THE BLUE AND WHITE

On August 27th, 2024, Oasis announced that they would be reuniting in spectacular fashion with a world tour spanning 4 continents from early July to late November of 2025. The 90’s rock band had long been the subject of media scrutiny, fuelled by the notorious rift between the two most well-known members – lead guitarist Noel Gallagher and vocalist Liam Gallagher. Prior to the Live ‘25 Tour, the Gallagher brothers had last performed together at the V Festival in England on August 22nd, 2009. Their breakup came during the warmups to performing at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris just 6 days later, where a backstage argument caused Noel to quit the band.

Liam Gallagher has long been known as loud and arrogant – but that’s all that makes him the person he is. His stage presence, raspy vocals and unfiltered opinions make him a fan favourite, singing for Oasis since 1993. Noel’s personality is understood as more of a levelheaded one, often being the voice of reason within the group and the source of record deals for the band. The two brothers’ contrasting personalities caused arguments and constant bickering – but that night in Paris was the final straw, driving a stake between the brothers for 15 years.

Oasis’s impact on the British music scene in the 1990s and early 2000s is unspeakably large – with record hits such as Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back in Anger, and Champagne Supernova defining an entire generation of people. Even today, in the UK, many pubs will come together singing an anthem from years past, bringing people together from different backgrounds and different lives. Authentic, powerful guitar riffs from Noel and sharp, sneering vocals from Liam was what took Oasis from performing in Manchester’s underground venues to the mighty Knebworth park in 1996, where they released a live album.

Oasis at Knebworth in 1996 (Taken by Jill Furmanovsky)

The tour has been underway for about 3 months now, and Oasis have knocked off two of their four continents – North America and Europe. I was fortunate enough to attend Oasis’s first night in Toronto, which was an experience that can only be described as biblical. Singing ballads like ‘Slide Away’ and ‘Live Forever’ in the pouring rain surrounded by people who shared my adoration for the band provided a feeling that I don’t believe can ever be replaced. With a new drummer (Joey Waronker) and two of their best previous guitarists (Andy Bell and Gem Archer), Noel and Liam are supported by a group that knows how to perform as a band better than anyone.

Oasis’ Sold Out Night 1 at Rogers Stadium – Toronto

Oasis’s reunion has ignited a flame that many deemed to be extinguished – allowing many people to relive their youths in the present day. However, Oasis has also successfully thrust itself into the younger generation, with constant news about the tour provoking numbers never seen since their breakup. At a point in July, their first two albums “Definitely Maybe” and “What’s the Story? Morning Glory” were the two most played albums on the UK Charts. I feel the impact of their music everyday with them being my favourite band, but for people looking to try something new in terms of their listening habits, here are my top 10 Oasis tracks.

1. Don’t Look Back in Anger
2. Supersonic
3. Slide Away
4. Live Forever
5. She’s Electric
6. Wonderwall
7. Acquiesce
8. Champagne Supernova
9. Columbia
10. Morning Glory

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you all enjoyed reading this article. A spirit of authenticity and brotherhood lies with Oasis, which makes them so appealing to me. I encourage you all to give them a chance – maybe they’ll work their way into your playlists.