This Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, Radio X listeners have crowned "Live Forever" by Oasis as the best British song of all time, solidifying its status ahead of the band's highly-anticipated reunion tour this summer. Voted for in the station's 10th annual Best Of British with B&Q poll, "Live Forever" has topped the list for the third consecutive year. Oasis, the iconic Manchester band, boasts four tracks in the top 10, including "Don’t Look Back In Anger," "Slide Away," and "Champagne Supernova."
In a year where nostalgia reigns supreme, Queen’s timeless anthem "Bohemian Rhapsody" has once again claimed the second spot, while The Stone Roses’ "I Am The Resurrection" has moved up one place to fourth. The Rolling Stones’ classic track "Gimme Shelter" has also made a notable leap, rising two places to sixth. Geordie singer-songwriter Sam Fender’s "Seventeen Going Under" has re-entered the top 10, climbing five places to seventh, demonstrating his growing popularity among fans.
Completing the top 10 are Arctic Monkeys’ "505" and Amy Winehouse’s "Back To Black," which hold the ninth and tenth positions, respectively. This year’s poll indicates a strong showing for Oasis, who dominate the Best Of British list with a total of 16 entries—two more than last year. Fan favorites such as "The Masterplan," "Morning Glory," and "Wonderwall" have also made it into the top 100, further showcasing the band's enduring legacy.
Behind Oasis in the rankings are Arctic Monkeys with eight tracks, followed closely by The Stone Roses, who have seven entries. Notably, The Stone Roses’ "Fools Gold" is this year’s highest climber, jumping an impressive 68 places to 11th. Meanwhile, Sam Fender’s title track "People Watching" from his latest album has debuted as the highest new entry at number 21.
Other new entries in the 2025 poll include Amy Winehouse’s "Rehab" at 57, Blossoms’ "Perfect Me" at 59, and The Beatles’ iconic 1968 track "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" at 85. Led Zeppelin’s legendary "Stairway To Heaven" has made a return to the list, along with tracks from Kasabian, Radiohead, and Skunk Anansie.
Manchester, a city synonymous with guitar-based music, continues to shine as the most represented location on the list for the second year running. A total of 34 songs from 11 different Manchester-based artists, including The Smiths and Joy Division, accounted for 39% of the total votes. In contrast, London artists contributed 17 songs, such as David Bowie and The Clash, making up 16% of the final tally.
Matt Deverson, Managing Editor of Radio X, expressed excitement over the results, stating, "Live Forever had to be number one, didn’t it? And with Oasis dominating the 100 with 16 songs in the list, it reflects the growing excitement among Radio X listeners for what will be the biggest music and cultural moment of the year, from the biggest band in the world right now!"
The full top 10 of the Radio X Best Of British 2025 poll is as follows:
- Oasis – "Live Forever"
- Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody"
- Oasis – "Slide Away"
- The Stone Roses – "I Am The Resurrection"
- Oasis – "Champagne Supernova"
- The Rolling Stones – "Gimme Shelter"
- Sam Fender – "Seventeen Going Under"
- Oasis – "Don’t Look Back In Anger"
- Arctic Monkeys – "505"
- Amy Winehouse – "Back To Black"
As the anticipation builds for Oasis’s reunion tour, fans can expect a celebration of their favorite songs and the cultural impact these tracks have had over the years. The Radio X Best Of British poll not only highlights the enduring legacy of British music but also showcases the artists who continue to inspire new generations.
Radio X is available on 104.9 FM in London, 97.7 FM in Manchester, and across the UK on digital radio, Global Player via app, and smart speakers. As the music scene prepares for a summer filled with nostalgia and excitement, the legacy of British rock continues to thrive.
