In a momentous return to the stage, British rock band Oasis reunited for their first live performance since 2009, captivating a crowd of over 74,000 fans at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. The concert marked the commencement of their highly anticipated “Live ’25” reunion tour, celebrating the band’s enduring legacy and the 30th anniversary of their debut album, Definitely Maybe.
A Nostalgic Setlist and Symbolic Moments
The evening opened with “Hello,” a track whose lyric “it’s good to be back” resonated deeply with the audience, setting the tone for a night filled with nostalgia and emotion. The Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, delivered a powerful setlist that included fan favorites such as “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” and “Champagne Supernova.” The performance also featured a poignant tribute to the late footballer Diogo Jota, with “Live Forever” dedicated in his memory.
Original band member Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs returned to the lineup for the first time since 1999, joined by longtime contributors Gem Archer and Andy Bell, and new drummer Joey Waronker. The ensemble’s chemistry was evident, reigniting the energy that defined Oasis’s Britpop era.
Global Fanbase and Cultural Impact
The reunion drew fans from across the globe, with attendees traveling from as far as Japan and the United States to witness the historic event. The streets of Cardiff buzzed with excitement, as local shops and pubs embraced the occasion with Oasis-themed decorations and playlists. The city’s atmosphere transformed into a festival-like celebration, highlighting the band’s multigenerational appeal.
Streaming Surge and Economic Influence
The announcement of the reunion tour sparked a significant increase in the band’s streaming numbers. Spotify reported a 750% surge in Oasis streams within an hour of the tour’s announcement, with over 11 million streams on the day tickets went on sale. This resurgence underscores the band’s lasting influence and the public’s eagerness to reconnect with their music.
Economically, the tour is projected to have a substantial impact. Barclays estimates that fans attending the 17 UK concerts will collectively spend over £1 billion, surpassing the expenditure of Taylor Swift’s 2024 UK tour. The demand for tickets was overwhelming, with UK and Ireland dates selling out within hours, prompting the addition of extra shows to accommodate fans.
Looking Ahead
The “Live ’25” tour will continue with performances in major cities including Manchester, London, and Dublin, before extending to North America, South America, Asia, and Australia. The tour is scheduled to conclude on November 23, 2025, in São Paulo, Brazil.
As Oasis embarks on this global journey, their reunion not only rekindles the spirit of the 1990s Britpop movement but also introduces their timeless music to a new generation of fans. The successful launch in Cardiff sets a promising tone for the rest of the tour, reaffirming the band’s place in rock history.