It's the cacophony that strikes you. The howls, the shouts, the urgent thrill of endless groups of people. Disregard the volume coming from the stage – your eardrums are left ringing, thoroughly overwhelmed by the crowd around you.
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That’s the Oasis live experience in 2025. Ignore the skeptics and the critics – this is the authentic experience. From beginning to end, this arguably marks the best sound Oasis has ever achieved; a band known for their unpredictable live performances, they were capable of evoking magic (Maine Road ’96) and despair (virtually every U.S. show, it seemed) in fairly equal parts back then. Right now, they’re covering all bases – Liam Gallagher’s vocals are phenomenal, and Noel’s return to a supporting role has revitalized his guitar work. Andy Bell and Gem Archer are rock-solid, while Joey Waronker is flawless on drums.
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Interestingly, Bonehead stands out as the band's true cornerstone. There’s an old quote from Noel Gallagher suggesting that the Stone Roses had four soloists on stage, sometimes appearing as if they were in different worlds, but Oasis had Bonehead serving as their pivot. I had always questioned that – surely it’s Noel who is the key figure? – but tonight, it’s unmistakably evident that Bonehead is the heart and soul, the driving force of this band.
The setlist has remained consistent each night – you’ve likely read previous reviews (some of which have already been featured by Clash), so it hardly needs to be repeated thoroughly. Still, one noteworthy detail: Oasis kicks off with ‘Hello’ and transitions into ‘Acquiesce’ – one an album track, the other a B-side. What other band could electrify an entire stadium with essentially deep cuts? It underscores their profound influence on British culture and the exquisite quality of those songs.
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And what incredible songs they are. ‘Some Might Say’ is vivacious, with Liam emphasizing each lyric; the punk fervor of ‘Fade Away’, the lyrical beauty of ‘Cast No Shadow’, and the raw, brash confidence of ‘D’You Know What I Mean?’.
Something about this feels distinct. I've witnessed both Liam and Noel's respective solo performances countless times, and their combined setlists tonight essentially split into two parts. However, the undeniable emotional weight of seeing these two perform together again, after a tumultuous decade and a half, is palpable. It truly – without a doubt – feels special. The energy hits its peak seconds after the band steps on stage and threatens to explode throughout the venue. This release of pent-up energy and the yearning for joy in tough times drive the atmosphere – it’s impossible not to get caught up in it.
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Interestingly, it never comes across as nostalgic. The setlist excludes the band’s post-Millennial works – despite some genuine gems in that era – meaning most of the audience is likely seeing these songs performed live for the first time. Additionally, with the rise of streaming and social media, the crowd is younger and less male-dominated than at Liam and Noel’s respective solo shows. It reflects the songwriting nature, the balance of Liam’s boundless confidence and Noel’s thoughtful introspection, allowing the band to transcend divides and generations.
Because in the end, these aren’t merely songs. With a lack of truly exciting folk music, bands like Oasis have become a part of the nation's fabric. You’ll certainly hear ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ at weddings and funerals, surfacing during significant moments of your life. This goes a long way in explaining the deep emotional resonance tonight’s performance holds for the audience – they are reliving their own stories, revisiting their own feelings. It’s not just a band reuniting; it’s about reconnecting with 30 years of life.
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A note as well on Noel Gallagher. An artist often easily overshadowed by critical consensus, tonight affirms that his five-year golden period stands alongside anything produced in this country. Morrissey had Marr, Lennon had McCartney, but Noel relied solely on himself. The encore begins with ‘The Masterplan’ and ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ before Liam returns for a radiant ‘Wonderwall’ and a jubilant ‘Champagne Supernova’ filled with both grandeur and genuine emotion.
It’s a thrilling conclusion, particularly fitting for such an extraordinary concert. In pure financial terms, this Oasis tour is the defining event of British music in 2025. Considering the anticipation, there was a belief that the band might only deliver adequately – that it would be satisfactory, nothing more. The fact that they appear so visceral, so cohesive, and operate with such purpose has resulted in one of the most explosive audience responses I’ve ever witnessed. It’s 2025, and Oasis is once again a phenomenon. Who would have thought?
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It’s the sound that overwhelms you. The shouts, the cries, the intense excitement of countless rows of people. Forget the decibels from the stage – your ears are