Oasis, the iconic British rock band, has once again captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their highly anticipated reunion tour, Live ’25. The band, led by the Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, has been lighting up stages across the UK, rekindling the spirit of Britpop and delivering electrifying performances that blend nostalgia with renewed energy. Their recent shows at Manchester’s Heaton Park and London’s Wembley Stadium have been nothing short of spectacular, drawing massive crowds and reigniting the fervor that made Oasis a household name.
On July 11, 2025, Oasis performed at Heaton Park in Manchester, their hometown, where they played to an enthusiastic crowd as part of a five-night residency that attracted a staggering 340,000 fans in total. From these performances emerged a special live recording of “Cigarettes & Alcohol,” captured as the sixth song in their setlist. Released on July 24, 2025, this live track serves as a vibrant memento of the band’s triumphant return to Manchester, a city deeply intertwined with their legacy. As reported by various news outlets, including the Jakarta Post and Backseat Mafia, this release follows an earlier live recording of “Slide Away” from their Cardiff show, continuing a series of live releases that celebrate the band’s resurgence.
The excitement surrounding the band’s comeback is palpable, with fans traveling from all over the world to witness the Gallagher brothers share the stage once more. Their residency at Wembley Stadium, which began on July 25, 2025, features seven sold-out nights and marks their first London performances since their 2009 split. The Wembley shows have been particularly notable for their scale and atmosphere, with each night drawing around 90,000 fans. The band’s setlist has been a carefully curated journey through their extensive catalogue, including classics like “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” “Wonderwall,” and “Champagne Supernova.”
During the second night at Wembley on July 26, the crowd of 81,000 fans enthusiastically participated in “The Poznan,” a celebratory football-inspired dance move beloved by Manchester City supporters. Liam Gallagher, known for his candid stage presence, encouraged the crowd to join in, joking about not asking much of them apart from this fun ritual. The band also engaged in light-hearted football banter, playfully teasing Arsenal and Manchester United fans. Noel Gallagher even pointed to a cardboard cut-out of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on stage, playfully dubbing him the “master” of Arsenal fans before performing “The Masterplan.” This nod to their football allegiance delighted fans and added a unique flavor to the concert experience.
Among the notable attendees at the Wembley shows were pop star Dua Lipa and musician Jarvis Cocker, who joined the enthusiastic crowd, further highlighting the cultural significance of Oasis’s reunion. Lipa was spotted singing along to “Don’t Look Back in Anger” during the second Wembley gig, a moment captured by Anais Gallagher, Noel’s daughter. The presence of such high-profile fans underscores the enduring appeal of Oasis across generations and genres.
The tour has not been without its challenges. Security concerns surfaced following viral footage of fans attempting to scale fences at Heaton Park to gain entry without tickets. Security expert Will Geddes highlighted the risks of such actions but noted that in the UK, trespassing laws for open-air venues are relatively lenient, resulting in minimal consequences for those caught. This situation underscores the intense demand for tickets, which has been a recurring theme since the tour’s announcement in August 2024. Ticket prices, which soared from £148 to £355 for standard seats, sparked outrage among fans and prompted investigations by the UK government and competition watchdog into dynamic pricing practices.
Despite these issues, the band’s live performances have received widespread acclaim. Critics from The Guardian, The Telegraph, and The Times awarded their Cardiff opening show five stars, praising the band’s ability to deliver a powerful, polished stadium experience while maintaining their signature rebellious spirit. The Guardian described the reunion as “Oasis redesigned for the 21st Century,” highlighting the band’s seamless blend of classic anthems and contemporary showmanship.
The setlist at the Wembley shows has been a nostalgic trip through Oasis’s storied career, featuring songs predominantly from their first two albums, Definitely Maybe and (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? Tracks like “Acquiesce,” “Morning Glory,” “Some Might Say,” and “Cigarettes & Alcohol” have been crowd favorites, alongside deeper cuts such as “Fade Away” and “Talk Tonight.” Drummer Joey Waronker, who joined the band for the tour, has been praised for adding a refined musical depth to the live sound, elevating the stadium performances beyond mere nostalgia.
Liam Gallagher’s stage presence remains as magnetic as ever. During the opening night at Wembley, he humorously acknowledged his tendency to get into trouble when speaking, promising fans, “So I’m just gonna sing.” He also addressed the crowd’s behavior, urging them to “Sort it out” after a fight broke out during the show, saying, “At least wait until it gets dark.” These moments of candor and connection have endeared him further to audiences, blending rock star charisma with relatable humanity.
The tour’s success is also reflected in Oasis’s dominance of the UK album charts. Their compilation album, Time Flies… 1994-2009, has returned to Number 1, with their seminal albums Definitely Maybe and (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? both holding spots in the Top 5. This resurgence in popularity speaks to the band’s lasting impact and the timeless quality of their music.
Looking ahead, the Live ’25 tour will continue beyond the UK, with scheduled dates in Japan, South Korea, South America, Australia, and North America. Australian fans can look forward to shows at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne and Accor Stadium in Sydney in late October and early November 2025. Following these international dates, Oasis will return to London for two additional Wembley concerts in late September, capping off what has become one of the most talked-about music events of the year.
The reunion of Oasis is more than just a series of concerts; it’s a cultural moment that bridges generations. Fans young and old are coming together to celebrate the band’s legacy, passing down the torch of Britpop anthems that have shaped the soundtrack of many lives. As one fan noted, the experience is less about rebellion now and more about joyous celebration—a party where everyone knows the words and shares in the collective memory.
Oasis’s journey from their early days signed to Creation Records in 1993, through their meteoric rise with Definitely Maybe in 1994, to their last studio album Dig Out Your Soul in 2008, has been marked by both triumph and turmoil. Their 2009 split following a backstage fight in Paris seemed to close the chapter on one of Britain’s greatest bands. Yet, their return in 2025 has shown that the spirit of Oasis endures, fueled by the undeniable chemistry of the Gallagher brothers and the timeless appeal of their music.
As the tour progresses, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how this legendary band continues to evolve. For now, the message from Liam Gallagher is clear and heartfelt: “It’s good to be back.” And for the thousands who pack stadiums night after night, it certainly feels good to have Oasis back in the spotlight.
