Excitement mounts as the Oasis reunion tour prepares to kick off in Cardiff
The return of the Britpop-era rockers after a 16-year hiatus is a major moment for fans. Will it be a storming success? Definitely maybe.
Predictions are tricky when it comes to Noel and Liam Gallagher, the sparring siblings who give Oasis its charisma, and its volatile chemistry.
'That's one of the attractions about Oasis — they bring this element of risk,' said author and music journalist John Aizlewood. He said the 'alternative aura that they have cultivated with the age-old pop story of fractious brothers' is part of the band's appeal.
Unless the brothers' combustible relationship derails proceedings, two nights at Cardiff's 70,000-capacity Principality Stadium on Friday and Saturday raise the curtain on a 19-date Live '25 tour in the U.K. and Ireland. Then come stops in North America, South America, Asia and Australia, ending in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Nov. 23.
Founded in the working-class streets of Manchester in 1991, Oasis released its debut album, 'Definitely Maybe,' in 1994 and became one of the dominant British acts of the 1990s, releasing eight U.K. No. 1 albums and producing hits including 'Wonderwall,' 'Champagne Supernova,' 'Roll With It' and 'Don't Look Back in Anger.'
The band's sound was fueled by singalong rock choruses and the combustible chemistry between guitarist-songwriter Noel Gallagher — a Beatles and glam rock-loving musician with a knack for memorable tunes — and younger brother Liam, a frontman of compelling swagger and style.
Then and since, the brothers have often traded barbs — onstage, in the studio and in interviews. Liam once called Noel 'tofu boy,' while Noel branded his brother 'the angriest man you'll ever meet. He's like a man with a fork in a world of soup.'
Oasis finally split in 2009, with Noel Gallagher quitting the band after a backstage dustup with Liam at a festival near Paris.
The Gallagher brothers, now aged 58 and 52, haven't performed together since, though both regularly play Oasis songs at their solo gigs.
They long resisted pressure to reunite, even with the promise of a multimillion-dollar payday — though Liam sounded more open to the idea. The singer told the Associated Press in 2019 that Noel 'thinks I'm desperate to get the band back together for money. But I didn't join the band to make money. I joined the band to have fun and to see the world.'
Now they have agreed on a tour that will see them joined — if reports are right — by former Oasis members Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs and Gem Archer on guitars, bassist Andy Bell and drummer Joey Waronker.
The announcement of the U.K. tour in August sparked a ticket-buying frenzy, complete with error messages, hours-long online queues, dashed hopes and anger at prices that surged at the last minute. Some fans who waited online for hours at the Ticketmaster site complained that they ended up paying 355 pounds ($485) for regular standing tickets instead of the expected 148 pounds ($202).
The ticketing troubles sparked questions in Britain's Parliament, where Arts Minister Chris Bryant criticized 'practices that see fans of live events blindsided by price hikes.' Britain's competition regulator has since threatened Ticketmaster — which sold some 900,000 Oasis tickets — with legal action.
Tickets for the U.K. shows sold out in hours, with some soon offered on resale websites for as much as 6,000 pounds ($7,800). That suggests major pent-up demand, both from the original fans — a male-dominated cohort now well into middle age — and from a younger generation.
No plans have been announced for Oasis to record any new music, and the tour is being presented as a one-off.
Aizlewood said it's an opportunity for Oasis to 'tend the legacy' of the band, and remind people of the power of the Oasis brand.
'There should be a sense of huge joy and life affirmation about these shows. And I think if they can just play it right, then that can be a massive burnishing of their legacy,' he said.
'(There is) this enduring love for Oasis — and love means money.'
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Los Angeles Times
an hour ago
- Los Angeles Times
Oasis launches new tour. How long till the breakup? 6 famous but brief band reunions
NEW YORK — 'Don't Look Back in Anger' is good advice for the Britpop band Oasis, who launch their surprising reunion tour today in Cardiff, Wales. Led by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, the reunion marks the end of the siblings' long-held feud, one that led to Oasis disbanding in 2009. For many fans, this news is almost too good to be true. They're anxiously awaiting whether the Gallaghers will indeed make it through the entire run of international dates and even perhaps extend the reunion. Whether they're in it for the long haul or will call it quits at some point sooner (hopefully not before they reach the Rose Bowl Sept. 6 and 7), here's a look at a few other very famous — but very brief — band reunions. DISBANDED: Technically, they never broke up. Read on. HOW LONG THE REUNION LASTED: A few months in 2012. WHAT HAPPENED: There is no linear history when it comes to the Beach Boys, but here's the abridged: Band members came and went, and the band's visionary, the late Brian Wilson, retired from touring in 1964 following a breakdown caused by stress and exhaustion. His place was soon filled by Bruce Johnston, who remained with the group for decades. Wilson also infamously feuded with his cousin and bandmate Mike Love over songwriting credits for years. The question here is: Can a band that never broke up reunite? In this case, yes: The band — with both Wilson and Love — got together for a new album, 'That's Why God Made the Radio,' and world tour in 2012, celebrating the band's 50th anniversary. It wasn't the whole original lineup, however: Drummer Dennis Wilson died in 1983, and guitarist Carl Wilson died in 1998. CHANCES OF GETTING BACK TOGETHER: The force behind the band, Brian Wilson, died last month at age 82, but Love continues to tour under the Beach Boys name. DISBANDED: 1980 HOW LONG THE REUNION LASTED: Good question. The band played a few one-off events in the mid-1980s throughout the '00s, never embarking on a reunion tour. So, a few days? A few hours? WHAT HAPPENED: Led Zeppelin disbanded immediately following the death of drummer John Bonham in 1980, reuniting only for a select few events in the decades that followed. Most notably, their first show back was a complicated set at Live Aid in 1985 in Philadelphia. Lead singer Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones' last performance together was in 2007 at the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert held in London's O2 Arena. There, Bonham's son Jason Bonham played the drums. Page and Plant had a separate band together that released a couple of albums in the '90s. CHANCES OF GETTING BACK TOGETHER: Highly unlikely. The band has successfully evaded reunion requests in the past, including one from President Bill Clinton. In 2013, Clinton asked the British rock greats to get back together for the 2012 Superstorm Sandy benefit concert in New York City. He asked; they said no. DISBANDED: 1994 HOW LONG THE REUNION LASTED: A series of one-off performances in the 2010s and 2020s. WHAT HAPPENED: Nirvana disbanded following the death of frontman and principal songwriter Kurt Cobain. Its members pursued other projects — most notably, drummer Dave Grohl founded the Foo Fighters. But two decades after Cobain's death, in 2014, Nirvana was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, so bassist Krist Novoselic, touring guitarist Pat Smear (of the Germs) and Grohl got together for a short set — joined by Lorde, St. Vincent, Joan Jett and Kim Gordon on vocals for a reunion dubbed 'Hervana.' CHANCES OF GETTING BACK TOGETHER: Maybe there could be a few more gigs here and there? Novoselic and Grohl reunited for a few one-off performances in the years that followed, most recently coming together for the Fire Aid benefit concert in Los Angeles and the 50th anniversary celebrations for 'Saturday Night Live,' both this year. At the latter, Post Malone took over vocal duties. DISBANDED: 2009 HOW LONG THE REUNION IS SUPPOSED TO LAST: If the band makes it through their full run of reunion shows, July through November. So, five months. WHAT HAPPENED: Good question. The band — and in particular, the Gallagher brothers — have not released a public statement giving specific reasons for the reunion. But the initial tour announcement did seem to allude to past tensions. 'The guns have fallen silent,' Oasis said. 'The stars have aligned. The great wait is over. Come see. It will not be televised.' In 2019, Liam Gallagher told the Associated Press he was ready to reconcile. 'The most important thing is about me and him being brothers,' he said of Noel. 'He thinks I'm desperate to get the band back together for money. But I didn't join the band to make money. I joined the band to have fun and to see the world.' Fans had long theorized a reunion might be on the horizon, too: In the wake of the 2017 bombing that killed 22 at an Ariana Grande concert in Oasis' hometown of Manchester, Liam Gallagher performed at a benefit concert. He criticized his brother's absence, but a spokesperson said Noel Gallagher couldn't attend because of a long-standing family trip. Benefit organizers said Noel Gallagher approved the use of Oasis' music and donated royalties from 'Don't Look Back in Anger' to the British Red Cross' One Love Manchester fund. CHANCES OF GETTING BACK TOGETHER: It's happening. A better question is: What are the chances of a new album? That's impossible to know. DISBANDED: They never officially disbanded, so call it a hiatus. They never released another album after 2006's 'Idlewild,' and 2007 is frequently cited as the year they officially took a break. HOW LONG THE REUNION LASTED: A few months in 2014? They announced reunion dates in January 2014, played their first in April, and ended that October. WHAT HAPPENED: At the top of 2014, Outkast — the innovative Atlanta-based hip-hop duo consisting of Big Boi and André 3000 — announced they would tour festivals around the world to mark 20 years of their band, following a near-decade-long hiatus. The dates began at Coachella, where the duo headlined both Friday night shows. Then they made their way to their home state of Georgia for the CounterPoint Music & Arts Festival, which the AP described as 'an energetic show that kept the crowd jamming in the late hours.' Once the reunion shows were done, so was Outkast. Big Boi continued to release solo records, and André 3000 would follow suit … almost 10 years later, when he released his debut solo full-length album, the flute-forward 'New Blue Sun,' in 2023. 'New Blue Sun' has 'no bars,' he joked to AP shortly after it was released. It's a divergence from rap because 'there was nothing I was liking enough to rap about, or I didn't feel it sounded fresh.' CHANCES OF GETTING BACK TOGETHER: When asked about new Outkast music, André 3000 told AP, 'I never say never. … But I can say that the older I get, I feel like that time has happened.' DISBANDED: 1973, more or less. HOW LONG THE REUNION LASTED: A few months in 1993. WHAT HAPPENED: Here's another opaque one for you, as band reunions so often tend to be: John Cale was ousted in 1968, Lou Reed left in 1970 and the Velvet Underground slowly dissolved from there, releasing their final album, 'Squeeze,' in 1973. In 1990, Cale and Reed joined forces to release an album in homage to Andy Warhol, 'Songs for Drella,' opening the door for a future reunion. There were a few one-off performances, and then the band toured Europe in 1993, including a performance at Glastonbury. CHANCES OF GETTING BACK TOGETHER: It is pretty much impossible. Reed died in 2013. Guitarist Sterling Morrison died in 1995. And Nico died in 1988. Sherman writes for the Associated Press.
Time Business News
an hour ago
- Time Business News
Cast of The Outlaws: Meet the Talented Performers Driving the BBC Hit Series
The Outlaws, created by Stephen Merchant and Elgin James, is a standout BBC comedy-drama that fuses humor, crime, and emotional depth. Set in Bristol, the show brings together a mismatched group of strangers completing community service. The driving force behind its success is its dynamic, diverse, and brilliantly cast ensemble. At BritainWrites, we've explored each cast member in detail to help fans and new viewers alike understand why this ensemble works so well. From Hollywood icons to rising UK stars, this breakdown showcases what each actor brings to the table. Christopher Walken as Frank Sheldon Among the Cast of The Outlaws, Christopher Walken is the most internationally recognized name. He plays Frank Sheldon, a retired con artist attempting to repair his relationship with his daughter while serving community service. Walken's iconic delivery adds depth to a role that mixes criminal charm with emotional vulnerability. Known for: The Deer Hunter, Catch Me If You Can Character type: World-weary, cunning, regretful Unique fact: Walken's first lead in a British series Walken's portrayal adds global star power and a grounded, heartfelt presence to the show. Known for: The Deer Hunter, Catch Me If You Can, Pulp Fiction Role: A sly but soft-hearted former criminal Fun fact: This was Walken's first major role in a British TV series Walken's portrayal of Frank adds unexpected tenderness to the character, making him both comedic and touching. Stephen Merchant not only co-created the series but also stars as Greg Dillard, an awkward and painfully shy solicitor. Greg is sentenced to community service after a public indecency offense, and his personal journey is one of the most relatable in the show. Known for: The Office (UK), Extras, Hello Ladies Role: A lonely lawyer with social anxiety and deep insecurities Creator credit: Merchant also writes and directs multiple episodes Greg's storyline is often both cringe-inducing and deeply moving, and Merchant's self-deprecating performance hits the right balance. Rhianne Barreto plays Rani, a gifted student from a strict immigrant family. After being caught shoplifting, she's sentenced to community service. Her storyline explores rebellion, cultural expectations, and identity crisis. Known for: Hanna, Honour Character traits: Intelligent, impulsive, emotionally conflicted Performance: Barreto brings complexity to Rani's coming-of-age arc As the youngest in the group, Rani adds a generational contrast that enriches the dynamic of the cast. Gamba Cole plays Christian, a protective older brother using a false identity to escape gang affiliations. His calm demeanor hides a life filled with danger, loyalty, and difficult choices. Known for: Guerrilla, Hanna Background: Christian is on the run from a dangerous past Relationship arc: His bond with Rani adds emotional weight to the storyline Cole's understated performance adds credibility and emotional grounding to the show's more dramatic moments. Darren Boyd plays John Halloran, a disgraced businessman caught in a racism scandal. His struggle with public image, family expectations, and personal guilt provides an ongoing moral dilemma within the group. Known for: Spy, Killing Eve, Green Wing Character profile: Conservative, prideful, and forced to confront change Story impact: John's arc mirrors real-world issues of privilege and bias Boyd brings both satire and sincerity to a character audiences love to hate—and sometimes sympathize with. Clare Perkins takes on the role of Myrna, a former radical activist. Now older and haunted by her past, Myrna uses community service as a chance to make amends and rediscover purpose. Known for: EastEnders, Secrets & Lies Role traits: Fiercely intelligent, morally conflicted, idealistic Dramatic depth: Her internal struggle adds gravitas to the ensemble Myrna often challenges other characters' motives, making her a voice of conscience in the group. Eleanor Tomlinson plays Lady Gabby, a socialite and former reality star sentenced after a drunken scandal. Her entitlement and cluelessness offer comic relief but also develop into genuine character growth. Known for: Poldark, The Nevers Character shift: From influencer to introspective outsider Added value: Her arc surprises viewers with unexpected emotional depth Tomlinson's portrayal of privilege evolving into self-awareness is one of the show's most entertaining transformations. Jessica Gunning stars as Diane, the overly intense community service officer. Obsessed with rules and control, Diane provides consistent comedic energy while occasionally revealing her own insecurities. Known for: Pride, Back, White Heat Character tone: Comically strict, socially awkward, and a little delusional Standout scenes: Diane's patrols and interrogations are comedic highlights Gunning balances slapstick and subtle humor to deliver some of the series' funniest moments. Nina Wadia plays Shanthi, Rani's traditional and overbearing mother. She represents the generational and cultural pressures faced by Rani and delivers moments of both frustration and heart. Known for: Goodness Gracious Me, EastEnders Cultural influence: Shanthi brings immigrant family dynamics into sharp focus Narrative weight: Her confrontations with Rani are emotionally charged Wadia's performance adds authenticity and emotional complexity to Rani's backstory. Actor Character Notable Credits Character Summary Christopher Walken Frank Sheldon Pulp Fiction, Catch Me Aging conman seeking redemption Stephen Merchant Greg Dillard The Office, Extras Awkward lawyer hiding deep loneliness Rhianne Barreto Rani Rekowski Hanna, Honour High-achiever turned rebel Gamba Cole Christian Taylor Guerrilla, Hanna Ex-gang member protecting his sister Darren Boyd John Halloran Spy, Killing Eve Disgraced businessman facing backlash Clare Perkins Myrna Okeke EastEnders, Secrets & Lies Former radical with unresolved guilt Eleanor Tomlinson Lady Gabby Penrose Poldark, The Nevers Spoiled influencer seeking identity Jessica Gunning Diane Pemberley Pride, Back Overzealous officer with a quirky side Nina Wadia Shanthi Rekowski EastEnders, Goodness Gracious Me Strict mother with traditional values The success of The Outlaws depends heavily on its diverse and multi-layered cast. With a balance of comedic veterans, dramatic actors, and international stars, the series resonates across different demographics. Each actor brings authenticity to their role, and the ensemble chemistry keeps the plot engaging and believable. Filmed in Bristol, the gritty urban setting adds realism, while the diverse casting reflects contemporary British society. The Outlaws has received widespread acclaim for both performance and writing. The cast, in particular, has been praised for elevating what could have been a typical redemption story. IMDb Rating: 7.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 92% Praise: Strong performances, believable character arcs, and smart humor Christopher Walken's presence draws global attention, while Stephen Merchant's dry wit and writing give the show a distinctly British flavor. Most original cast members returned for the third season, including: Stephen Merchant as Greg Christopher Walken as Frank Rhianne Barreto as Rani Gamba Cole as Christian Clare Perkins as Myrna Their ongoing character development adds new depth to the show's evolving narrative. Who is the most famous actor in The Outlaws? Christopher Walken is the most internationally recognized member of the cast, with a long and award-winning career in film. Is The Outlaws based on real people? No, the show is fictional. However, the characters are inspired by real-world social dynamics and stereotypes. Where was the series filmed? The series was filmed in Bristol, England, using real locations to enhance authenticity. Will the full cast return for Season 4? There's no official confirmation yet, but the positive reception of Season 3 suggests most of the cast may return. The cast of The Outlaws brings together actors from different genres, generations, and cultural backgrounds to create something uniquely entertaining. From Walken's seasoned charm to Barreto's raw emotion and Gunning's comedic timing, every role feels essential. Their performances turn a simple community service premise into one of the BBC's most exciting and human-centered shows. Whether you're here for the humor, the social commentary, or the performances, the cast of The Outlaws delivers something for everyone. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Green Day Trolled by Fan Who Was Invited On Stage to Play ‘Good Riddance' But Did an Oasis Hit Instead
Billie Joe Armstrong didn't exactly get what he bargained for when he invited a fan on stage at a recent concert. As has become tradition at Green Day concerts, the frontman handed over one of his acoustic guitars Monday (June 30) to a lucky fan plucked from the audience in Luxembourg, giving him the chance to perform alongside the band on 'Good Riddance.' But in clips captured from the show, the fan instead starts playing the wrong chords as Armstrong looks visibly confused. More from Billboard Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong Pauses Concert to Chew Out Audience Member Foo Fighters Celebrate 30th Anniversary of Debut Album With Emotional New Track 'Today's Song' At First, Kapo 'Didn't Dare' to Release Afrobeat Music, But Then He Leaned Into 'What Truly Made Me Feel Most Unique' 'You told me you could play this one!' the musician quips, attempting to help the fan out by reminding him of the proper key. Then, the fan started playing the chord progression of Oasis' biggest hit, 'Wonderwall.' Realization dawning on his face, Armstrong took the guitar back from the fan, who was quickly ushered offstage by a member of the crew. 'Oh, f–k!' Armstrong says in the clip. 'Nice try, nice try.' The interaction comes amid Green Day's The Saviors Tour, which kicked off in May 2024. It marks just the latest viral moment from the trek, with Armstrong recently making headlines for flipping off a concertgoer for seemingly spraying him with a water gun during the show. The band has also been playing a number of festivals in 2025, appearing at Coachella, BottleRock and Download Festival in the U.K. The latter was particularly memorable as Armstrong paused the performance to call out the United States government, telling the crowd: 'Donald Trump and his administration is a fascist government. And it's up to us to fight back.' In May, Armstrong and his bandmates were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 'I hope everybody comes here and takes pictures for as long as you want to and as long as you can,' bassist Mike Dirnt said during the ceremony. 'We'll never say 'thank you' enough.' Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
