It's happening! After a 15-year hiatus, Oasis are reuniting for a world tour in 2025 with dates for the UK and Ireland announced. With hits like "Wonderwall," "Don’t Look Back in Anger," and "Live Forever," they are the voice of a generation. Their live performances, filled with raw energy and attitude, are legendary. Here are five memorable performances from the Gallagher brothers that will get any fan in the mood to relive the magic ahead of next year:
1. Knebworth, 1996
No list of Oasis performances would be complete without mentioning their legendary shows at Knebworth in 1996. On August 10th and 11th, Oasis played to a record-breaking 250,000 fans over two nights, solidifying their status as the biggest band in the world at that time. The setlist was a greatest-hits collection, including "Champagne Supernova," "Wonderwall," and "Supersonic." The sheer scale of the event and the passion of the crowd made this performance one for the ages. It was a moment of triumph for the band and for Britpop as a whole, capturing Oasis at the peak of their powers.
2. MTV Unplugged, 1996
The MTV Unplugged series has featured some of the most intimate and iconic performances in music history, and Oasis’ turn in 1996 is no exception. However, this performance is as famous for what didn’t happen as for what did. Liam Gallagher, the band’s charismatic and often controversial frontman, pulled out at the last minute, citing a sore throat. His brother, Noel, stepped up to the plate, delivering a stripped-down and emotionally charged set. Songs like "Don’t Look Back in Anger" and "Cast No Shadow" took on a new depth in the acoustic setting, and Noel’s vocal performance added a different dimension to the band’s sound.
3. Glastonbury Festival, 1994
Oasis’ performance at Glastonbury in 1994 is often credited with helping to launch the band into the stratosphere. Fresh off the release of their debut album, Definitely Maybe, Oasis took to the stage at the festival with something to prove. They played a blistering set, including tracks like "Rock 'n' Roll Star," "Slide Away," and "Supersonic," showcasing their raw energy and unbridled confidence. Despite being early in their career, this performance hinted at the massive success that was just around the corner. It’s remembered as a pivotal moment in both the band’s history and the broader Britpop movement.
4. Wembley Stadium, 2000
Oasis' performance at Wembley Stadium in 2000 was a landmark event, showcasing the band at their most ambitious. Over two nights in July, they played to a sold-out crowd of 70,000 fans each night, cementing their status as one of the biggest bands in the world. The setlist was a mix of their biggest hits, including "Morning Glory," "Roll With It," and "Acquiesce," along with newer tracks from their album Standing on the Shoulder of Giants. The scale of the venue, combined with the band's powerhouse performance, made this a truly epic show. The concert was later immortalized in the live album and DVD Familiar to Millions, capturing the intensity and energy of Oasis at Wembley.
5. Live at the BBC, 1994
In December 1994, Oasis performed a special set for the BBC at the intimate and historic Maida Vale Studios in London. This performance came shortly after the release of their debut album, Definitely Maybe, and featured a raw and energetic setlist that included "Shakermaker," "Columbia," and "Up in the Sky." What makes this performance stand out is its intensity and the sense that the band was on the cusp of something huge. The small studio setting contrasted sharply with the stadiums they would soon be filling, but it also allowed their music to shine without distraction. This BBC session captured Oasis at their most hungry and driven, and it's a must-listen for any fan who wants to experience the band in their early, unpolished glory.
Comments
Add a comment