The B-Sides
Since the announcement on the 27th August 2024, speculation has been rife around the forthcoming Oasis reunion. What will the line up be? Which songs make the setlist? Who will the supports be?
In this post I'm tackling the last question. I'm going to talk about some of the rumoured acts and include some more. Splitting them into three categories
Yes Definitely
Definitely Not
Definitely Maybe..
Those within the Definitely Maybe category will be some curveball acts. Those not tipped by the bookies but some I feel could do a good job, taking to the stage with the Big O.
Yes Definitely: Blossoms
Blossoms seem nailed on, the bookies have them down as favourites, and it's easy to see why. The boys from Stockport have played with both Noel & Liam. during their time as solo artists.'
Noel took them on tour in 2018. After meeting the band at the re opening of the Manchester Arena. Liam has played with the boys at various festivals and recently invited them to play at the Malta Weekender he hosted.
The band were also asked to use the biggest headline show to date, to play the Oasis teaser video. Here's a snippet from an NME interview with the band talking about said video.
“It was the best-kept secret in the music industry. We were playing at Wythenshawe Park on Sunday, and on Saturday night, the reunion article breaks. We’re all like, ‘This has got to be bullshit again’, but it felt a bit more legit. The next day, going to the gig, our manager calls us saying we need to show a video on the screens after the set because they’re showing it at Reading & Leeds. I’m like, ‘Is it Oasis?’ and he says, ‘I can’t tell you’. When we came offstage, we ran around to the front to see the video!”
The band in the same interview said that they had not been asked to play with the band. “Nothing has been discussed, nothing has been asked; I don’t think they’ll sort it out until next year. It’s sold out. They don’t need to announce the supports. I’d like to think our name might be in the mix because why not?
I feel as if they'd be a good fit for the show, they've talked about Oasis and their influence overt the years. However Blossoms have a slightly different sound, but having been a fan of theirs for a long time now. That sound certainly works in big venues. 5 albums in, and with a collection of sing along indie gems, Blossoms would make for a great support act.
Having Blossoms would be a great marker, Oasis are continuing to influence the next generations of guitar bands. Lets not make it a complete nostalgia fest...
Definitely Not: Kasabian
This one could annoy some people. Another one of the bookies faves. I can see why Kasabian have supported Oasis before, and since then have gone on to headline Glastonbury, play sell out shows at Leicesters King Power Stadium. However they aren't that band anymore. Yes the new look Kasabian supported Liam at Knebworth in 2022.
However I'm not gripped by the bands new material.
With the last two albums 'Happenings' and 'The Alchemist Euphoria' a couple of good songs have shined through, and the rest in my opinion has been pretty forgettable. The old songs are always there I totally understand that, I'm just not gripped by them as I once was.
I can see it happening though. I just would prefer someone else.
Definitley Maybe: Wolf Alice
Hear me out...
Wolf Alice have become one of the most successful British bands of the last decade, with three brilliant records. They've won the Mercury Prize, and a Brit Award.
They've also got history with the Gallaghers, they were the lead support at Liam's huge 2018 Finsbury Park gig. I feel as if it could be a curve ball choice, but still a brilliant one. The bands sound is eclectic, they are not new to playing new stages.
It's not totally in the Oasis wheel house but I feel as if that would make it brilliant. Wolf Alice deserve to playing on big stages and where better than at the Oasis reunion.
Yes Definitely: Sam Fender
This one has also been heavily rumoured, and as a lead support he would be brilliant. Sam Fender is the brightest spark in British Guitar music right now.
He's supported Liam before, at a one off gig for Radio X.
However since then he has blown up. Headlining Reading & Leeds and selling out two nights at St James Park.
He's probably the biggest act in British guitar music right now, but I honestly think if he got asked he'd do it. These gigs are going to be historic, and Sam has commented on how much Oasis have influenced him throughout his career, it could happen.
The songs he has written will resonate with Oasis fans of all ages too, they are working class anthems that apply to a 14 year old and a 54 year old. Make it happen.
Definitely Not: Villanelle
Another controversial pick from me. Villanelle are fronted by Gene Gallagher. Liam Gallagher's son and recently played with Liam on his LGDM tour. Opening up proceedings.
I watched them play in Manchester and I wasn't that impressed, the venue seemed to big for them and that was in an arena. Playing at huge stadiums, and in massive fields. I feel as if the band would struggle.
For where they are as a band in my opinion having a slot on a tour like this would not be because of the songs they have, or their stage prescience or their live playing. It would be because the singer is the son of the headline act.
Having seen them play, the set was quite forgettable. I've seen a few rumours about them supporting I wouldn't have them personally.
Definitely Maybe: Stereophonics
This one I've seen dotted about on a few fan forums and I think it would be a great option for a support slot. Especially in Cardiff.
A huge band in their own right, with albums worth of classic songs spanning three decades. Kelly is friends with both Noel and Liam, and they were actually meant to support Oasis in 2005 but had to cancel.
This in my opinion would be a brilliant booking. Stereophonics have been an arena band for years, and have taken to some of the worlds biggest stages. Isle of Wight have booked them in for the Saturday headline slot next year. So they are available...
Lets make it happen.
Yes Definitely: Courteeners
Another band that seem pretty much nailed on to play, at least the Manchester dates. Liam Fray sparked speculation saying this in an interview.
“100 per cent, I will be there. Supports and stuff, I don’t think any of that’s been talked about. Listen, they could ask whoever they want – it’s still going to be amazing.”
The band have never been shy of admitting how much Oasis have influenced them. Saying in the same interview "Me, Campbell and Conan went to watch Oasis at the Reebok Stadium in 2000. I remember during ‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’, I said, ‘We’ll start a band, us three.
Having seen the band play countless times, including their own headline shows in Manchester. It's easy to see why they are heavily rumoured. Their gigs are monumental gatherings where people go mental for two hours.
I can see this one happening. These and Blossoms are nailed on for me...
Definitely Not: Cast, Ocean Colour Scene etc...
First I'm not totally against the idea of having one of these Britpop bands on the bill for old times sake. However I don't think these shows should be a 90s nostalgia fest.
Oasis have transcended multiple generations, from the very beginning. It was never us and them. It was always we. That trend has continued throughout both of the brothers solo careers.
Both brothers have young fans coming to shows. Those songs apply to multiple generations. Noel said in an interview. Someone asked me what “Champagne Supernova” is about. I was like, “Who gives a fuck what it’s about?” And he’s going, “But surely when you write it you must know?” On stage, two hours later, in Scotland, with an acoustic guitar, I’m playing it and there’s a 15-year old kid, he’s got his top off and he’s singing it, crying his eyes out, and I’m thinking, “That’s what it’s about.”
Liam has spoken about young fans at gigs too. His Knebworth shows in 2022, were for those who missed out the first time.
The demographic of fans attending these gigs will be so varied. I'm attending and I was 9 when they broke up. In our group of four attendees I'm not the youngest. They are two years younger than me.
So let's celebrate who Oasis have influenced. Get a mixture of supports. I can't see the point of trying to recreate the 1996 Knebworth line up. 29 years on. Let's embrace the newer acts influenced by Oasis.
Definitely Maybe: Fontaines DC
This one might be a pipe dream at best. However I would really like it to happen. Fontaines were heavily rumoured, following the the announcement.
However two of the band members admitted in an interview they were not too fussed. Speaking to Studio Brussel last week, guitarist Carlos O’Connell and bassist Conor Deegan III were asked how they were feeling about the news that Oasis will reunite for a huge tour in 2025.
“I couldn’t really give a s***, to be honest,” O’Connell responded.
“I’m not excited about it either, to be honest,” Deegan agreed. “Because I just feel like we kind of get caught, in the last year, 2010s, into such a nostalgic thing, that we’re forgetting to make new things.
I get their point... but throw fuel onto the fire. Frontman Grian Chatten clarified his position in a post on an NME Instagram report on the incident, writing: “I love Oasis. This is not my opinion.”
I think a Fontaines slot would be spectacular, they are making some of the most interesting music coming out today. They would put on quite the show.
2025 is already looking to be a huge year for the boys from Dublin though, so I'm not holding my breath.
Yes Definitely: Richard Ashcroft, Johnny Marr
Richard Ashcroft and Johnny Marr have both been heavily rumoured. Ashcroft has supported Liam countless times throughout his solo career, and Marr has played heavily with Noel. It'e easy to see why they are both high on the bookies odds list.
Both of the legends former bands have also been thrown into the hat for a support slot. The Smiths and The Verve have been rumoured to make an appearance at the Live 25 dates. That I cannot see happening. Marr and Ashcroft however I can. Ashcroft still plays a set full of Verve songs and Marr's set features some of the very best Smiths songs so fans will not be missing out.
I think the question is, will be getting just one or them both.
Definitely Not: The View
Another band I've seen heavily rumoured is the Scottish outfit 'The View' following a support slot on Liam's recent 'Definitely Maybe' tour, it's an obvious choice. However it's not a choice I'd make.
I just don't feel like it would work. These are huge venues, and I can't see The View having the songs or live prescience to work on these stages. Maybe I'm wrong but I just can't see it. Sorry lads.
Definitely Maybe: Jungle, Young Fathers
This one has no significant backing. Neither of these have been heavily rumoured. Young Fathers were on one of the fake posters, that came out before the official announcement. Other than that neither of these bands have been demanded by fans or backed by the bookies.
They are on this list because, I would like them to be on the list of supports. Noel is a massive fan of both and admires the way they make music. He said the first Jungle album is his favourite album of the last decade. He has called Young Fathers one of his favourite live bands.
This one is a real pipe dream, but I would be absolutely buzzing if one of these were announced.
The Rest of the World
At the moment it is just the UK, that has Oasis dates, but it has been rumoured by particularly good sources that international dates will be coming soon. Those dates will too need supports. I'd like to throw a couple of names into the hat for that too.
The Strokes:
Noel has proclaimed his love for the boys from New York. In 2001 he proclaimed The Strokes to be “the most important band right now in the world”
After a successful reunion of their own, they could make for a great support. They certainly have the songs to do it. One for the future American dates perhaps.
Tame Impala:
One of the most influential artists in the world right now.
It would make for a rather interesting support slot. Away from the music that is familiar to Oasis fans. Noel has proclaimed himself to be a fan of Kevin Parker. So it's not impossible. I'd certainly love for it to happen.
If it does, can you do the UK dates too Kev?
DMAs:
I think DMA's will be involved in some capacity, whether that be in the UK or overseas. They have played with Liam a few times, at big outdoor shows and on his solo tours. They are familiar to the Oasis camp and a popular choice among fans.
From the very early days, DMA's were compared to Oasis and the Britpop sound. Having them on the tour seems almost inevitable.
LCD Soundsystem:
This one is a curveball but it has been rumoured heavily. I would certainly be up for it.
After their Glastonbury performance this year, where a certain Mr Noel Gallagher was stood at the side of the stage. I can see why fans would want them. Again it's a different sound but I feel like they'd bring a really good show.
Conclusion
None of us know who the brothers Gallagher have got lined up yet, I don't think any of us will until next year. We will all speculate different ideas from the realistic: Blossoms, Johnny Marr Richard Ashcroft, Kasabian. To the insane: The Stone Roses, The Verve, Blur.
To the newer bands: The K's, The Mary Wallopers, Young Fathers, Jungle etc.
The band can have pick of anyone they want. I'm sure they will pick well. They have so many options, as much as people want to say otherwise. Guitar music is in a good place right now, and the band have plenty of options of acts. They do not need to make it a nostalgia fest, that tries to re-create the 90s, they have an opportunity here to make the next generation pick up guitars and join bands.
The last generation that did that did alright. The Strokes, The Libertines, Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian all started because of the 90s heyday of Oasis.
Fingers crossed this reunion can birth some new rock n roll stars.
Who would you like?
Thanks for reading x
Jack