A triumphant return to where it all began. Oasis made history once again with a monumental show at Manchester’s Heaton Park — a night destined to live long in the memory. For many in the crowd, this was a chance to witness a moment they had only dared to dream of; some were too young, or not even born, when the band first exploded onto the British music scene.
Yet standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Gen X and older millennials, the shared feeling was unmistakable: this was history in the making.
“This is not a drill,” read the massive screens, before a reel of old reunion rumours, tabloid headlines, and finally that confirmation last August lit up the park:
“The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over.”
“It’s really happening!” squealed one fan, as pints went flying over the barriers and a flare glowed in the distance, signalling that the long-awaited moment had finally arrived.
An almighty roar echoed across Heaton Park as Manchester’s favourite sons took to the stage — this time with hands actually clasped together. Maybe it was being back on home turf that reignited that brotherly spark.
“Manchester this is it, Manchester in the area,” Liam shouted, the crowd hanging onto every word.
They launched straight into Hello, before easing into Acquiesce — the perfect anthem for a reunited pair. Liam, head tilted back and eyes closed, seemed to soak in every second.
“You look f***** stunning, you should be proud of yourselves,” Liam praised the sea of faces, before tearing into a fierce, almost snarling rendition of Morning Glory.
One fan jumped the gun trying to start the Poznan too early, catching Liam’s eye. Never one to miss a beat, he shot back:
“You’re too early!”
Three shows in, maybe the Poznan moment had become a bit predictable — but if so, no one cared. Right on cue, as Liam commanded, the crowd spun around, grabbed whoever was next to them, and bounced as the opening riff of Cigarettes & Alcohol shook the ground beneath them.
There were hometown nods everywhere: a Pep Guardiola cut-out on stage, the Manchester City badge on screen, and a cheeky wink to the United fans.
Images of the Gallagher brothers’ childhood flickered behind them, with family photos of Peggy and the boys as they powered through Fade Away, Supersonic and Roll With It.
Liam stalked the stage, every eye fixed on him. When someone dared to heckle, his reply was vintage Liam:
“Takes one to know one, mate. The difference is at least I’m a good looking c**.”*
A much-needed flash of Gallagher bite in what might otherwise have become too polite a victory lap.
As the show reached its sentimental midpoint, Noel took the spotlight, leading a huge singalong through Talk Tonight, Half The World Away and Little by Little.
“We’ll make it f****** big one day,” Noel joked, more relaxed than ever.
Pep wasn’t just a cardboard cutout either: in VIP, the City boss danced and sang along, earning a shoutout from Liam:
“The greatest manager of all time.”
Some in the crowd booed playfully, but spirits were quickly lifted by those goosebump-inducing moments Oasis do so well: Stand by Me, the haunting Cast No Shadow, and a heart-stopping Slide Away, almost drowned out by thousands singing every word.
During Whatever, a golden-hued graphic of an empty Heaton Park appeared behind them, fading into Liam’s silhouette — looking almost like an in memoriam. The crowd loved it, and so did Pep, mimicking the drummer’s beat with a grin.
At the business end of the night, Liam grinned and quipped:
“Thanks for sticking with us. I know we’re f**** hard work. You try being in a f***** band.”*
Then came Rock ‘N’ Roll Star — which, of course, was never really the end.
Because is there anything more Mancunian than throwing your arm around a stranger, launching your pint as far as it’ll fly, and screaming every word to The Masterplan, Don’t Look Back In Anger and Wonderwall?
Simple answer: no — there isn’t.
Last night wasn’t just a concert. It was a once-in-a-generation homecoming. A defiant, euphoric reminder that even after all these years, Oasis still belongs to Manchester — and Manchester still belongs to them.
Pictures Big Brother Recordings. Credits to Manchester Evening News
