LONDON (AP) — Oasis is set to electrify Cardiff, Wales, this Friday, marking the start of a much-anticipated reunion tour. The return of the iconic Britpop band after a 16-year hiatus is a monumental event for fans worldwide. The question on everyone’s lips: will the tour be a triumphant success? The answer is, “Definitely maybe.” The unpredictable nature of Noel and Liam Gallagher, the dynamic sibling duo at the heart of Oasis, adds an exciting element of uncertainty to the proceedings.
“That’s one of the attractions about Oasis — they bring this element of risk,” said John Aizlewood, an author and music journalist. He noted the “alternative aura” cultivated by the fractious brothers is a significant part of the band’s enduring appeal. Unless the brothers’ volatile relationship derails the tour, the two-night stint at Cardiff’s 70,000-capacity Principality Stadium on Friday and Saturday will launch a 19-date Live ’25 tour across the U.K. and Ireland. The tour will then move to North America, South America, Asia, and Australia, concluding in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on November 23.
The Legacy of Oasis
Founded in the working-class streets of Manchester in 1991, Oasis quickly rose to prominence with their debut album, “Definitely Maybe,” in 1994. They became one of the most influential British bands of the 1990s, releasing eight U.K. No. 1 albums and producing timeless hits such as “Wonderwall,” “Champagne Supernova,” “Roll With It,” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” The band’s sound was characterized by singalong rock choruses and the combustible chemistry between guitarist-songwriter Noel Gallagher and his younger brother Liam, a frontman known for his compelling swagger and style.
Throughout their career, the Gallagher brothers have been known for their public spats — onstage, in the studio, and during interviews. Liam once referred to Noel as “tofu boy,” while Noel described Liam as “the angriest man you’ll ever meet. He’s like a man with a fork in a world of soup.” The tension culminated in 2009 when Oasis disbanded after Noel left the group following a backstage altercation with Liam at a festival near Paris. Since then, the brothers have pursued solo careers, often performing Oasis songs at their gigs, but have resisted reuniting despite lucrative offers.
The Road to Reunion
The announcement of the U.K. tour in August ignited a ticket-buying frenzy, with fans facing error messages, lengthy online queues, and unexpected price hikes. Some fans reported paying 355 pounds ($485) for regular standing tickets instead of the anticipated 148 pounds ($202). The ticketing chaos prompted questions in Britain’s Parliament, where Arts Minister Chris Bryant criticized the “practices that see fans of live events blindsided by price hikes.” Britain’s competition regulator has since threatened Ticketmaster, which sold approximately 900,000 Oasis tickets, with legal action. Tickets for the U.K. shows sold out in hours, with some reselling for as much as 6,000 pounds ($7,800), highlighting the intense demand from both original fans and a new generation.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of the Tour
While no plans have been announced for Oasis to record new music, the tour is being billed as a one-off event. Aizlewood suggested this is an opportunity for Oasis to “tend the legacy” of the band and remind audiences of their powerful brand. “There should be a sense of huge joy and life affirmation about these shows. And I think if they can just play it right, then that can be a massive burnishing of their legacy,” he said.
“(There is) this enduring love for Oasis — and love means money.”
As the world waits to see if the Gallagher brothers can put aside their differences for the sake of music, the anticipation grows. The Oasis reunion tour not only promises to rekindle the magic of their heyday but also serves as a testament to the lasting impact of their music on generations of fans. Whether this reunion is a fleeting moment or the start of a new chapter remains to be seen, but for now, the excitement is palpable as Cardiff prepares to welcome back one of Britain’s greatest rock bands.
