It’s true – Oasis are back, ending a long wait for their reformation.
The band splintered backstage at Rock en Seine festival in Paris, Noel Gallagher walking out after one argument too many with his frontman sibling. The two went their own way – Liam Gallagher leading Beady Eye before going solo; Noel Gallagher taking High Flying Birds to critical acclaim.
Sparring in the press, the two shared barbed words, before a thaw seemed to develop this summer. Amid feverish speculation a time of 8am on August 27th was set – with Oasis revealing that their second chapter is under way.
The band go on tour next summer, but five key questions remain.
Who’s in the Oasis reunion line-up?
The press release we’ve been sent naturally focusses on the tour dates next summer, including nights at Wembley Stadium in London, Heaton Park in Manchester, and Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh – amongst others. There’s no information on who’s going to be in the band – after all, do Oasis opt for Zak Starkey on drums, as per their final incarnation, or Alan White, who played with them at Knebworth? Do they go for Gem Archer and Andy Bell on guitar – the latter very much involved in Ride’s ongoing reunion – or the original pairing of Bonehead and Paul McGuigan?
Speculation online holds that as part of the Oasis reunion deal, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will essential form the band, with Liam on vocals. Could guest spots from old friends pepper the tour…?
Will more dates be added?
In the run up to the announcement fans shared – some doctored, some perhaps not – images showing the tour itinerary. Initially, 10 nights apiece at Wembley Stadium and Heaton Park were mooted, but the initial announce only shows a quartet of nights at each of those venues.
So, will more shows be added? We anticipate that the initial shows will sell out in record time – after all, 4% of the population tried to get tickets for Knebworth first time round – so perhaps more dates will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
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Who is supporting Oasis on their upcoming reunion tour?
No tour is complete with the opening act – just look at Taylor Swift’s Eras, and the way fans embraced Paramore. Oasis have a long history of bringing newer acts out on the road with them, exposing them to their mammoth audience in the process.
With the Oasis reunion tour set to be 2025’s hottest ticket there will be no shortage of acts stepping in to the breach. Could it be old friends Kasabian, or Paul Weller? Perhaps Ride could support, enabling an Andy Bell guest spot? Or maybe someone new – personally, we’d love to see English Teacher in there.
Are Oasis playing Glastonbury 2025?
The line-up for next summer’s Glastonbury has yet to be confirmed, but Oasis have immediately been installed as front-runners. Sure, the comeback statement may warn that the shows won’t be televised, but they’re ideal for the Glastonbury audience – both on Worthy Farm, and those at home.
Oasis have played Glastonbury before, and Noel Gallagher has long heralded his appreciation for the festival, but this would be different – sealing their return in front of the audience of millions. As ‘Acquiesce’ has it – “we need each other…”
Will international dates be added?
The initial shows are all in the UK, except for two nights in Ireland – birthplace of the Gallagher’s redoubtable matriarch. Oasis were always huge in other countries, however – the likes of Italy, Spain, Germany, and Japan all have rabid Oasis fandoms.
Will Oasis take their reunion around the world? While a Glastonbury headline set has been mooted, we’d love to see them face down their American curse at Coachella. The world is theirs, all over again.
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