The long-awaited reunion of Oasis is finally underway, with brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher taking the stage together for the first time since 2009. Their historic comeback tour, Oasis Live '25, kicked off in Cardiff at the Principality Stadium on Friday, July 4, 2025, igniting excitement not only in Wales but across the globe.
Cardiff is currently buzzing with anticipation, as over 74,000 fans have descended upon the Welsh capital to witness this monumental event. The band’s first two nights at the Principality Stadium mark the beginning of a 41-date world tour, which will later visit cities across the UK, Ireland, North America, Mexico, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Chile, and Argentina. The global demand for tickets was staggering, with all 17 UK and Ireland dates selling out within 10 hours, and North American shows vanishing within an hour. Resale tickets are available on platforms like Viagogo and StubHub, but fans are cautioned to check ticket terms carefully, as many resale tickets may be invalid for entry.
Oasis fans have been camping outside the stadium for over 24 hours, with some of the most dedicated supporters rewarded with VIP ticket upgrades by the band’s management. According to reports, security moved these passionate fans to exclusive areas inside the venue, leaving them "deliriously happy". The atmosphere outside is electric, with fans posing for photos alongside cardboard cutouts of Liam and Noel and sporting iconic Madchester fashion, including a notable surge in bucket hat sales—up 79% year-on-year.
The Principality Stadium, a £121 million venue with a fully retractable roof, will keep the roof closed for the duration of the two-night stint, enhancing the acoustics and creating an intimate, electrifying atmosphere. Doors open at 5pm each night, with support acts Cast and Richard Ashcroft taking the stage at 6pm and 7pm respectively, before Oasis hits the stage around 8:15pm. The curfew is set for 10:30pm.
Fans can expect a setlist heavy on Oasis’ classic hits, spanning their early albums Definitely Maybe and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? Rumored rehearsals heard outside the stadium suggest songs like "Live Forever," "Supersonic," "Wonderwall," and "Champagne Supernova" will feature prominently. The band has also been spotted rehearsing tracks such as "F****n’ in the Bushes," "Some Might Say," and Noel’s solo performances of "Talk Tonight" and "Don’t Look Back in Anger." While the official setlist remains unconfirmed, the anticipation of hearing these beloved anthems live again is palpable.
Travelers to the gigs have multiple options. The stadium is a five-minute walk from Cardiff Central Station, where Transport for Wales and Great Western Railway are operating additional services with six extra trains per night, providing nearly 4,000 extra seats. A queuing system is in place from 10pm, with mainline rail queues at Central Square. However, Cardiff Queen Street Station will close at 10pm on event days except for accessible travel or Cardiff Bay routes. For drivers, park and ride services operate from the Vindico car park on International Drive, with buses running until midnight. City center car parks at the civic centre and Sophia Gardens offer parking for £20 per car, opening from 8am to midnight. Cycling remains an option with cycleways open during the event.
Cardiff’s city center is alive with Oasis-themed celebrations. Subway is treating fans to free subs from its food truck, featuring Oasis-inspired menu items like the “Don’t Look Back in Banger” and “Cluck’n’Roll Star.” PizzaExpress has launched a limited-edition Oasis menu, and doughnut brand WhoCult offers special Oasis doughnuts. Even Google has joined the fun, embedding Easter Eggs in search results for “Oasis tour” and “Rock 'N' Roll Star.”
Merchandise is flying off the shelves, with official stands open outside the stadium and inside various tiers. Exclusive Adidas x Oasis apparel, including track jackets, football shirts, and bucket hats, are popular among fans. A giant 16-foot “Wonder Wall” portrait made from 3,000 black and white bucket hats by artist Nathan Wyburn adorns St David’s shopping centre, drawing admirers from across the globe, including fans from Taiwan who have traveled specifically to be part of this momentous occasion.
Local venues are also embracing the Oasis spirit. Pre-show and afterparties are planned at Steinbeck & Shaw, Mary’s cabaret bar, Clwb Ifor Bach, The Bootlegger, and Revolucion de Cuba, offering Oasis-themed music and revelry late into the night. Meanwhile, pubs like The Prince of Wales Wetherspoons and Brewhouse are preparing for busy weekends, with plastic cups ready to handle the crowds.
Security and safety measures are stringent. The Principality Stadium enforces a strict ban on large bags, chairs, professional cameras, flags, and other items that could disrupt the event. Smoking and vaping are only permitted in designated areas, and age restrictions are in place: no children aged five and under are allowed, under-14s cannot access standing areas, and minors must be accompanied by adults. The stadium operates as a cashless venue, with all transactions requiring card or contactless payment.
The economic impact on Cardiff is significant, with hotels reporting 90% occupancy during the concert weekend and some charging upwards of £588 for last-minute stays. The influx of approximately 149,000 concertgoers over the two days is expected to inject nearly £940 million into the UK economy, underscoring the tour's massive cultural and financial footprint.
Reflecting on the reunion, Oasis fans and commentators alike express a mix of nostalgia and excitement. BBC’s Lorraine correspondent Nick Dixon captured the scene: “Some of the more passionate fans with tickets have been queuing up at different sections of the stadium since yesterday because they want to get in there as soon as the doors open at 5pm and rush to the stage.” The band’s return is more than just a concert; it’s a cultural event that reconnects a generation with the soundtrack of their youth.
The tour’s significance is heightened by the history between the Gallagher brothers. Their last performance together was at the 2009 V Festival, which ended with a notorious backstage fight leading to Noel’s departure and the band's split. The 2025 reunion, therefore, is not only a musical event but a reconciliation, with fans eager to witness the brothers share a stage once more.
As the sun sets over Cardiff on these historic nights, the city pulses with the echoes of Britpop’s golden era, brought to life anew by the Gallaghers. The Oasis Live '25 tour is more than a comeback; it’s a celebration of music, memory, and the enduring bond of family and fandom.
