When rumors of an Oasis reunion tour began to spread on the internet, it was easy for the British press to dismiss it as yet another manufactured rumor. There have been many instances in the past where reunions of iconic bands like The Smiths and The Kinks were reported but never materialized. However, this time, the news comes not from tabloids like the Daily Mirror or the Daily Express, but from the reputable Times newspaper.
“Industry insiders firmly believe that next summer, Noel and Liam Gallagher will reunite on the same stage for the first time since the V Festival held in Stafford on August 22, 2009. ‘Oasis plans to hold large-scale live performances in Manchester and London in summer 2025, at Heaton Park and Wembley Stadium respectively. According to some rumors, the latter venue has been booked for ten days, which would mean that the eight shows record set by Taylor Swift this year would hold for only twelve months.’
Liam Gallagher responded to a tweet from the Sunday Times saying “See you on stage,” adding fuel to the fire. Up until the moment the official Oasis Instagram account posted a teaser video with “August 27, 2024 – 8 AM,” it was thought that Oasis’s frontman was just joking. However, the fact that both Noel and Liam shared it on their respective social accounts has led to an increasing belief that, while the reunion is not strictly confirmed, it is becoming more plausible.
Nonetheless, these rumors about a reunion leave many significant questions. Here are six of them.
◎ What motivated Liam and Noel, who have been publicly feuding, to reconcile?
In short, the answer would be “money.” A slightly longer answer might be “a staggering amount of money.” If the Gallagher brothers are willing to tour for several years, they could likely earn around $300 million (about 43 billion yen), which is what recent stadium tours have generated for major artists. Noel is reportedly recovering from his divorce from wife Sara MacDonald, during which he lost $25 million in addition to an $8 million mansion. While there may have been various reasons prompting Noel to decide on a reunion, the significant divorce settlement is undoubtedly a major factor. On the other hand, Liam has made it clear for years that he eagerly desires the reunion; he wouldn’t have needed to resist it so strongly.
◎ Have the Gallagher brothers restored their good relationship?
Oasis was on the verge of a physical fight backstage at a festival in France in 2009. Following that incident, they completely severed ties and have publicly disparaged each other through various comments. Last year, when Rolling Stone asked Noel about the possibility of an Oasis reunion, he replied that he hadn’t spoken to his brother. “He (Liam) likes to draw pictures of a little Spanish cat from ‘Shrek’ with teary eyes, saying, ‘I’ll do it right now for the fans. I love you. So just call me.’ But he never calls. Until he calls, this conversation isn’t going anywhere.”
Have they talked on the phone? Was this reunion negotiated only through lawyers and managers? Will they talk before rehearsals? Will they communicate during rehearsals? Will it be like Van Halen or Journey, where they disdain each other and tour without any off-stage relationship? Or will they, like the Black Crowes, actually sit down and resolve their issues? The answers will eventually come to light.
◎ Who will play guitar in the reunited Oasis?
Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs played guitar for Oasis from their formation in 1991 until 1999. He was succeeded by Gem Archer, who remained with the group until the bittersweet breakup in 2009. Recently, Bonehead has been part of Liam’s touring band. Meanwhile, Archer is a member of Noel Gallagher’s High-Flying Birds. This could lead to a rather delicate negotiation when determining the lineup for the reunion. Oasis’s ardent fans hold special sentimental value for Bonehead due to his tenure during the height of the 90s, but Archer is more familiar with the Oasis catalog. When the E Street Band reunited in 1999, Bruce Springsteen called back Steve Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren to address a similar dilemma. But does Oasis need three guitarists? Wouldn’t that muddy the sound? It’s a complicated question without an easy answer.
◎ Who will play drums?
Throughout Oasis’s approximately 20-year career, many drummers came and went. They started with Tony McCarroll, who left in 1995 and later sued the band over unpaid royalties. Over the years, Noel has hinted that he simply lacked the talent to remain in the group. It’s hard to believe he would return. Alan White joined in 1995 and stayed until 2004. His successor, Zak Starkey, had to leave in 2008 to focus on The Who. At Oasis’s last performance, Chris Sharrock was behind the kit. Many fans hope for White’s return, but Sharrock is currently the drummer for High-Flying Birds, which gives him a significant advantage. We’re betting on Sharrock.
◎ How long will Oasis continue?
There are many case studies of mega-band reunions. Pink Floyd could barely endure playing together for just 24 minutes during LIVE 8 in 2005. Led Zeppelin performed a full concert in 2007, but when talk of a tour arose, Robert Plant walked away. In contrast, Guns N’ Roses has continued its basically endless tour since their shocking reunion in 2016 (resulting in massive monetary gain). Oasis may spend summer 2025 performing at soccer stadiums in Europe, perhaps earning a great deal of money before disappearing for good. They might break up after a year touring around the globe. Alternatively, they could end up like the Pixies, who continue to be active together. At this point, they likely remain uncertain about their own trajectory.
◎ Will Oasis record a new album?
Although bands like Guns N’ Roses continue to tease the release of new material, most reunited bands do not go out of their way to record a new album. Oasis doesn’t need new songs to sell tickets; they have more than enough classic hits to fill stadiums indefinitely. However, there’s no denying that Noel is a prolific songwriter. He might not like the idea of transforming Oasis into an eternal nostalgia machine. If that’s the case, we may hear a new Oasis album for the first time since 2008’s ‘Dig Out Your Soul.’ Just a few days ago, this seemed unimaginable, as does the (seemingly likely) tour. Whatever they announce at 8 AM on August 27 (4 PM Japan time), until the band takes action on the first night of the tour, we will not fully believe in their revival.
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From Rolling Stone US.
Oasis
30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of ‘Definitely Maybe’
Release date: August 30, 2024
Includes tracks from the original recording sessions at Monnow Valley, which ended in failure, as well as many rare outtakes from the final album recording sessions at Cornwall’s Sawmills studio.
2CD
■ Luxurious hardcover digibook with a three-way sleeve case
■ Japan exclusive features
– High-quality Blu-spec CD2 edition
– English liner notes translation / lyrics and translations / new commentary (by Nami Imosawa)
Tax included ¥4,400 【Limited Production Edition】
4LP (import version, domestic specification)
■ Japan exclusive features
– English liner notes translation / lyrics and translations / new commentary (by Nami Imosawa)
– Included with a Japanese-style obi
Tax included ¥16,000 【Limited Production Edition】
Digital
Live Forever: Oasis 30th Anniversary Special Exhibition
Exhibition period: November 1 (Friday) – November 23 (Saturday), 2024
Venue: Roppongi Museum
Organized by: Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Music Labels, Sony Music Publishing
Co-sponsored by: British Council, Sponsored by: ADAM ET ROPÉ