Oasis ‘25 in Manchester: It’s good to be back
At the time of writing this introductory paragraph, Music News Blitz’s Charlie Gardner has just got back from the July 12 show at Heaton Park.
Here he’ll be aiming to fanatically rant about the experience under the guise of a review of the whole day, with some tips on how to make the most of it too.
Spoiler alert: they’ve still got it.
A crowd ready for something special
The first thing to make clear is that this day felt like one set up to be enjoyed by all involved, including the crowd.
If you’re into Oasis by any stretch of things you will enjoy this, even amongst cups of mysterious liquids flying through the air at blistering paces (‘something missiles’, I believe they’re called).
Secondly, the city. It will come as no surprise to fans that Manchester is absolutely the place to be ahead of the gigs, the city absolutely heaving with like-minded people and bars that play the perfect music for the day.
There’s nothing quite like standing in a beer garden full of people in bucket hats and Adidas trainers as you all feel the excitement building up.
Throughout the day in and around Heaton Park, there is nothing but an unavoidable sense of British togetherness and identity that takes over.
Grown men, women, children from all walks of life all singing the same songs and wearing the same gear served as a warm reminder that at times we’re not all that different.
Heading into Heaton Park was fairly easy all thanks to the event workers around Manchester who would point out where to go, with pubs, restaurants, shops and cafes all in the area to make the journey a little easier.
To say it’s around 80 thousand people per night and have everything so organised is a huge credit to the organisers.
In the venue itself there were plenty of options for food which, while as overpriced as ever, seemed to be of a high standard (particularly the salt and chili chicken and chips, my choice).
Beer was reasonably priced at £6.50 a pint, but for anyone not drinking bottled water was around £2.50 with free refills available from security, even then free cups of water were readily available and frequently handed out to the crowd - more praise in the organisation there.
READ MORE: Oasis ‘25 - Supersonic setlist?
The main event begins
By the time you’ve heard “Cast” and the outrageously fantastic so-called “support” act of Richard Ashcroft (The Verve), the time finally comes.
The gnarly guitar and drums of “F**kin’ in the Bushes” begin, as stage screens show graphics of headlines and social media posts around the announcement of the reunion, with words appearing saying “This is really happening”, or “this is it”. What follows is just that, it.
From the moment they came out until the moment they left, the crowd was bouncing. People were hugging, crying, laughing. The raw emotion spread immediately and for the whole set the crowd felt unified in these emotions - no exaggeration.
Security guards still spent their time handing out water, every so often looking behind them at the stage, seemingly wanting to take a peek.
A few even sang along whilst still concentrating on the crowd and their needs.
Frontman Liam Gallagher is still able to capture the crowd and have them in the palm of his hand in a way that would never be expected.
His iconic tambourine, exaggerated swagger and bizarre comments between songs were perfectly in character and I genuinely write this with confidence that the fans’ enjoyment are still at the forefront of his mind.
Guitarist and singer Noel Gallagher also shines, his voice sounding as good as ever through tracks like “Half the World Away” or “The Masterplan”, which still carry the emotional weight they did in decades long gone.
Bonehead, or Paul Arthurs on a Sunday, is back too following a recent tour with Liam for the anniversary of Oasis debut album Definitely Maybe that concluded prior to the announcement of the reunion.
All the icons are there. This is Oasis.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Sabrina Carpenter celebrates back-to-back sold-out shows at BST Hyde Park
A perfect ending
The night concludes with an encore of “The Masterplan”, “Don’t Look Back In Anger”, “Wonderwall” and “Champagne Supernova”, in that order.
The closing track was one felt in the crowd, not of sadness but contentment - this was it, it was real, it had finally happened.
With groups of all different ages, races and genders all stood in awe of the ballad that is Champagne Supernova.
As the keyboard fades out amongst a hazy sunset lighting on the screen and in real life, Liam and Noel hold hands and raise them up in the air before leaving the stage.
All while this goes on, a spectacular show of fireworks lights the skies above the stage, lasting around two minutes or so, giving you one final memory along with one final moment to let the past two-or-so hours sink in.
Final thoughts
The feeling throughout is utterly surreal and one found in very few other areas; if you’re lucky enough to get tickets, enjoy it and savour it.
The sense of unity and cultural togetherness amongst our diversity was felt throughout the day, whether it be walking around the bucket hat riddled streets of Manchester, or standing amongst all walks of life in Heaton Park - everyone felt the same thing that night and enjoyed it together.
The final thing I will leave readers with isn’t something from me, but from Noel Gallagher himself, speaking at the end of the documentary Supersonic:
“When it all came together, we made people feel something that was indefinable”
That’s what it was: indefinable.
READ NEXT: Oasis ‘25: What’s the Story – Back to Glory?
