Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium was transformed into a Britpop cathedral this weekend, as Oasis returned to Scotland for the first time in 16 years, igniting three sold-out nights that saw over 200,000 fans flood the capital. With tickets snapped up within minutes of going on sale last year, the anticipation for the Gallagher brothers’ reunion was palpable, and the city buzzed with excitement, nostalgia, and a little bit of chaos.
The band’s return to Scotland, scheduled for August 8, 9, and 12, 2025, was more than just a concert series—it was a cultural event that drew devotees from across the UK and beyond. Fans traveled thousands of miles, with some coming from as far as Belgium and South Korea, eager to catch what many described as the “gig of a lifetime.” One fan, Jeongin Choi, 26, told Edinburgh Live, “The reunion is very special to me.”
The scale of the event was staggering. Each night, an estimated 70,000 people packed into Murrayfield, with roads, trams, and local pubs brimming with the energy of both longtime fans and a new generation discovering Oasis for the first time. The city’s transport infrastructure was put to the test, with ScotRail running extra services and increasing train capacity. Traffic Scotland issued warnings about congestion around major routes, and the Ingliston Park & Ride reached full capacity early in the day. “The queue was huge. You could spot the bucket hats from ages away,” one passerby remarked at the Princes Street tram stop, according to Edinburgh Live.
Inside the stadium, the vibe was electric. Fans donned classic Oasis merch, bucket hats, and pint glasses in hand, ready to be transported back to the 90s. For many, it was a night of reminiscence and reconciliation. William, who attended with his son Marcus, shared, “It’s a once in a lifetime gig, we’re here early to enjoy the atmosphere. I’ve been a fan since they started. We can’t wait. It’s all about reconciliation. Everyone can reconcile, no matter what argument they had, no matter what disputes, they brought it back for the greater good.”
The setlist, consistent with previous tour stops in Cardiff, Manchester, and London, was a hit parade of Oasis classics. Fans were treated to 23 songs, including “Hello,” “Acquiesce,” “Morning Glory,” “Some Might Say,” “Cigarettes & Alcohol,” “Supersonic,” and “Roll With It.” The encore featured the emotional “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” “Wonderwall,” and the show-stopping “Champagne Supernova.” As Jim Boyle from Glasgow put it, “I’ve just come from Glasgow. It’s a band I’d really liked at the time, I’d forgotten how many brilliant songs there were and how much I was into them. My favourite song is probably Champagne Supernova, I’ve heard it’s incredible at the end of the show.”
Support for the Murrayfield shows was provided by 90s indie stalwarts Cast and Richard Ashcroft, former frontman of The Verve. Ashcroft’s performance was a highlight in its own right, with fans singing along to “Lucky Man” and other Verve classics. He took the opportunity to address the crowd—and the city’s leadership—remarking, “I think the council needs to take a look at this crowd,” in response to reported council comments describing Oasis fans as “old, raucous and overweight.”
Noel Gallagher, never one to shy away from a moment, paid tribute to U2’s Bono, saying, “He was the one who started it all.” Bono has long admired Oasis, especially Noel, for bringing “big, generous sounds” and a raw edge to indie music, as reported by The Record. Liam Gallagher, meanwhile, couldn’t resist taking a jab at the Edinburgh City Council, using the massive platform at Murrayfield to voice his discontent during the show.
Of course, the festivities brought their share of disruption. Local businesses, especially pubs, saw a surge in patronage, while residents and commuters in Roseburn and Murrayfield braced for traffic gridlock and road closures. Edinburgh’s Queen’s Arms pub reported being “really busy,” with deputy manager Abi telling the press, “We’ve been really busy. It’s been fantastic. We’ve had loads of locals and tourists and it’s great to see so many people visiting Edinburgh.”
Merchandise stands did a roaring trade, with fans lining up hours before doors opened at 5pm. One attendee confessed to spending “upwards of £300” at the merch stand, a testament to both the enduring appeal of Oasis and the cost of nostalgia. Bar prices were equally steep—a pint of Heineken set fans back £7.85, and a range of other beverages were available for those seeking to toast the band’s return.
The run-up to the gigs was marked by a dazzling drone show above Murrayfield, spelling out the Oasis logo in the sky and building anticipation for the main event. Security was tight, with a long list of prohibited items including large bags, professional cameras, and musical instruments. Fans were urged to travel light and arrive early—advice many took to heart, with crowds gathering outside the stadium hours before showtime.
The Oasis reunion tour, which kicked off in Cardiff earlier this month and included high-profile dates at Manchester and London’s Wembley Stadium, has been a triumph of both nostalgia and showmanship. The consistency of the setlist, the energy of the performances, and the emotional resonance of the Gallagher brothers’ reconciliation have made each night feel like a communal celebration. After Edinburgh, the band heads to Dublin for two shows at Croke Park before embarking on an international leg that will take them to Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, Mexico City, and beyond, culminating in São Paulo, Brazil, on November 23, 2025.
For attendees, the Murrayfield gigs were more than just concerts—they were moments of connection, memory, and, as one father put it, a reminder that “everyone can reconcile, no matter what argument they had.” As the last notes of “Champagne Supernova” echoed through the stadium and fireworks lit up the Edinburgh sky, it was clear that the legacy of Oasis endures, uniting generations in song and spirit.
