Cardiff, Wales — After a 16-year break, Oasis kicked off their much-anticipated reunion tour Friday, electrifying an audience of over 60,000 fans at the Principality Stadium with a setlist brimming with 1990s classics. The concert marked the first time brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher shared a stage since their turbulent split in 2009, thrilling attendees who traveled from across the globe for a performance many believed would never occur. One fan’s banner captured the moment perfectly: “The great wait is over.”
As the band took the stage, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when a montage of headlines about the Gallagher brothers’ notorious rivalry flashed on the screen, culminating in the message that “the guns have fallen silent.” Oasis opened with the rousing anthem “Hello,” a fitting choice for the occasion, signaling a joyous return to the spotlight.
Despite their past differences, the brothers’ on-stage chemistry was palpable though largely restrained. Noel, 58, concentrated on his guitar work while Liam, 52, exuded his signature bravado from the microphone, engaging the crowd with his unyielding energy. The two-hour performance highlighted fan favorites from their debut album “Definitely Maybe” and its landmark successor, “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory,” alongside a selection of later hits and beloved B-sides.
Songs like “Supersonic,” “Roll With It,” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” resonated through the stadium, igniting a wave of enthusiastic sing-alongs. Liam even encouraged unity among concertgoers, urging them to embrace one another during the upbeat “Cigarettes and Alcohol.”
A poignant moment during the concert unfolded with the song “Live Forever,” as an image of Liverpool Football Club player Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident just days before, was projected above the band, drawing emotional responses from the audience.
Noel shared the spotlight at times, stepping forward to lead vocals on songs like “Half the World Away.” The night culminated with encore performances of some of Oasis’ most cherished tracks, including “Don’t Look Back in Anger” and “Champagne Supernova.” The brothers briefly embraced as the performance drew to a close, a bittersweet nod to their complicated relationship.
The stage featured visually stunning projections that complemented the band’s powerful sound, which remained at the forefront throughout the night. While Liam’s banter was minimal, he humorously questioned the crowd’s ticket costs, a nod to the frantic ticketing saga that surrounded the tour’s announcement. Fans had faced intense online traffic and skyrocketing prices, with some paying hundreds to witness the event.
The Cardiff concert kicks off a 19-date U.K. and Ireland tour before the band heads to North America, South America, Asia, and Australia, concluding in Sao Paulo on Nov. 23. Fans lined the streets before the show, reminiscing and singing along to the band’s iconic songs, while others eagerly purchased merchandise such as Oasis-branded bucket hats.
For many fans, like Rob Maule from Edinburgh, the concert represented a significant moment in their lives. “It’s a generational thing, a chapter of our lives,” he remarked, highlighting the band’s enduring influence.
Oasis emerged from the working-class backdrop of Manchester in 1991, quickly rising to prominence as one of the defining British bands of the 1990s. Despite their iconic status, the Gallagher brothers have maintained a contentious relationship, frequently exchanging jabs in public. Their reunion tour, however, comes after years of speculation and demands from fans for a comeback, reflecting a shared nostalgia for a transformative era in music.
As the tour progresses, the future of new music from Oasis remains uncertain, with no announcements regarding new recordings. Yet, fans are eager to embrace the memories and history the tour revives, reveling in the moment and celebrating the band’s lasting legacy.