2025 - THE YEAR OF OASIS.
A LOOK BACK AT SOME OF THEIR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS OVER THE YEARS.
After a 15 year feud and hiatus from performing together, the Gallagher brothers shocked the world in August 2024 when announcing their long-awaited reunion fans thought would never happen. With both Noel and Liam leading successful solo careers throughout their time apart (Beady Eye, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Liam Gallagher) the brothers amassed an incredible 9 number one albums separately and remained two of the most watched musicians in the world.
With their reunion confirmed and a world tour on the way, we are looking back at some of the band’s most iconic moments over the years, in preparation for their return.
1994: Definitely maybe
With their debut album being largely considered one of if not the greatest Britpop album, the Manchester band skyrocketed to fame with their big-riffs and swagger - paving the way to years of unbeknown fame. Reaching number 1 in the UK, Definitely Maybe became the fastest selling debut album in British history at the time - cementing the band as the one to watch.
1996 - knebworth
Attracting 500,000 fans across two nights, Oasis took to Knebworth with just 2 studio albums under their belt, to perform two of the most famous gigs in British music. With the gig costing just £22.50 per person, fans were treated to a stellar lineup of supports including The Chemical Brothers, Ocean Colour Scene, The Prodigy and Manic Street Preachers. With the live album recording and documentary being released in 2021, 25 years on, Oasis live at Knebworth will be remembered for generations to come as one of the greats.
The britpop rivalry
With Blur finding success in charts in 1994 with ‘Parklife’ alongside Oasis’ triumphant debut ‘Definitely Maybe’, frontman Damon Albarn said their rivalry began when Oasis saw their single ‘Some Might Say’ reach number 1.
“I went to their celebration party, y’know, just to say “well done”. And Liam came over and, like he is, he goes, “Number fuckin’ One!”, right in my face. So I thought, “Ok we’ll see...”.”
Deciding to rival their single ‘Roll With It’, Blur released their single ‘Country House’ on the same day, adding fuel to the fire (August 14th 1995). With Blur coming out on top with 274,000 sales compared to Oasis’ 216,000 - it became one of the biggest chart battles in British history. However, this feud was only amplified when they decided to release their albums months apart, resulting in Oasis’ ‘(What’s the Story) Morning Glory’ spending 10 weeks at number one on the British Charts, becoming one of the best selling British albums of all time and the biggest selling album of the 90s.
Familiar to millions (2000)
The second night of ‘Familiar To Millions’ remains one of the most iconic gigs, with it being both the last show at the old Wembley and a turning point for Oasis and their future. With a recent split with Patsy Kensit, Liam appeared both drunk and out-of-sorts performing that night, with multiple lyric changes, outlandish behaviour and a general lack of care given.
After this performance, Liam has openly said this was the reason he decided to stop drinking during live performances - due to the events that occurred as a result. Whilst the second night was largely a disaster, the live record ‘Familiar To Millions’ was still released and remains one of the best recorded displays of the band live.
2009 - THE SPLIT
Being traced back to a backstage scuffle between the brothers at Rock En Seine in Paris on the 28th August 2009, just moments before they were due on stage, the two had an unruly fight over Noel announcing he was leaving the band, resulting in Liam smashing his guitar. After 50 million records sold and a back catalogue of iconic gigs under their belt, medics and security were called and the gig was off. Following this, Noel posted a statement on the band’s official website saying the situation with Liam had become unbearable and he was ‘leaving with sadness and great relief.’ Oasis were done.
The Reunion
After days of rumours, years of whispers and talk - on Sunday the 24th of August 2024, at both the end of Blossoms’ headline show at Wythenshawe Park and Liam Gallagher’s headline set at Reading Festival, all of the stage screens turned to an ominous black, with the gold numbers (in the style of Oasis’ logo) labelling ‘28.08.24’ appearing and leaving thousands upon thousands gasping. With an official announcement on the band’s social media, along with Noel and Liam’s - Oasis were back for good, ready to return to stages across the world together for the time in what will be 16 years.
