on stage, Noel and Liam are absolutely on the same page and there’s no reason to believe they’re going anywhere anytime soon.
See you in October – it’ll be biblical.
The ‘Oasis Live ’25 Tour’ continues in the UK this week.
Oasis 2025 Australian Tour
Ticket information available via oasisinet.com
Friday, October 31st (SOLD OUT)
Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday, November 1st (SOLD OUT)
Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, VIC
Monday, November 4th (NEW SHOW)
Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, VIC
Friday, November 7th (SOLD OUT)
Accor Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Saturday, November 8th (SOLD OUT)
Accor Stadium, Sydney, NSW
