LONDON (AP) – Oasis is set to perform in Cardiff, Wales, on Friday, marking the start of their much-anticipated reunion tour. Fans eagerly await this moment, as the Britpop band returns after a hiatus of 16 years. The question on many minds is whether the tour will be a resounding success. The answer might very well be "definitely maybe."
Predictions about the tour's performance are inherently complex, especially regarding the notorious Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam, who have long been known for their volatile chemistry both on and off the stage. Music journalist John Aizlewood noted that the band’s appeal lies in this element of risk they embody. The brothers' tumultuous relationship adds an "alternative aura" to Oasis, making their performances even more compelling.
Unless their explosive dynamic overshadows the festivities, they are set to perform two nights at Cardiff’s 70,000-capacity Principality Stadium on Friday and Saturday. This will kick off a 19-date Live ’25 tour across the U.K. and Ireland, followed by legs in North America, South America, Asia, and Australia, concluding in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on November 23.
Oasis emerged from the working-class streets of Manchester in 1991, releasing their debut album, "Definitely Maybe," in 1994. They quickly became one of the defining British bands of the 1990s, producing eight U.K. No. 1 albums and classic hits like "Wonderwall," "Champagne Supernova," "Roll With It," and "Don’t Look Back in Anger." Their signature sound is marked by engaging rock choruses, supported by the dynamic between guitarist-songwriter Noel Gallagher—who draws inspiration from The Beatles and glam rock—and his younger brother Liam, a charismatic frontman with a unique style.
The Gallagher brothers have a long history of public spats, both in concerts and interviews. Past insults have included Liam calling Noel “tofu boy” and Noel referring to Liam as "the angriest man you’ll ever meet." The band disbanded in 2009 after Noel exited the group following a backstage altercation with Liam at a festival near Paris. Since then, although the brothers have not performed together, each has played Oasis songs during their solo performances.
Despite numerous calls for a reunion, the brothers had resisted until now. Liam appeared more open to the idea, stating in 2019 that Noel believed he was "desperate to get the band back together for money," while he had joined originally for fun and adventure. The newly announced tour will reportedly include former Oasis members Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs and Gem Archer on guitars, bassist Andy Bell, and drummer Joey Waronker.
The announcement of the tour in August led to a significant ticket-buying frenzy, with fans facing online issues, such as error messages and long wait times. Complaints surfaced regarding ticket prices, with some fans inadvertently paying £355 ($485) for regular standing tickets instead of the expected £148 ($202). This situation prompted criticism in Britain's Parliament, where Arts Minister Chris Bryant questioned the practices that leave concertgoers facing unexpected price spikes. As a result, Britain's competition regulator has warned Ticketmaster, which sold approximately 900,000 Oasis tickets, of potential legal action.
Within hours, tickets for the U.K. shows sold out, with some resale listings going as high as £6,000 ($7,800). This indicates not only a strong desire among long-time fans, who are now largely middle-aged men, but also interest from a younger generation. To date, there are no plans for Oasis to record new music, and this tour is being framed as a unique event. Aizlewood suggested that the reunion offers the band an opportunity to "tend the legacy" of Oasis and showcase the enduring popularity of their brand, noting that there exists significant love for Oasis, which in turn translates to financial prosperity.
