In this series, our editors Ali and Gabi take a look at the week’s main talking points in music and pop culture. An edited version of the near-constant dialogue they have over text and voice notes, “We Listen & We Judge” features strong opinions but also very strong love for all things music. Now that Glastonbury tents have been packed up, all anyone’s talking about in music is the return of Oasis, so it’s only fitting that WL&WJ does the same! This week we’re joined by guest David, who is lucky enough to have been to the tour.
Gabi: So Ali, we’ve been talking a lot over the past few weeks about the Oasis reunion, which is widely considered the music historical event of the decade. You and I have a lot of music related journeys on our bucket list. We love to travel for gigs, especially when it means seeing artists we love in special surroundings or at a homecoming gig. But we both agreed right away that the Oasis tour is none of that for both of us. You even wrote a passionate opinion piece on why you think an Oasis reunion is the last thing the (music) world needs right now. But before we spend this piece spiralling around why we don’t like Oasis, I thought we might invite someone in who had the lucky chance to go to the first of the Manchester gigs. David is probably the most passionate concert goer I know. He makes the two of us look like toddlers when it comes to the amount of gigs one can attend in a year! And I know the Oasis gig was a very special one for him.
Ali: Thanks very much for joining us, David! The Oasis tour really is dominating music headlines right now, isn’t it? Even if you’re not a fan of the band – and to be honest neither of us is, though we very much grew up in the Oasis era – you can’t avoid being sucked in a bit. And we’re both really fascinated to hear first hand from you how you found the show. So let’s dive right in. Tell us a bit about your experience!
David: Okay, where do I begin? Nobody, absolutely nobody, seriously expected this to happen. The first teasers, the first speculations in August 2024… what was coming? The two of them together again on stage, seriously? What about their infamous, never-ending dispute? Had it finally been resolved? Or had it all been just staged for the media in recent year. But there it was: a UK tour announcement and a pre-sale code. So why not try my luck? Sadly, I ended up having no success in the original presale. It was just the usual glitchy Ticketmaster chaos. The day of the regular presale, everything went haywire. I couldn’t try myself on that day, but several friends did and had no luck.
Gabi: Oh, I remember this so well! As I didn’t have the intention of going but was curious how the probably wildest presale of all times would go down, I offered to try for a couple of friends, and you were one of them. It was mad. As nothing was at stake for me personally, I was very chill and just amazed at how insane it was. I tried for you for Manchester, but at some point I was curious and got into the digital queue for one of the London gigs. There were 180.000 people in front of me! I even made it onto the website for Manchester, but when it finally was my turn, the horrendous Ticketmaster site crashed and I couldn’t put the tickets into the basket. I remember texting you at some point, “I’m giving up now!” because my family was waiting for me to start the day with them. It was only then I realised I had spent more than two hours in Ticketmaster queues and nothing had come out of it. I felt really bad, but luckily you were quite chill about it.
David: Yeah, I was like, it just wasn’t meant to be. I’m not Oasis’s biggest fan, but somehow they had created a wave of enthusiasm, and I wanted to experience it and be there. Would they really show up? The bookmakers certainly had odds on the tour being canceled before it even started.
Ali: As someone who goes to gigs as frequently as you do, you must be very experienced in cracking presales. What do you think of how the process of ticket-buying has developed in the last couple of years? You need an access code. You need a game plan. There’s dynamic pricing. It’s becoming like an extreme sport, I think. And who are the lucky ones who get the tickets in the end – the “real fans” or those who just want to be there? I know there is a lot of banter going on in the online Oasis fan community, about who deserves to go and who doesn’t. I was lucky enough to go to the Eras tour last year and I felt as though lots of the people around me really weren’t appreciating the music. There was a lot of chatting through songs, going in and out to the bar. I felt people just wanted to say they had been at this cultural spectacle. That made me a bit sad, and annoyed, when I thought of all the genuine fans who couldn’t get a ticket.
David: Buying tickets has become increasingly difficult and complicated for really big acts. A lot of organization is necessary. Where can I get the tickets? Is there a presale? Do I need to register? Do I need a code? Do I have PayPal or the right credit card? I just want a ticket, not to sell my soul! Of course high demand has to be managed. But even a presale code doesn’t guarantee success. Dynamic pricing makes the whole thing even crazier. For desperate fans, the ticket is often more important than the financial factor; many are already in debt. And as long as that’s the case, the system will continue to exist. As far as the Eventims and Ticketmasters of this world are concerned, everything is going well.
The sad thing is you have no choice. Either you go to war against Ticketmaster and the like, or you forgo the concert that’s important to you. This is a huge dilemma for me. I’ve been lucky enough to see many big and coveted shows in my life. But I, too, have to be able to do without. What alternative is there? The best is to discover new music and support bands/artists who play in small clubs. It’s no longer fun trying to get tickets for big shows. That’s for sure.
Gabi: So, as we already know, you did end up going! Tell us how that happened. I have to admit I know a bit about it, because you asked me at some point whether I thought it would be worth the hassle or not. I pride myself a bit on the contribution I made to you doing it, by telling you to go! As a good friend of mine always says: Before I’m a friend, I’m an enabler!
Ali: I’m thinking of all the times you’ve enabled me in the past, haha! Should I really go to that show, Gabi?! And I want you to enable me! Anyway, David, tell us how you got a ticket!
David: In the spring, a friend asked out of the blue if I’d like to accompany her to Manchester because she had a spare ticket. I just had to say yes. But… so spontaneously? The ticket was expensive… the flight was expensive… accommodation wasn’t even remotely affordable. Did I really want this? Was the band worth it to me? My bank account said no; all the circumstances made it seem like a really stupid thing to do. But then advocates like you came along, and my heart also said: it would be stupid not to go. This was going to be one of the major musical events of the century.. So in the end, my own curiosity and enthusiasm won out. For the people of the UK, the two Gallaghers are practically gods. Larger than life, like their songs and albums. How could I miss that?
Ali: This is actually a very interesting point, that Gabi and I have talked a lot about. I’m from the UK, I was a teenager in the heyday of Oasis and you’re right: they are being treated by the media and by a lot of people as gods. Do you think the huge adoration is justified? You said before you wouldn’t call yourself a massive fan. Or has that changed, since you’ve seen the show?
David: My view of the band hasn’t really changed. Maybe I hear the songs and some albums differently now, but fundamentally, the event stands on its own. It will always remain a special memory. I don’t always have to go to this much effort for a show, but in this case, it was absolutely justified. Of course, you need to have some connection to their music. If you don’t like the band, you can’t celebrate the whole thing like that. Those who admire and love the band will probably do so even more after the shows.
I think many were deeply shaken by the breakup in 2009, and 16 years later, those fans want to fulfill a special wish or make up for what they missed back then. In fact, I’d almost say the band has never been better. Perhaps this is even a major highlight in their career.
Ali: I think the main issue I have with Oasis is I feel they promote a really regressive, macho form of masculinity that should be left in the 1990s. I’m a feminist and a parent of two teenage sons and the last men I want them to model themselves on are the Gallaghers to be honest! I know the police in Manchester especially were dreading fans’ behaviour. I’m really interested in how you found the atmosphere and the fans.
David: I could feel it as soon as I arrived in Manchester: you felt immediately captivated by the Oasis world. The band was omnipresent. Piccadilly station was blaring with Oasis songs. It was so loud but it felt like a positive frenzy. Almost all the fans were already wearing merchandise that had been available to buy for days. I’ve rarely seen so much of it in one place, it was very special.
Gabi: I can feel the excitement just from you describing it. It’s similar to how Ali and I experienced being in Newcastle for Sam Fender’s Homecoming Gig. The whole city was flooded with fans, most of them wearing Newcastle United shirts. Everything was Sam Fender themed, from the cocktails at the corner bar to the music blaring out of the speakers in any shop. I think you don’t even need to be a fan of one band in particular to know how it feels. Thousands of people getting together to celebrate the same thing or person they love, it’s very powerful and very moving. Still, we’re talking about almost double the amount of people who came to Manchester for Oasis. Wasn’t it at least a bit chaotic or overwhelming?
David: Honestly, I feel like everything was optimally organized. Making our way from the city to Heaton Park was super smooth. Also everyone was in a good mood. The atmosphere was super positive and the anticipation grew by the minute, until the gates finally opened. Cheers erupted, and after just a few minutes and the usual checks we went out onto the field. It was enormous- huge! Like an entire festival site, all just for this one band. First thing you did was buy merchandise. Within the UK you could even have it shipped to your home for free. I don’t want to know how much money is being made on the entire tour. The fans don’t question it because they want to celebrate this extraordinary experience in the best possible way.
Gabi: So, you were in place, ready for the show! There’s already been a lot written about the show itself. Which songs were played, what mood the Gallaghers were in (spoiler: a good one, is the overall consensus so far!) We specifically want to hear how you experienced it emotionally. What was the energy like in the crowd? You explain it so well, we can almost feel it!
David: People often talk about this crackling in the air, but I’ve never felt it as strong and real as during the last couple of minutes before the concert started.. Such intense anticipation and tension. Some people would say it’s just „a concert“ – but this was more, much more. I really didn’t expect to be so emotional about it, but this collective of fans with their euphoria was on a different level. And then the Gallagher brothers came on stage hand in hand. Every song, every gesture, every little moment was celebrated as if it were Christmas, Easter, a birthday, a wedding, a lottery win and Christ’s Resurrection all rolled into one. The happiness of the fans cannot be adequately described; they lived and breathed every song. They worshipped the band. Everyone was singing, everyone was dancing, everyone was jumping… and I really mean everyone.
And the sound was perfect, despite the size of the venue. The ultra-sharp visuals made the whole experience even more intense. No matter where you stood, you were right in the middle of it. The longer the show went on, the more exuberant the whole experience became. The hits became even bigger, the sing-alongs were even more intense, leading up to the collective climax of the setlist’s encore and the final fireworks display. It couldn’t have been done better. And honestly: there’s been so much speculation about Liam and Noel’s relationship. Being there, you could feel they were really looking forward to these shows. That they were genuinely enjoying their time together on stage. So it didn’t have that aftertaste like other reunion tours; it just felt real and lively.
Gabi: Thank you for letting us be part of your experience! I do have one question though. I’ve been looking at online forums and social media posts around the tour ever since it was announced. And honestly, as Ali mentioned, I am often appalled at how mean and laddish the Oasis fan community comes across online. People feeling superior because they got tickets. People being angry at those who got tickets because they aren’t “real fans”. Lots of belittling and name calling. I really felt like the huge hype around the tickets, the fact that so many people failed to get them and not to forget how expensive they were, didn’t bring out the best in people. And on top of that, the Gallagher brothers themselves are not the type of guys who focus on spreading a message of love. Let’s be honest: they often come across as bitter old men who like to rant at the world and the music industry changing. I guess that’s one of the reasons why I don’t really like Oasis.
Ali: Yeah, I agree with that. Gabi and I aren’t that much younger than Liam and Noel but they feel like they belong to a much older generation with their attitude to new music! We find that lack of curiosity about new things quite strange!
Gabi: But how you describe the atmosphere at the gig and around it, it all sounds so uplifting and positive. Why do you think there is such a difference between how people behave online and in real life? Or is there, actually? Did you encounter anything negative? Don’t hide the piss cups from us!
David: Unfortunately, people are often jealous and resentful of others. That’s a sad, everyday occurrence. When it comes to something as extraordinary as these concerts, these feelings are naturally amplified. When I didn’t get a ticket, I was sad too, of course. But I could only be happy from the bottom of my heart for everyone who had shared their success with the world via social media. I know how that feels.
The atmosphere in the city, at the entrance, of course at the concert itself and afterwards, seemed extremely peaceful and full of happiness to me. Everyone just wanted to be there and celebrate. Of course, you shouldn’t underestimate the often excessive drinking culture in the UK. But I didn’t notice any drama, riots, or unpleasantness. I saw teenagers who probably weren’t even born when Oasis split up, families with children, older people amongst younger people. The way music connects and unites was so beautiful to see. And no, I’ve heard of the piss cups, but I’ve never been hit by one or heard of any direct experiences! Normal beer showers—or, in this heat, more like water showers—are part of it.
Ali: We’re very glad to hear that! And finally: do you think there will ever be another Oasis tour or new music? Would you be excited for that? Or do you think this tour is mainly about nostalgia?
David: A very good question… I believe, and secretly I also hope a little, that mainland Europe will get more concerts in 2026. If Oasis do come to Berlin, of course I would want to be there. But there definitely won’t be the crazy atmosphere here like in England. And it doesn’t have to be. But I would be happy for all the people who didn’t get the chance to be there. Experiencing your musical heroes once again, hearing the classics at full volume once more, it does something to you. Nostalgia or not, the band has never been as present as it is now.
Ali: Thanks for sharing your experience David. It’s surprised me because I really haven’t been looking forward to the return of Oasis. But it really does sound like it’s been as positive as it could be so far. Never thought I’d be pleasantly surprised by anything to do with Oasis to be honest! Maybe even the Gallaghers can grow as humans! Glad as well that you were able to be there and experience it for yourself, and maybe you will again!
