On Tuesday morning, Liam and Noel Gallagher announced that Oasis is reuniting for a series of concerts across the UK and Ireland next year, 15 years after their split. This news has significant implications for fans of Manchester’s two biggest football clubs.
The Gallagher brothers are well-known supporters of Manchester City, having passionately followed the team throughout their careers. During the mid-90s, as the band rose to fame, City and their cross-town rivals Manchester United were experiencing vastly different fortunes. While Sir Alex Ferguson was assembling a dynasty at Old Trafford, City struggled, even dropping to the third tier of English football in 1998, around the same time Oasis released their third album, Be Here Now.
Now, as City celebrates numerous titles, including a historic treble last season, the relationship between Oasis and Manchester football remains strong. Following the announcement of their reunion, many football fans took to social media to express their excitement. Former Manchester United midfielder David Beckham shared a photo of the Gallaghers, stating, “No words needed,” while Gary Neville quipped on Instagram about “Manchester’s second most famous brothers.”
What Oasis Means to City and United Fans
Nigel Rothband of the Man City Show podcast remarked, “For City fans, it’s a big deal—’Wonderwall’ is played at the Etihad. There’s a natural connection between Oasis and City fans.”
Meanwhile, Gaz Drinkwater, a Manchester United reporter for BBC Radio Manchester, noted: “There’s friendly banter, but Oasis and The Stone Roses are part of what feels bigger than football in this city. I don’t think anyone will be too concerned about their allegiances when the gigs come around.”
An Emotional Connection
Oasis has played a key role in shaping the identity and culture of Manchester. After the reunion announcement, superfan Scarlett Thornton expressed her excitement, saying, “To hear their songs live would be amazing.” Shaun Edmonson echoed that sentiment, noting he was “proper buzzing” and planned to try to get tickets for all four shows in Heaton Park.
A Timeline of Oasis and Manchester Football
- August 1994: Definitely Maybe is released; Manchester United wins their second Premier League title.
- October 1995: What’s The Story Morning Glory? is released; City is relegated while United secures their third Premier League title.
- August 1996: Oasis performs iconic concerts at Knebworth.
- May 2000: City is promoted back to the top flight shortly after a notable Brit Awards moment.
- September 2008: City is taken over by Sheikh Mansour; Oasis releases their final studio album.
- August 2009: Oasis splits after a backstage fight; City continues its rise in football.
- August 2024: Oasis announces their reunion amid City’s pursuit of another Premier League title under Pep Guardiola.
The reunion of Oasis not only rekindles a shared love for music but also symbolizes a deep connection between the band’s legacy and the rich football culture of Manchester.
Credit: BBC Sport
