Oasis Rocks Australia: Band’s Euphoric Tour Kickoff After Long Absence!

When Oasis first toured Australia back in 1998, they were surrounded by scandal, leading some to wonder if it was all just a publicity stunt. Liam earned a permanent ban from Cathay Pacific due to supposed misconduct during their flight, later remarking to an Australian journalist, “I don’t give a flying fuck … I’d rather walk.” Meanwhile, Noel faced backlash over his comments about Princess Diana, and Liam found himself in court in Brisbane, accused of head-butting a fan who sought a photograph. Although the fan withdrew the charges, Liam later described the incident as “justice,” stating, “The guy shoved a camera in my face and I warned him.”

Despite the controversies, Australian audiences were largely thrilled by the band’s antics. The Gallagher brothers’ brash, bold demeanor resonated well, as did the soap opera of their sibling rivalry. Their music was equally successful; both “What’s the Story (Morning Glory)?” and “Wonderwall” hit number one in 1995, and in 2013, Triple J listeners named “Wonderwall” the best song of the past two decades. Even after Noel provocatively declared on Triple J, “You fucking need us more than we need you,” the love from fans persisted.

On a recent Friday night at Marvel Stadium, the first of five sold-out shows on their global reunion tour, the Gallagher brothers were greeted with thunderous applause as they entered, hands raised in unity.

“G’day Australia,” Liam greeted the crowd. “Did you miss us? Because we missed you.”

Many attendees in Melbourne appeared to be in their 20s and 30s, fans who hadn’t had the chance to experience Oasis live during their initial run.

“I never thought this would actually happen,” shared a fan named Liam (not the Gallagher), attending with a friend also named Liam. “We’ve always talked about it, but thought it would never come to pass. I’ve seen Noel and Liam separately, but I’m too young to have seen Oasis originally. This is very cool.”

“My relatives in Manchester couldn’t get tickets, and now I’m here – they’re jealous,” added the other Liam.

Ali and Anna, both 28, were raised on Oasis thanks to their parents. Unlike others, they managed to secure tickets just the night before. “I knew about the dynamic pricing issues in the UK and the crazy high prices – I didn’t want to pay $400 for a ticket,” Anna explained. “So we got them for $115 last night.”

Sharon, a British-Australian, last saw Oasis live in 1998. She had planned to attend their final concert in 2009 but missed it due to babysitting woes. “I’ve waited 27 years to see them again,” she shared. “I’m ecstatic. I told my husband, ‘If they ever reunite, cost is no object.’ I even booked accommodation in London last year but couldn’t get tickets. But then they came here.”

“I’m just glad they didn’t have a fight and split before making it here,” added Kerri, another longtime fan who decided against buying the merchandise. “Seventy bucks for a bucket hat is a bit steep.”

Despite the heat, bucket hats, anoraks, and Adidas attire were common sights. “Come to Australia, they said,” a perspiring Liam commented, removing his anorak. “Leave your parka at home, it’s gonna be fucking hot.”

Now 32 shows into their 41-show world tour, Oasis sounds as polished as ever. The previous moodiness that once plagued their performances has subsided, with Liam now playfully engaging the crowd, maracas in hand, rather than instigating conflicts. The atmosphere was buoyant and cheeky, with the aroma of weed and beer permeating the venue, and a flare being set off during “Champagne Supernova.” “Naughty, naughty, naughty,” Liam chided.

In their 50s, the Gallaghers have adopted a more amiable demeanor. After a rousing crowd rendition of “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” Noel humorously questioned the pronunciation, while Liam made light-hearted remarks about Australia’s recreational habits before dedicating “Bring It On Down” to “the classic glue sniffers.”

But all good things must end. “I’m a princess these days, and I need to go to fucking bed,” Liam announced, his farewell surprisingly tender. “Listen, nice one for sticking with us over the years. We appreciate it, we fucking love you.”

At their initial reunion show in Cardiff, the brothers parted with a simple back pat; now, months later, they embraced warmly. Perhaps Sharon won’t have to wait another 27 years to see Oasis again.