Oasis’s triumphant reunion at Heaton Park in Manchester has not only reignited the magic of Britpop but also set a new benchmark for live music events in the city. Between July 11 and July 20, 2025, the band played five sold-out homecoming shows that drew nearly 350,000 fans, creating an unforgettable cultural moment that will be remembered for decades.
The concerts marked a historic return for the Gallagher brothers, whose split in 2009 seemed to have closed the door on any future collaboration. Yet, on July 19, 2025, amid an electric crowd of 80,000, Oasis delivered a performance that exceeded all expectations. Liam Gallagher’s vocals, once a concern due to past shakiness, were surprisingly strong and clear, captivating fans old and new alike. The setlist was a dream come true for any Oasis enthusiast, featuring iconic hits such as “Morning Glory,” “Some Might Say,” “Cigarettes & Alcohol,” “Supersonic,” “Roll With It,” and the anthemic “Wonderwall.” The band closed with the emotionally charged “Champagne Supernova,” leaving the audience buzzing with a sense of closure and new beginnings.
Rob Ballantine, Director of SJM Concerts, the promoters behind the shows, praised the collaboration that made these concerts a resounding success. “We were blown away by the incredible support, atmosphere and success of all five homecoming shows by Oasis. They proved they are the most culturally important band in the UK and those concerts will live in the memories of hundreds of thousands of music fans for years to come,” he said. Ballantine highlighted the vital role Manchester City Council played, especially through their promotion of “Manchester Live 25” citywide, which helped amplify excitement and community engagement.
Ensuring the safety and comfort of the massive crowds was a monumental task. The council, emergency services, and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) worked seamlessly with SJM Concerts to manage nearly 350,000 attendees. A particular challenge was the thousands of ticketless fans who gathered on a nearby field affectionately dubbed “Gallagher Hill.” This area overlooked Heaton Park and became a focal point for fans eager to partake in the festivities without tickets.
In a gesture of appreciation, Oasis and SJM Concerts worked closely with the Safety Advisory Group, chaired by the council, to safeguard those on Gallagher Hill. Liam Gallagher acknowledged these fans during the final weekend’s concerts with a heartfelt shout-out, and live footage from the hill was broadcast onto the main stage screens. To celebrate this unique crowd, commemorative T-shirts featuring “Gallagher Hill” integrated into the Oasis logo were distributed to fans on-site, creating a sense of inclusion and community beyond the ticket barriers.
The gatherings on Gallagher Hill were not without controversy. In response to the large crowds, Manchester City Council erected a steel fence on July 15, 2025, aiming to restrict views and protect the environment, including livestock and newly planted trees. This move sparked backlash among some fans determined to witness the shows. Videos surfaced of fans employing creative methods to catch glimpses of the performances, including two men spotted in a cherry picker above residential rooftops, a clip that quickly went viral on Oasis’s official TikTok and Liam Gallagher’s personal account, garnering over a million views.
Despite some reports of attempts to disrupt the ticketless fans on Gallagher Hill, Liam Gallagher’s dedication of “Bring It On Down” to those gathered there made clear his support. “If you lot are listening on the hill… bring it on down,” he declared during the show, reinforcing the band’s connection to all fans, regardless of their ticket status. Noel Gallagher also chimed in, announcing during the concert, “We’re going live to ‘Gallagher Hill,’” further acknowledging the importance of this unofficial fan zone.
Oasis documented the scene on Gallagher Hill with an official video showcasing fans climbing fences, posing in the commemorative shirts, and even playing acoustic guitars and tambourines, capturing the communal spirit of the event. The band captioned the footage, “THIS ONE’S FOR THE FOLK ON THE HILL,” a tribute that resonated deeply with the fans who had gathered there.
While some fans attempted to gain entry to Heaton Park through fake accreditation or by forcing their way through perimeter fences—leading to several arrests by Greater Manchester Police—the police praised the overwhelming majority of fans for their sensible and responsible behavior. The authorities acknowledged the challenges but commended the collective effort to maintain order during what was one of the city’s largest music events in recent memory.
Looking ahead, Oasis is set to continue their Live ’25 reunion tour with seven nights at London’s Wembley Stadium starting July 25, 2025, followed by shows in Edinburgh and Dublin in August. The band also plans to take their comeback global, with scheduled gigs across North America, South America, Australia, South Korea, and Japan, signaling a major international resurgence.
Reflecting on the Heaton Park shows, it’s clear these concerts were more than just gigs; they were a cultural milestone that brought together generations of music lovers. From the thunderous crowd singing along to “Don’t Look Back in Anger” to Liam’s candid stage moments, the events encapsulated the enduring legacy of Oasis. The band’s ability to unite a city, manage massive crowds safely, and honor fans both inside and outside the arena demonstrated a remarkable blend of artistry and community spirit.
As Rob Ballantine aptly put it, “We would also like to acknowledge the incredible atmosphere generated by the fans who seem to have unanimously decided the gigs were the best nights of their lives! It was a privilege to be involved in the huge team of people making these concerts the success they were.” Indeed, the Heaton Park homecoming shows have etched themselves into Manchester’s musical folklore, a testament to Oasis’s lasting impact and the city’s vibrant cultural heartbeat.
