- Commemorating Oasis anniversaries and the reemergence of the controversial Gallagher siblings?
This past week in British music history has seen significant milestones for Oasis, a band known for their influence on guitar pop and legendary sibling duo Noel and Liam Gallagher. This Friday marks 30 years since the release of "Definitely Maybe," an album that transformed the Britpop genre, while Wednesday marks 15 years since Noel Gallagher departed the group in conflict with his brother Liam. Startling possibilities could arise once more.
Oasis symbolized guitar pop, but above all, they were defined by the Gallagher brothers as leading men. Their confident, sometimes boastful demeanor, disheveled hair, and sunglasses accompanied by distinctive voices – Noel, the talented songwriter; Liam, the charismatic singer.
Originating in Manchester, these British lads emerged as the coolest music export from the homeland of The Beatles, The Stones, and others in the mid-90s. Their momentum peaked with the release of "(What's The Story) Morning Glory?" in 1995 with hits like "Wonderwall" and "Don't Look Back In Anger," attracting global acclaim. A 'Battle of Britpop' ensued with Blur, debated for popularizing the style.
Blur, spearheaded by singer-songwriter Damon Albarn, continued to perform. Oasis, however, disbanded as a consequence of the volatile Gallagher feud in 2009. The brothers sometimes made headlines for their appearances supporting Manchester City or engaging in public spats with each other or celebrities.
Now, fifteen years since the split, British media has speculated more ravenously than ever about an astonishing comeback. Liam hinted at it during a X-appearance: "I've never liked the word 'FORMER'." Fans believe he was referencing the phrase 'former Oasis singer.'
"Don't Look Back in Anger" - are the brothers truly not looking back in anger? "The Sun" newspaper reports that they've been secretly working on reconciliation and surprise allies.
"Mail on Sunday" claims that Liam (51) and Noel (57) have been considering headlining the most important British music festival, Glastonbury, in summer 2025 and breaking Taylor Swift's recently set Wembley Stadium record. The "Sunday Times" hears that apart from Wembley, concerts could also take place in Heaton Park, their hometown in Manchester.
German music critic Frank Laufenberg remains skeptical about a potential comeback, stating: "It seems to me that Oasis has musically said everything." However, the ongoing feud between the Gallagher brothers triggered his annoyance. "That had no dealings with music," he said. "And now it's all peace and joy? Very questionable," the 79-year-old commented.
Officially, no one confirms rumors. Liam, however, made a subtle allusion at his Leeds Festival performance this weekend according to "Sunday Mirror." "It's quite interesting, isn't it? A very intriguing situation we're in," he said, then performed the Oasis hit "Half the World Away."
Rare acknowledgment from Noel.
Prior to this, Noel had offered rare approval for Liam. "I can't sing 'Slide Away' and 'Cigarettes & Alcohol' and 'Rock 'N' Roll Star' and all that," he said. "I mean, I could, but it wouldn't be the same. It's the way or the voice and the attitude. I don't have the same attitude as him," Noel Gallagher stated. "If I sang a song, it would sound good. If he sang it, it would sound great."
Music experts claim that while Noel is responsible for many hits, it's Liam's voice that attracts crowds. Noel has experienced success with his band High Flying Birds, but his brother dominates larger venues like London's O2 Arena.
Lately, Liam released an album with John Squire, formerly of The Stone Roses. Typically outspoken, Liam praised his work, claiming it was "the best album since Beatles' Revolver."
This isn't the first time rumors of a comeback have circulated. Fans had hoped for a Wembley Stadium appearance just a few months back. But Liam Gallagher quelled speculation in April: "I've never mentioned an Oasis reunion, it's over, we all need to move on for our own health," he wrote on Twitter.
Liam has embarked on a 30th anniversary tour for "Definitely Maybe" alone. Whether 2025 will bring a different story remains to be seen, but with the Gallagher brothers, it's "definitely maybe."
In the spirit of their past confidence and charisma, Liam Gallagher during a X-appearance shared, "I've never liked the word 'FORMER,'" possibly hinting at a potential revision of his former status as the "former Oasis singer."
Amidst the rumors of reconciliation and a potential comeback, Noel Gallagher offered rare approval for Liam's vocal abilities, stating, "If he sang it, it would sound great."