Oasis fans branded ‘fat, drunk and rowdy' by ‘snob' council bosses ahead of Edinburgh gigs

Scottish Sun

2 days ago

Briefing papers said there were also concerns about "the tone of the band"
DEFINITELY LAIRY Oasis fans branded 'fat, drunk and rowdy' by 'snob' council bosses ahead of Edinburgh gigs
OASIS fans have been branded 'drunk', 'lairy', 'fat' and 'old' in secret safety briefings ahead of their three sell-out Murrayfield megagigs.
Snooty Edinburgh council officials also said punters at August's shows will be mainly 'middle-aged men' who 'take up more room'.
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The Gallagher brothers will reunite for the Oasis Live '25 Tour
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David Walker from the Oasis Collectors Group said council comments were "lazy stereotypes"
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Oasis superfan Sian Downes said the description of rowdy fans is "outdated"
Leaked papers reveal fears that acts will pull out of Edinburgh's world-famous arts festival due to possible clashes with 'rowdy' punters heading to the Britpop legends' three sell-out shows nearby
Snooty officials expect 'medium to high intoxication' and a 'substantial amount of older fans' among the 210,000 gig-goers at Murrayfield Stadium on August 8, 9 and 12.
Meanwhile millions are set to pour into the capital for Fringe comedy, music, dance, cabaret and kids' shows from August 1 to 25.
The secret planning briefings warn: 'Concerned about the safety of the Fringe and its performers. Many performers are considering not attending for that weekend.
'There is concern about crowds . . . as they are already rowdy . . . and the tone of the band.'
And in an apparent dig at the weight of punters set to pile into bars and hotels, they add: 'Middle-aged men take up more room. Consider this when working out occupancy.'
Oasis die-hards blasted the 'sneering' comments, which came after claims of booze-fuelled parties​ in the city chambers.
David Walker, 44, of the Oasis Collectors Group, said: 'To call fans drunk, middle-aged, and fat is a nasty, sneering stereotype — it's a jaundiced view.
'People want to have a great time. If reports of councillors' drunken parties are anything to go by, they'd be better keeping their opinions to themselves.
"The fanbase has changed a lot - there's a new generation of young fans for a start, and parents are wanting to introduce their kids to Oasis for the first time.
"If reports of Edinburgh councillors' drunken parties are anything to go by, then they'd be better keeping their opinions to themselves.
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"The return of Oasis will be hugely exciting for the city - everyone just needs to roll with it."
Gig-goer Sian Downes, 36, of Hawick, Roxburghshire, agreed: 'As a lifelong Oasis superfan who happens to be female and not planning to be riotously intoxicated, I have to laugh.
"Some might say that's pretty outdated thinking from the council.
"I'm absolutely buzzing for the gig.
"It's a huge moment for fans and the city, and if that's genuinely how the fanbase is being viewed, I'd be curious to know what the plan is for looking after local people and infrastructure.
"Also, I highly doubt a single Fringe act will actually steer clear of Edinburgh because of the gigs — and let's face it, they're probably just a bit jealous.
"There's not a Fringe performer alive who could draw a crowd like that or create a movement like they have."
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Previously warring Gallagher brothers Noel, 58, and Liam, 52, are gearing up for their world tour, the band's first concerts in 16 years.
Some 17million fans tried to bag 1.7million tickets for the Definitely Maybe superstars' UK shows when they went on sale last August.
Edinburgh chiefs set up an advisory group of organisers, emergency services and transport chiefs to ensure safety at the city gigs, which are set to generate £136million for the economy.
Cops warned of a 'possible increase in resources'.
Edinburgh culture convener, Margaret Graham said: 'As with any major event which takes place in the city, we prepare extensively alongside our partners to ensure the safety and best possible experience of everyone involved – and Oasis are no different.
"No two events are the same in terms of requirements or planning and our multi-agency approach reflects this appropriately.
'We're also working closely with residents in the local area to make sure these concerts pass off as smoothly as possible.
"We're looking forward to seeing Oasis take to the stage.'