LIVE REVIEW
OASIS
MURRAYFIELD - EDINBURGH
12-08-25
Photographer Credit: Simon Emmett
Reviewer: David Weddle
"From the first chord to the final roar, Murrayfield felt less like a concert and more like a shared chapter in music history."
It has been a long time coming; ever since Oasis split in 2009, fans have watched with bated breath as the Gallagher brothers seemed to get further and further apart, and any prospect of them seeing Oasis play live together again seemed like just a pipe dream. Then, from out of nowhere, the announcement came in November that Noel and Liam had buried the hatchet and Oasis were finally going to rock their fans again. Incredible news followed by an incredible scramble for tickets; we were lucky enough to grab a couple for the final of three shows at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium.
The Oasis trip started early, with the train ride from Newcastle to Edinburgh packed with fans en route to the Scottish capital. Everyone was in high spirits, not rowdy, just happy. Arriving in Edinburgh, it was apparent that the city was well and truly packed, with the Manchester band's gigs coinciding with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, making for a real melting pot of cultures. It was a celebration of everything that makes music and art so inviting, bringing people of all backgrounds together.
The Oasis trip started early, with the train ride from Newcastle to Edinburgh packed with fans en route to the Scottish capital. Everyone was in high spirits, not rowdy, just happy. Arriving in Edinburgh, it was apparent that the city was well and truly packed, with the Manchester band's gigs coinciding with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, making for a real melting pot of cultures. It was a celebration of everything that makes music and art so inviting, bringing people of all backgrounds together.
Ticketless fans gather to party outside.
Fans enjoying the vibes before the show
The journey to the stadium was fun, with the streets lined with fans getting into the party spirit courtesy of the many local bars. As we passed the many apartment buildings that lined the road near the stadium, some residents were at the windows playing Oasis songs and revelling in the fans' reactions. There were sellers of, erm, "official merchandise" all over the place and even a lad on the bagpipes serenading us as we walked on by.
It wasn't just ticket holders gathering for the gig; the steps outside the stadium were buzzing as those who couldn't get in gathered outside to hear their heroes belting out some classics.That's dedication.Oasis brought along a few friends in the form of Liverpool's finest, Cast, who got the crowd going early on with a set that included their biggest hits like 'Free Me', 'Finetime' and, of course, topping it off with 'Alright'. Those who made it there early were given a real treat.
If you thought that was enough nostalgia, then you are very much mistaken. Richard Ashcroft strutted on stage with the swagger of a man who knows exactly how to please a crowd. Playing seven songs in total, Richard's voice was as strong as it ever was, and as he played hit after hit, the crowd lapped it up. From 'The Drugs Don't Work' to 'Lucky Man' and 'Sonnet', we were reminded just how good Richard Ashcroft is and how many of his songs have played a part in the soundtracks of so many people's lives. After saying that Oasis fans are the best in the world, Richard topped off his set with a song that he declared to be the best song in the world, 'Bitter Sweet Symphony'. The whole stadium felt like it was singing along as the sweet, sweet sound of music reverberated around the stadium. Class.
It wasn't just ticket holders gathering for the gig; the steps outside the stadium were buzzing as those who couldn't get in gathered outside to hear their heroes belting out some classics.That's dedication.Oasis brought along a few friends in the form of Liverpool's finest, Cast, who got the crowd going early on with a set that included their biggest hits like 'Free Me', 'Finetime' and, of course, topping it off with 'Alright'. Those who made it there early were given a real treat.
If you thought that was enough nostalgia, then you are very much mistaken. Richard Ashcroft strutted on stage with the swagger of a man who knows exactly how to please a crowd. Playing seven songs in total, Richard's voice was as strong as it ever was, and as he played hit after hit, the crowd lapped it up. From 'The Drugs Don't Work' to 'Lucky Man' and 'Sonnet', we were reminded just how good Richard Ashcroft is and how many of his songs have played a part in the soundtracks of so many people's lives. After saying that Oasis fans are the best in the world, Richard topped off his set with a song that he declared to be the best song in the world, 'Bitter Sweet Symphony'. The whole stadium felt like it was singing along as the sweet, sweet sound of music reverberated around the stadium. Class.
John Power - on stage in Newcastle - Photo: David Weddle
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Richard Ashcroft press shot. Photo: Dean Chalkney
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The drinks were flowing as the many bars and food stands kept the fans refreshed before the headliners took to the stage. As Underworld's iconic track 'Born Slippy' boomed through the PA, the crowd were going wild as the excitement built. As the screens lit up with various news clippings and social media posts about Oasis, the crowd's anticipation was palpable, and that finally broke as the band walked on stage, the Gallagher brothers holding hands in a show of solidarity. There was no messing about as the lads got straight to work with 'Hello', followed by 'Acquiesce', and then straight into 'Morning Glory' and 'Some Might Say'.
It goes without saying that there was no filler in the setlist; with a back catalogue as incredible as Oasis's, there is no need for it. It was hit after hit all night long. Liam took to the mic to let the City of Edinburgh Council know exactly how he felt about comments made about Oasis fans. Pointing out that the shows had brought a lot of money and in his words 3 billion pounds, to the local economy. He said he was still waiting for an apology before going on to sing 'Bring It Down'.
Liam's intermittent crowd interactions were a definite highlight, getting the crowd to all turn their backs on the stage and do the Poznan, breaking down barriers between the fans and getting people involved in the show. It was a real standout moment. Alongside dedicating 'Stand By Me' to Susan Boyle, Liam also apologised for not being able to throw his tambourine and maracas into the crowd like he normally does. He had been told not to after recent events where fans had gone a bit crackers trying to get their hands on Liam's instruments.
It goes without saying that there was no filler in the setlist; with a back catalogue as incredible as Oasis's, there is no need for it. It was hit after hit all night long. Liam took to the mic to let the City of Edinburgh Council know exactly how he felt about comments made about Oasis fans. Pointing out that the shows had brought a lot of money and in his words 3 billion pounds, to the local economy. He said he was still waiting for an apology before going on to sing 'Bring It Down'.
Liam's intermittent crowd interactions were a definite highlight, getting the crowd to all turn their backs on the stage and do the Poznan, breaking down barriers between the fans and getting people involved in the show. It was a real standout moment. Alongside dedicating 'Stand By Me' to Susan Boyle, Liam also apologised for not being able to throw his tambourine and maracas into the crowd like he normally does. He had been told not to after recent events where fans had gone a bit crackers trying to get their hands on Liam's instruments.
That aside, the musical elements of the show stood out for all of the right reasons. Noel's guitar work was spot on; his command of the six strings is still a sight to behold and definitely one to hear. Oasis played a sizeable set of 23 tracks. With the fans singing along with the band from start to finish. The atmosphere was electric. That was evident as the crowd sang back 'Octopus's Garden' to Liam before 'Whatever'. What a memory.
There is no doubt that the band have some amazing fans from all walks of life and from all over the world, including Argentina which Noel dedicated 'Half The World Away' to after spotting a flag in the crowd. Speaking of Noel, he asked the crowd, "If you've ever wondered what it was like to sing this song along with tens of thousands of people, then you are about to find out", before kicking into 'Wonderwall'. And the sound from the crowd was incredible.
There is no doubt that the band have some amazing fans from all walks of life and from all over the world, including Argentina which Noel dedicated 'Half The World Away' to after spotting a flag in the crowd. Speaking of Noel, he asked the crowd, "If you've ever wondered what it was like to sing this song along with tens of thousands of people, then you are about to find out", before kicking into 'Wonderwall'. And the sound from the crowd was incredible.
Photo: David Weddle
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Photo: David Weddle
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Finishing off the night with 'Champagne Supernova' and a spectacular fireworks display, Oasis definitely gave their fans the show they had all hoped for and more. As the lights came up and people left the stadium, the streets were full to the brim. With street vendors and buskers making the most of the passing trade.
We walked for about 2 miles from Murrayfield to our hotel in Edinburgh City Centre and the crowds of Oasis fans were still streaming past us. The effects of this band are very far-reaching, and the memories made on a summer's night in Edinburgh will endure, as will the rock and the roll that the Manchester maestros advocate so wholeheartedly for. From the first chord to the final roar, Murrayfield felt less like a concert and more like a shared chapter in music history.
We walked for about 2 miles from Murrayfield to our hotel in Edinburgh City Centre and the crowds of Oasis fans were still streaming past us. The effects of this band are very far-reaching, and the memories made on a summer's night in Edinburgh will endure, as will the rock and the roll that the Manchester maestros advocate so wholeheartedly for. From the first chord to the final roar, Murrayfield felt less like a concert and more like a shared chapter in music history.
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