In what can only be described as the least surprising news since the last time they tried this, Oasis is once again toying with the idea of a reunion. The legendary—or perhaps, infamously stubborn—Gallagher brothers are back in the spotlight, not for any new musical innovation, but for reigniting the same old tired speculation that has kept their egos in circulation for the past decade and a half.
Liam Gallagher, whose voice and swagger were the hallmark of the band’s 90s success, has taken to X (formerly known as Twitter, but now just as irrelevant as Oasis’s last chart-topping hit) to drop yet another cryptic hint. “I never did like that word FORMER,” Liam tweeted, with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer and the originality of a primary school kid’s insult. The tweet, of course, sent shockwaves through a portion of the internet that still cares about two middle-aged men who haven’t been on the same stage since before most current pop stars were born.
Not content with just one vague hint, Liam doubled down when The Times tweeted about the potential reunion. A fan, likely tired of the years of false alarms, tweeted directly at Liam, asking if they would really see Oasis back together. With the finesse of a bulldozer, Liam replied, “See you down the front.” This, in Liam’s world, was tantamount to a signed contract. But in the real world, it’s just another example of the Gallaghers keeping their audience on the edge—not of their seats, but of indifference.
The Rumours: Wembley, Glastonbury, and Beyond
While Liam continues to fan the flames on social media, industry insiders are buzzing with reports that suggest next summer could be the moment Oasis finally reunites. According to a scoop from The Sunday Times, Wembley Stadium has been tentatively booked for not one, not two, but a staggering 10 nights. This would, of course, shatter Taylor Swift’s recent record of eight consecutive shows—a fact that seems less about Oasis’s enduring popularity and more about the sheer stubbornness of the brothers refusing to let go of their former glory.
Wembley isn’t the only venue being floated. Glastonbury, the crown jewel of the UK’s festival scene, is reportedly angling for an Oasis headline slot. After all, what better way to drum up nostalgia and ticket sales than to bring back a band whose heyday is closer to the fall of the Berlin Wall than it is to today’s musical landscape? Of course, this would require the brothers to share a stage—something they haven’t done since 2009, when their infamous backstage bust-up in Paris led to Noel dramatically quitting the band.
For those who have somehow forgotten the details of that fateful night, let’s revisit it. It was a hot August evening in the City of Light, and tensions were already high. The band was scheduled to perform at the Rock en Seine festival, but backstage, things were far from harmonious. The argument that night culminated in Liam allegedly swinging one of Noel’s guitars like a weapon, either damaging it or threatening to do so, depending on whose version you believe. This was the straw that broke the camel’s back. “It is with some sadness and great relief… I quit Oasis tonight,” Noel later said in a statement that oozed both melodrama and finality. “People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.”
And thus, the curtain fell on Oasis, at least officially. In the years that followed, both brothers pursued solo careers with varying degrees of success, all while keeping the flame of a potential reunion alive through constant sniping, teasing, and trolling.
Liam and Noel: Post-Oasis Wanderings
In the wake of Oasis’s split, both Gallaghers found themselves adrift in a music industry that had moved on from the bombastic anthems of Britpop. Liam, ever the frontman, immediately formed Beady Eye with the remaining members of Oasis. The band had a decent run, releasing two albums that were, if we’re being generous, serviceable. They had all the swagger and attitude of Oasis but none of the spark or cultural relevance. It was Britpop karaoke—a competent cover band that just so happened to feature the original singer.
But Liam didn’t linger in Beady Eye for long. After the band’s dissolution in 2014, he launched a solo career that, to his credit, has been surprisingly successful. His solo albums, particularly As You Were and Why Me? Why Not., have been well-received, both critically and commercially. They don’t reinvent the wheel, but they do exactly what they’re supposed to: offer fans a comforting throwback to the Oasis sound, with a bit of added maturity (or as much maturity as Liam is capable of). Liam’s recent tour, which prominently featured songs from Definitely Maybe, was a smash hit, proving that nostalgia sells—especially when your audience is desperate to relive their youth.
Noel, on the other hand, took a different route. Ever the “serious” musician, he formed Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, a project that allowed him to stretch his creative wings—or at least, that’s what he tells us. The High Flying Birds have released several albums, all of which have been met with a mix of critical acclaim and fan approval. The music is less about recapturing the Oasis sound and more about Noel indulging his love for psychedelic rock, electronic flourishes, and, let’s be honest, some pretty self-indulgent lyrics. Noel’s also enjoyed a successful run of festival headlining slots, including the Isle of Wight Festival, proving that while he might not have the same mass appeal as Oasis, he’s still got a devoted following.
But here’s the thing: no matter how successful their solo projects have been, the shadow of Oasis looms large. Both brothers have repeatedly declared that they’re done with Oasis, that they’ve moved on, and that a reunion is off the table. And yet, both continue to trade on their Oasis legacy. Liam’s solo shows are packed with Oasis hits, while Noel can’t go a single interview without being asked about the band. It’s a paradox—both Gallaghers are desperate to be seen as independent artists, yet neither can fully escape the gravitational pull of their past.
The Media Circus: Feeding the Beast
The Gallaghers may be the stars of this never-ending drama, but the media plays a significant role in keeping it alive. The British press, in particular, has an almost unhealthy obsession with the brothers, treating every offhand comment or snide remark as headline news. This is partly because Oasis was once so culturally dominant that their every move seemed to matter. But it’s also because the Gallagher brothers are a gift that keeps on giving—endlessly quotable, unapologetically abrasive, and completely unfiltered.
Take, for example, the recent tweet from The Times about the rumoured Wembley shows. The tweet itself was straightforward, merely reporting on the speculation. But within hours, it had sparked a flurry of articles, opinion pieces, and social media debates. Liam’s simple “See you down the front” reply was dissected and analysed as if it were a cryptic message from the oracle of Delphi. Was this confirmation of a reunion? A tease? Or just Liam being Liam? The fact that we’re still asking these questions 15 years after the band split speaks volumes about the media’s role in perpetuating the Oasis myth.
But it’s not just the press that’s complicit—fans are too. There’s a certain segment of the Oasis fanbase that refuses to let go of the dream, clinging to the hope that one day, the brothers will bury the hatchet and bring back the magic of the 90s. This hope is fuelled by every rumour, every off-the-cuff comment, and every cryptic tweet. It’s a vicious cycle: the fans demand news, the media delivers it, and the Gallaghers, ever the showmen, provide just enough bait to keep everyone hooked.
Glastonbury: A Dream Reunion or a Nightmare Scenario?
The idea of an Oasis reunion at Glastonbury is tantalising for many. The festival, with its storied history and cultural cachet, would be the perfect stage for the brothers’ triumphant return. After all, Glastonbury has a knack for pulling off iconic moments, and an Oasis reunion would certainly qualify. But it’s not as simple as just booking the band. For one, there’s the issue of whether the Gallaghers could even agree to share a stage, let alone a setlist. Their last joint appearance at Glastonbury was in 2004, a lifetime ago in music terms. The landscape has changed dramatically since then, and so have the brothers.
Noel, in particular, seems less than enthusiastic about the idea. While he’s a regular at Glastonbury as a punter, he’s made it clear that he’s not a fan of the festival’s current direction. In a recent interview, he didn’t hold back, criticising what he sees as the event’s increasing political and social agenda. “It’s getting a bit woke now, that place, and a bit kind of preachy and a bit virtue-signalling,” he said, in his usual blunt style. “I don’t like it in music—little fing idiots waving flags around and making political statements and bands taking the stage and saying, ‘Hey guys, isn’t war terrible, yeah? Let’s all boo war. F the Tories man,’ and all that. It’s like, look—play your f***ing tunes and get off.”
This kind of rhetoric doesn’t exactly align with the festival’s ethos, which has increasingly embraced social and political activism. It’s hard to imagine Noel happily headlining alongside artists who see their platform as a means to effect change, rather than just a stage to play tunes. And yet, the allure of a big payday and the chance to outdo his brother might be enough to sway him—if only for a weekend.
Liam, on the other hand, would probably jump at the chance. He’s always been more in tune with the festival crowd, and his recent solo success has only bolstered his confidence. For Liam, Glastonbury would be a chance to prove once and for all that he’s the real star of Oasis, the voice and face that defined an era. And let’s be honest—Liam loves nothing more than sticking it to Noel, especially in a public forum.
But would a Glastonbury reunion be the cultural moment it’s hyped up to be? Or would it be a hollow rehash of past glories, a cynical cash grab dressed up as a celebration of Britpop? The truth is, it would probably be a bit of both. On one hand, seeing the Gallaghers back on stage together would be undeniably thrilling for those who lived through the original Oasis mania. On the other hand, it would also be a stark reminder of just how much has changed since then—both in music and in the world at large.
The Manchester City Connection: Football, Fandom, and the Brothers’ Loyalties
No discussion of the Gallaghers would be complete without mentioning their beloved Manchester City. The brothers have long been vocal supporters of the club, and their allegiance to City has become as much a part of their public persona as their music. In fact, some might argue that their support for City is the one thing they’ve always agreed on—an oasis (pun intended) of unity in a desert of discord.
Liam, in particular, is known for his unyielding devotion to the club. Whether it’s attending matches, tweeting about City’s latest triumphs, or wearing the sky blue shirt with pride, he’s never shy about showing his colours. And why not? Supporting City gives Liam a sense of belonging, a connection to his roots in Manchester, and, most importantly, a reason to gloat whenever the club wins—something that’s become increasingly frequent in recent years.
Noel, while equally passionate, tends to be a bit more reserved in his fandom. He’s just as likely to be spotted in a luxury box as he is in the stands, and his commentary on City’s success is often tinged with a hint of irony. After all, Noel’s always been the more cerebral of the two, the one who views football not just as a game, but as a metaphor for life. Or maybe he’s just aware that football, like music, is full of highs and lows, and it’s best not to get too carried away.
But there’s an elephant in the room—or rather, on the pitch. Manchester City, for all their recent success, have been dogged by allegations of financial misconduct and accusations of corruption. The club’s rapid rise to the top, fuelled by the deep pockets of its owners, has sparked debates about the ethics of modern football, the role of money in the game, and the sustainability of City’s success. And while the Gallaghers are quick to celebrate every victory, they’re noticeably silent when it comes to addressing these controversies.
This silence speaks volumes. For all their bravado and outspokenness, the Gallaghers have always been selective in their battles. They’ll happily slag off other bands, politicians, and each other, but when it comes to City, they toe the line. Perhaps it’s because football, like music, is tribal, and loyalty trumps all. Or maybe it’s because, deep down, they know that criticising the club would be like cutting off their nose to spite their face. After all, City’s success is their success—another reason to stay in the spotlight, another feather in their cap.
The Legacy of Oasis: Nostalgia, Relevance, and the Passing of Time
So, where does all this leave us? What’s the point of yet another round of Oasis reunion rumours, another cycle of media hype, fan speculation, and brotherly bickering? To understand, we have to look at Oasis not just as a band, but as a cultural phenomenon. When Oasis burst onto the scene in the mid-90s, they weren’t just making music—they were capturing a moment. Their swagger, their attitude, their anthems of defiance and excess spoke to a generation that was tired of grunge’s self-loathing and eager for something new, something bold, something British.
And for a while, Oasis delivered. Definitely Maybe and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? became instant classics, not just albums, but cultural touchstones. They were the soundtrack to nights out, the backdrop to fights and romances, the anthems of a generation that believed, if only for a moment, that it could be “bigger than the Beatles.”
But time, as it tends to do, moved on. Britpop faded, the 90s gave way to the 2000s, and Oasis found themselves struggling to keep up. The albums that followed never quite recaptured the magic, and by the time they split in 2009, they were already seen as something of a relic—a band that had peaked too early, that had burned too brightly, that had become a caricature of itself.
In the years since, their legacy has been cemented, but it’s a legacy tinged with nostalgia rather than relevance. Yes, the songs still resonate, and yes, the records still sell. But the world that Oasis once ruled is gone, replaced by a new generation of artists, fans, and cultural forces. The music industry has changed, the audience has changed, and even the Gallaghers, despite their best efforts, have changed.
This is why the endless speculation about an Oasis reunion feels so hollow. It’s not that people don’t care—it’s that they care for the wrong reasons. The idea of a reunion isn’t about new music or fresh ideas; it’s about reliving the past, about clinging to a moment that’s long gone. It’s about nostalgia, pure and simple, and nostalgia, while comforting, is also a dead end.
And so, the cycle continues. The Gallaghers will keep teasing a reunion, the media will keep fuelling the speculation, and the fans will keep hoping for that one last chance to see their heroes back together. But the truth is, whether it happens or not is ultimately irrelevant. Oasis will always be part of our collective memory, but they’ll never again be what they once were—a band that defined a moment, a movement, a generation.
As the brothers continue their dance of denial and flirtation, the rest of us are left to wonder: what’s the point? Perhaps the real lesson of Oasis isn’t about music or fame or sibling rivalry. Perhaps it’s about knowing when to let go, when to move on, when to accept that some things are better left in the past. Because in the end, no reunion—no matter how grand, how hyped, how nostalgic—can ever truly recapture the magic of the original moment.
And maybe that’s okay. After all, some things are meant to be fleeting, to burn bright and then fade away. Maybe it’s time for Oasis to do the same—to stop teasing, stop taunting, and finally let the world move on. Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned from the past 15 years, it’s that the more things change, the more the Gallaghers stay the same.
And that, as any true Oasis fan knows, is both a blessing and a curse.
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