On The List
Following on from the announcement in August, fans have been speculating a lot about the forthcoming Oasis reunion. Including what songs will make the setlist.
I thought I'd let you know what I would put on the list. So here goes, here's my 25 song. Oasis setlist for the live dates in 2025.
Main Set:
I'll split the set up into the main set and a three song encore. The set actually ends up being four parts but you'll see how that all pans out.
Let me know what you think.
1. Hello
Now I know a lot of people will have picked 'Rock n Roll Star' here because it has been the opener to Liam's solo shows, or ‘Acquiesce’ because it features both brothers taking vocal duties.
However I feel like it needs to be 'Hello' is the perfect opener. The opening track to 'What's the Story Morning Glory' which will be celebrating it's 30th year anniversary in 2025. Both brothers take vocal duties.
The song is the band saying 'Hello' and it features the line 'It’s good to be back'. It has to be 'Hello' opening proceedings. This would also really tee up song number 2 perfectly.
2. Acquiesce
This was always going to be the second song. A stomping rock n roll duet between the two brothers. Liam’s verse declaring, “Who wants to be alone when we can feel alive instead?” and Noel’s show-stealing chorus.
Hearing the brothers sing this, will be one of the defining musical moments of the last 20 years. "Because we need each other, we believe in one another," the sound of Noel and Liam putting behind 15 years of differences, to unite the people.
A celebration of both the brothers and the band. Oasis often saved their best songs to be b-sides. 'Some Might Say' that this is their best...
On that note.
3. Some Might Say
The bands first UK Number One and the A-Side to 'Acquiesce' its a huge song and it needs to be in the setlist. One of the bands best melancholic yet anthemic classics. A fan favourite and one of the best songs Noel has ever written.
Liam's vocal is a blinder too. It simply has to be on the set.
4. Supersonic
The bands breakthrough single, and Liam Gallagher's manifesto to this day. 'I need to be myself, I can't be no one else.'
No matter the venue, the 80,000 plus fans will be in raptures. Widespread pandemonium will hit Cardiff, London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin.
A song that still sounds as good as it did all the way back in 1994. It's also Noel Gallagher's favourite Oasis song. So it's nailed on to be in the set.
5. Morning Glory
Another heavy hitter. When that helicopter sound kicks in, those who've fell over in the 'Supersonic' mosh pits, will have to get up quickly.
It's Oasis at their best. Pure punk attitude, with lyrics about taking cocaine. It has it all Beatles references, pulsating drums, sound affects, a snarling riff.
One of the very best Oasis tunes and it's only 5 songs in.
6. Listen Up
I know, I know. Another B-side. Here me out.
An argument can be made that, 'Listen Up' has some of the best lyrics that Noel Gallagher has ever written. That chorus is so pure, so Noel, so brilliantly executed by his brother: “Sailing down a river alone, I’ve been tryin’ to find my way back home / But I don’t believe in magic, life is automatic / But I don’t mind being on my own.”
Liam's vocal is exceptional on this song too, he sings so close to the edge all the way through. It's a special song. Sung by both Noel and Liam throughout their solo careers. I feel as if it would be a good one to do together.
7. Shakermaker
Loping groove, surreal lyrics, a court case with one of the worlds biggest companies and a revival 30 years later.
'Shakermaker' deserves it's place on the setlist. It sounds nothing like anything else on the setlist, an early reminder of why the music press genuinely thought they might be the new Beatles.
Liam recently sung the song on his LGDM tour, celebrating 30 years of 'Definitley Maybe' and it was one of the highlights of the set, so why can't it be one of the highlights of an Oasis set.
8. Bring it On Down
Another punk rock classic. In some ways this is Oasis at their most punk. The NME described this song as "pure danger".
I'm inclined to agree. With lyrics about the struggles of the working class, the uninvited guests who stay till the end, and heads in fish tanks. It's Oasis at their mental best.
It needs to be on the setlist. A reminder of the early days and why Oasis did and still have something to say.
9. Cigarettes & Alcohol
The greatest youth anthem ever written. Sorry Paul Weller, and Morrissey.
It's Oasis at their most political. “Is it worth the aggravation to find yourself a job when there’s nothing worth working for?”
Extremely relevant in 1994, and still extremely relevant in 2024. An anthem that will be adopted by a new generation next year. Liam will sing it just like he did in 94 to, one of the best songs ever written about being young and disillusioned, but with a belly full of fire.
The song that perfectly encapsulates Oasis.
10. Whatever
Fancy a breather.
Get the strings out.
The standalone single released in between Definitely Maybe’ and ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory’. Would make for the perfect rest bite for fans. A criminally underrated Oasis song, with some of the reassuring or aspirational lyrics. “I’m free to be whatever I choose, and I’ll sing the blues if I want” and “I’m free to say whatever I like, if it’s wrong or right it’s alright”?
Again given a resurgence due to Liam's Definitely Maybe tour.
Get it on the list. Oh and Noel, sing 'Octopuses Garden' at the end.
11. Cast No Shadow
Keep the acoustics and strings out. Another duet between the brothers. With lyrics dedicated to The Verve front man, Richard Ashcroft.
Some of Noel's best lyrics. One of Liam's best vocals. Hearing the two of them singing lines such as "“he walks along the open road of love and life, surviving if he can”, and "Bound with all the weight of all the words he tried to say. Chained to all the places that he never wished to stay". It will prove to be one of the gigs watershed moments.
Bonus points if they can get Ashcroft on stage.
12. Little By Little
Opening up, Noel's part of the main set, a later day classic. Sung by Noel throughout his solo career, hearing this song live just gives it an extra dynamic.
He deserves an opportunity to belt it out in front of all of those people again. A real anthem for the ages.
Side note, it's also Anais Gallagher's favourite Oasis song. That must count for something get it on the list.
13. Talk Tonight
A b-side written when Noel bailed on the band after a catastrophic gig at the Whisky-A-Go-Go in LA in 1994, and legged it to San Francisco to spend some soul-healing time with a lady he knew there.
It's an acoustic gem, and one of my favourite Oasis songs, hence why it's made the setlist. Another one sung by Noel throughout his solo career. I feel as if it would be the perfect acoustic moment in his little block of tunes. As would the next track.
14. Half the World Away.
Noel dedicates the fan favourite b-side to the real 'Royle Family'
Leading the thousands in attendance in a heart warming sing song. Get your phone lights out. It's a fan favourite, and it has to be in the set.
15. The Masterplan
How on earth was this a b-side. Probably the most poignant and greatest lyrics ever written by Noel Gallagher.
A song about the universal truths of life, it has to be in. Bonus points if he changes the lyrics like he did at Knebworth in 1996. To 'We're All Part of a Masterplan.'
16. Don't Look Back in Anger
This song means a lot to people. This song has a life of its own. Mancunians adopted it as there hymn following the attack at the arena in 2017.
It's a song that has gone on to soundtrack the generations. One of the select few Oasis songs that has become bigger than the band themselves. It's Noels show stealing moment. Before Liam returns to the stage.
17. Stand By Me
A brilliant single from 'Be Here Now' that was done best acoustically by a pool. That has become a staple of both of the brothers solo sets.
It needs Noel's guitar and Liam's vocal. One of the 'Be Here Now' tracks that has stood the test of time. Get it on the list.
18. Stop Crying Your Heart Out
One of the best ballads ever recorded by the band, another huge sing along moment. A song best sung with both brothers on stage together.
Later day Oasis tunes are few and far between in this setlist, but this one has to be involved. A real classic, a rare occurrence for the later years of Oasis.
19. D'You Know What I Mean
It’s summer 1997, almost two years since ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory’ came out. Oasis are by far and away the biggest band in UK and people are desperate for new music. ‘D’You Know What I Mean?’ drops on July 7.
This is the sound of Oasis at their peak. They are the biggest band in the world. It's a monumental and historic tune. Liam would describe it as biblical. I would have to agree.
Hearing Liam belt out “All my people right here right now, d’you know what I mean?” as 80,00 people jump up and down. Maybe the 15 year wait, potato jibes, and solo shows were worth it.
20. Lyla
Some Oasis songs were made to be played live. I give you ‘Lyla’ at the City Of Manchester stadium on July 3, 2005.
It's a song that makes people collectively lose themselves. Liam turns a later day single into one of the best moments of the whole gig. Noel's harmony knits it all together. Chuck Bonehead on guitar too, the 90s meets the 00s. It has to be on the list. Feel free to swap this and Supersonic around to.
21. Rock N Roll Star
The NME wrote this in their dream setlist article about 'Rock n Roll Star'
"A snarly, celebratory return, dedicated to all the c**ts who said it couldn’t happen”.
It's the Gallagher manifesto. A song that defines who Liam is, he still means those words as much as he did in 1994.
"In my mind my dreams are real Now you're concerned about the way I feel Tonight, I'm a rock 'n' roll star."
They are real Liam, Oasis are back, and you are the epitome of a 'Rock n Roll Star'
Encore.
The main set is over, Liam's thrown his tambourine into the crowd. There's still some big songs left to play though.
22. Slide Away.
The best Oasis song.
The love song that conquers all. A perfectly crafted rock song that doesn’t relent for even half a second, sung by an intensely passionate human being who believes every word he’s singing, and who let this song take him to his absolute peak.
This is a moment where both brothers have there moment in the sun. Liam delivers these words like his life depends on it. Noel keeps things ticking with some intricate guitar work and those backing vocals that the thousands in attendance will support him with.
Just watch this video, and you will see just how good Slide Away is live.
23. Live Forever.
When it was released as a single four months after Kurt Cobain’s death, it delivered an incredibly powerful message—and still does today. It speaks to the underdog, encouraging you to tap into positivity, optimism, and self-belief to accomplish anything you set your mind to.
For the thousands in attendance, this song is like a hymn. Sung by both of the brothers seperatley. Never quite having the same power as it did when they were together.
It will probably be the defining moment of each gig, and the moment we all remember. Or try to remember.
24. Champagne Supernova
The perfect Oasis song to end proceedings, the final song of their second album, complete with the magical Oasis mix of nostalgia, optimism, hope, glory, sadness, longing, the passage of time.
It's a real closing statement. The perfect opportunity for a special guest to, Johnny Marr or John Squire maybe. Why not both.
One of those songs that has everything, a song that has the ballad quality but with also a bombastic rock sound.
All 7 and a half minutes will create a different memory for those in attendance, they'll be tears, hugs, laughter, pints raised, drugs shared, a real sense of community created. It's not the end though.
25. I Am the Walrus
The way they always use to end things, the last song Oasis ever played live was 'I Am the Walrus. On the 22nd August 2009, it seems fitting to end the reunion shows with that same song.
Noel Gallagher puts it best When we do ‘I Am The Walrus’ we’re doing a song the Beatles never played live and we do it better than they would have done.
It's the definitive Oasis cover. The perfect end to the set.
Thank you for reading x
Jack