Oasis Mania: Reunion Gigs Spark Ticket Wars & Tour Controversy!

Published 3 months ago4 minute read
Precious Eseaye
Precious Eseaye
Oasis Mania: Reunion Gigs Spark Ticket Wars & Tour Controversy!

The legendary British band Oasis has embarked on a highly anticipated reunion tour in 2025, featuring 41 sold-out dates across multiple continents. The tour commenced with stadium shows in the UK and Ireland in July, with tickets experiencing unprecedented demand. For instance, the three sold-out shows at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on August 8, 9, and 12 saw approximately 10 million people from over 100 countries attempting to secure tickets, which sold out in record time.

The confirmed lineup for the reunion tour includes Andy Bell, who served as Oasis's bassist from 1999 to 2009 and also played in Liam Gallagher's post-Oasis project, Beady Eye. Bell officially confirmed his participation in an interview with Austrian newspaper Oe24, stating, “I’m in and I’m really looking forward to it. We’ll see each other on tour. Or rather, you’ll see me. I’ll hardly be able to see you in the audience.” He is expected to be joined by longtime collaborator and former Beady Eye bandmate Gem Archer, along with Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs on guitar and drummer Joey Waronker.

Despite the excitement surrounding the reunion, band manager Alec McKinlay, who is also the director of Ignition and Big Brother Recordings, has firmly quashed rumors of new material and additional tour dates. McKinlay stated that there are “no plan for any new music” and that this tour is “very much the last time around, as Noel’s made clear in the press.” He explained the meticulous planning and secrecy involved in keeping the comeback under wraps, describing the fan reaction as “phenomenal” and a welcome positive development amidst global challenges. This clarifies previous social media teases from Liam Gallagher, who had suggested a new album was “already finished” and that Noel had written new, “blown away” material.

The tour has not been without controversy, particularly concerning ticket sales. The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has threatened Ticketmaster with legal action, citing “misleading” sales practices. The watchdog’s concerns primarily revolve around the sale of 'platinum' tickets, which were marketed as having no additional benefits but sold for up to 2.5 times the price of equivalent standard tickets (e.g., £350 vs. £150 face value), often in the same stadium sections. The CMA also highlighted that Ticketmaster allegedly failed to inform consumers about two distinct price categories for standing tickets, with the cheaper ones being sold out before the more expensive options were released. Oasis, for their part, attributed the dynamic pricing issues to their management, promoters, and Ticketmaster, stating that the band was “not aware” such a system would be implemented and that the “execution of the plan failed to meet expectations” despite initial intentions for a fair fan experience.

On stage, Liam Gallagher has generated headlines with his outspoken comments. During the Scottish shows, he announced a ban on throwing his signature tambourine and maracas into the crowd, attributing the decision to instances of unruly fan behavior, including “pinching each other on your nipples and ears and f***ing s**t like that and kneeing each other in the bollocks.” He also publicly criticized Edinburgh Council chiefs, labeling them “f****** slags” after leaked documents reportedly described Oasis fans as “fat, drunk, and rowdy.” Furthermore, Liam directed satirical remarks at the Edinburgh Fringe festival, questioning its acts like “People juggling f*****g bollocks and that? Swallowing swords ...one-legged bicycles. What’s all that s*t about? S****y card tricks,” while claiming the band would bring “Two billion pounds” into the city.

Despite the official stance against further shows or new music, speculation continues to swirl about Oasis's future beyond the current tour. Rumors have emerged of lucrative offers, including four major shows at Knebworth House in 2026 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of their historic 1996 concerts there, potentially allowing them to surpass Robbie Williams' record at the venue. A potential residency at their beloved Manchester City's Etihad Stadium has also been discussed. However, sources close to Noel and Liam Gallagher suggest they are not considering any 2026 commitments, with plans for a “well-earned holiday” after the current tour concludes. Offers from private bidders and major festivals like Coachella and Benicassim have reportedly been “stonewalled,” indicating the ultimate decision rests with the Gallagher brothers on whether to conclude this chapter or “keep the magic going.”

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

You may also like...