Oasis Reunion: Wembley Gigs Next Summer?

After 15 years since their last performance, whispers are swirling that Oasis, one of Britain's biggest bands, could be reuniting next summer.

Industry insiders are adamant that Noel and Liam Gallagher will share a stage for the first time since the V Festival in Stafford in 2009. With multiple large-scale gigs planned at Heaton Park in Manchester and Wembley Stadium in London, fans are being advised to clear their diaries and dust off their parkas for the summer of 2025. Rumours suggest Wembley Stadium is booked for ten nights, potentially surpassing Taylor Swift's eight-night record set this year.

Following publication of this article, Liam Gallagher seemingly confirmed the news, replying to a Sunday Times tweet with "See you down the front" to a user inquiring about the rumours.

There's even talk of a Glastonbury headlining slot, marking a full circle for the band, 30 years after their second album, "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?", catapulted them to global rock stardom.

The long-running feud between the Gallagher brothers appears to be thawing, with Noel making unusually complimentary remarks about Liam in a recent record label video commemorating the 30th anniversary of their debut album, "Definitely Maybe". "When I would sing a song, it would sound good. When he sung it, it sounded great," Noel said, adding that Liam's voice has "ten shots of tequila on a Friday" energy compared to his own "half a Guinness on a Tuesday". This marks a stark contrast to Noel's comments five years ago, when he declared he couldn't stand Liam's "unsophisticated" music and voice.

Noel went on to praise Liam's enduring impact on young musicians: "What he did was inspire the kids at the front to do something… 'If he can do it, I can do it.' And he's still doing that now."

Despite their split, Oasis has never truly faded from public consciousness. Liam's recent 12-date arena tour, which saw him perform "Definitely Maybe" to rapturous crowds, demonstrates the band's continued popularity. Oasis tracks, particularly "Don't Look Back In Anger", have become staples at major festivals, eliciting the biggest singalongs of the night.

The band's enduring popularity extends beyond those who remember the era of CDs and Britpop. Oasis has amassed a huge fanbase among teenagers who weren't even born when the Gallaghers were at their peak. With 21 million monthly listeners on Spotify compared to Blur's 11 million, Oasis' influence remains undeniable.

Formed in 1991, Oasis injected a much-needed shot of energy into the British music scene with their raw, rock'n'roll sound. Their music became the soundtrack to Tony Blair's "Cool Britannia", a period of optimism and cultural revival. The band's infighting and tumultuous relationship captivated the nation, making them a phenomenon comparable to the royal family. "Definitely Maybe" became Britain's fastest-selling debut album, and the band's two dates at Knebworth in 1996 drew a staggering 2.5 million ticket applications.

While the Gallagher brothers have yet to officially confirm the reunion, fans are speculating about the reasons behind the potential comeback. Some believe Noel was inspired by Liam's successful tour, where he performed Noel's iconic songs to widespread acclaim. Others believe a Labour government, like the one in power during the band's last performance together, might have played a role in the reunion.

Furthermore, Noel's recent divorce from Sarah Macdonald, reportedly resulting in a £20 million settlement, could have influenced the decision. MacDonald's relationship with Liam was notoriously strained, adding another layer to the complex dynamics surrounding the band.

The line-up for the reunion is still uncertain. Liam, Noel, and rhythm guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs seem likely to participate, with Bonehead touring with Liam recently. However, original drummer Tony McCarroll and bassist Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan haven't performed with either Gallagher since "Definitely Maybe" and "Be Here Now," respectively.

The setlist is also a matter of speculation, though it's likely to feature a significant portion of the first two albums, along with key hits from later albums, such as "Stand By Me", "Stop Crying Your Heart Out", and "The Importance Of Being Idle".

Regardless of the final setlist, an Oasis reunion next summer, coinciding with a year devoid of major sporting events or Taylor Swift tours, is set to be the event of the year. While the prospect of a reunion seemed increasingly unlikely with each passing year, some bands, like Oasis, are destined for immortality.