Oasis Live ’25 has so far played two gigs in Cardiff and two in Manchester, and there’s already been several subtle changes to the show – here’s what I noticedDianne Bourne Lifestyle Editor and Megan Archer-Fox What’s On Editor & Affiliates Lead
08:19, 14 Jul 2025
(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
By Dianne Bourne
Music enthusiasts are now enjoying the return of a rejuvenated Oasis, who are back and better than ever. Brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, along with original founding member Bonehead, have already delivered four electrifying performances on their ongoing Oasis Live ’25 tour in Cardiff and Manchester.
I was fortunate enough to witness Oasis’ grand comeback on their opening night at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, before heading to the first of their homecoming shows in Manchester at Heaton Park.
Seeing the band, originally formed here in Manchester, make such a polished and triumphant return has been one of the greatest joys of my life, and it’s clear the entire world is watching closely.
We’re only four gigs into this tour, but already the shift in setting to Manchester has allowed fans to notice some subtle changes to the show since Cardiff.
Of course, there were some obvious differences as the show moved from Cardiff to Manchester. The main one being that in Cardiff, the entire show took place in a roofed stadium, leaving the audience in darkness, while at Heaton Park, the performance unfolded under the sweltering sun and into the sunset, reports the Manchester Evening News.
But I also noticed subtle shifts in the atmosphere and the on-stage banter from that opening night.
So, let’s take a look back at how this massive show is evolving – and why I believe it’s fantastic news for fans holding tickets for the rest of the tour.
The atmosphere.
I must confess, I’m somewhat sceptical that any of the gigs on this tour could surpass the sheer euphoria experienced by 70,000 fans in Cardiff on that inaugural night, marking Oasis’s comeback after a 16-year hiatus.
The sense of anticipation was palpable, positively electric.
As the audience anticipated whether the concert would indeed commence on time (it did) and if the Gallagher brothers would joyfully reunite on stage (they did), it’s almost inconceivable now, with billions of TikTok views later, that we in the stadium were the pioneers in witnessing this historic event.
I was visibly trembling and I’ll concede I shed a tear – fully grown adults around me were openly crying at the spectacle before them.
But surely the vibe from a hometown crowd in Manchester would surpass, even eclipse, that sensation, right?
As Noel famously remarked each night as he stepped onto the stage: “This is the place, THIS is the place”.
However, some attendees expressed on social media that there was a “flat atmosphere” at the outset of the initial Heaton Park show. Was that truly the sentiment?
What I can say is that with these Manchester concerts taking place in an expansive park, the atmosphere will inevitably differ from the intense, enclosed acoustic environment of a covered arena or stadium (the Principality Stadium had its roof closed for the first shows).
In Cardiff, I was positioned to the right side of the stage, witnessing nearly every individual in the stadium singing along and moving rhythmically throughout the performance – a sight I’ll never forget.
At Heaton Park, I found myself in the second front standing area (not the very front), regularly doused in pints of unidentified liquid thrown by those behind me. My view consisted of a sea of bobbing bucket hats and arms jostling into me, which was special in its own unique way.
However, as the evening unfolded, the atmosphere kept escalating. For fans heading to Heaton Park, there’s nothing quite like 80,000 Mancunians singing and bouncing in unison to songs first penned by a young lad with a dream in a shared bedroom in Burnage, is there?
Having now experienced the show in both an outdoor and stadium setting, I can say that each has its own merits. So, if you’ve secured a ticket for Heaton Park, Wembley, Dublin, or Murrayfield, trust me, believe the hype, you’re in for the performance of your lifetime.
Liam’s voice.
Everyone, and I mean everyone, exiting the first Cardiff gig was echoing the same sentiment about Liam’s voice – it exceeded all their expectations.
I believe people were so concerned that he wouldn’t sound good, they forgot that most of the time, let’s be honest, he does sound fantastic.
However, the atmosphere at Heaton Park was on another level. Whether it was due to a superior sound system or simply Liam riding high on Mancunian vibes, his voice echoed as if we were all back in 1995, not 2025.
His vocals were crystal clear and the passion was palpable. Whatever prep he’s been doing for these gigs, it’s evidently paying off.
The on-stage banter.
Perhaps the most noticeable difference was just how at ease Liam and Noel appeared at their big Manchester homecoming compared to that first gig in Cardiff.
The world was watching with bated breath as they took to the stage in Cardiff, curious about how they would interact on stage. They’ve walked out hand-in-hand every night since – a clear signal that they are united on this tour.
But what struck me was the shift in dynamics between the brothers. On the first night, there wasn’t much interaction between the two on the dimly lit Cardiff stage after that initial, magical moment of them walking out together.
In Manchester?
Well, it’s now evident just how well they seem to be getting along – the pair were seen laughing, joking and smiling as they made their entrance at Heaton Park in a video they’ve since shared on their official feeds.
During their Manchester gigs, the band truly came alive under the brilliant sun, with a sense that they are once more a united collective.
Liam Gallagher was particularly on form during the first night in Manchester, playfully commenting on the sunburnt crowd, assuring everyone of their beauty, and not shying away from stirring up some football rivalry with cheeky digs at Manchester United supporters.
Noel Gallagher’s quick response to the audience’s booing during Liam’s tribute to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who attended the Heaton Park gig, with “Who you f***ing booing?” felt like brotherly solidarity on stage.
The bond between Noel and Bonehead has been a highlight of the shows; with Bonehead being honoured by Noel for his role in Oasis’ origins – in Cardiff as an “uber-legend” and in Manchester as the one “who started it all”.
Here’s hoping this renewed friendship lasts, especially since there’s a lengthy tour ahead, although early signs suggest they’re off to a strong start.
The atmosphere at Cardiff’s stadium show was markedly more genteel compared to the raucous scenes at Heaton Park.
While the Cardiff concert maintained energy, the chaotic beer hurling that characterised Heaton Park was noticeably absent.
Ticketless fans were spotted outside Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, trying to catch a snippet of the action.
Yet, that pales in comparison to the frenzy in Manchester, where the city has gone absolutely ‘mad fer it’.
Throngs of people are so eager to be part of the event that they’re scaling the newly-dubbed “Gallagher Hill” for a glimpse of the show.
It’s not every day you see someone boldly carrying a ladder towards the fence in an attempt to sneak in, is it?
Oasis mania is escalating in Manchester, with the band solidifying their status through these Heaton Park gigs.
Following the initial shows, the buzz has intensified, with social media reviews fuelling even more desperation among fans to snag a ticket.
With further Oasis performances lined up for Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at Heaton Park, the excitement is expected to soar, though officials advise against going to the park without a ticket.
The stage in Cardiff may have seemed impressive, but it was utterly dwarfed by the colossal screen erected at Heaton Park.
This tour has made history yet again, boasting the largest video screen ever used at a UK concert in Heaton Park.
The atmosphere was electric as Oasis took to the stage, accompanied by stunning visual effects on the large screens.
The Heaton Park concerts hold a special place in the Oasis Live 25 world tour, not only because it’s a homecoming gig for the Gallaghers and Bonehead.
This is due to the fact that they’re the ONLY gigs on the tour taking place in a greenfield setting. All other dates are in stadiums, making these Manchester gigs feel particularly unique.
The Fireworks.
Perhaps the most notable difference at the Manchester gig was the truly spectacular fireworks finale at Heaton Park.
As Noel strummed the final poignant guitar outro of Champagne Supernova, a dazzling display of sparkles shot up into the sky.
It was one of the most impressive fireworks displays I’ve ever witnessed, leaving the crowds on an even bigger high as they began their exit from the park.
It remains uncertain whether the fireworks will become a staple across the tour (for the roofless stadiums!), or if they’re a specific treat for Manchester given the parkland setting.
So, if you’ve secured a ticket for the remaining dates in Manchester, I’d recommend savouring this sparkling finale now, just in case it really is our own unique supernova in the sky moment.
And one thing that will never change….
As temperatures soared to a sweltering 31C in Manchester for the highly anticipated Oasis comeback, fans were buzzing with speculation about whether we might catch a glimpse of some Gallagher biceps on stage at Heaton Park – would Liam finally shed his parka and bare his arms?
Even at 8.15pm, as the band took to the stage, the heat was stifling in the park. The sun continued to beam directly onto the stage for the majority of the performance, making it incredibly hot up there.
However, true to form, Liam sauntered out at both Heaton Park gigs donning the same Awake NY hooded anorak, zipped right up to the neck, for the entire show.
And the most impressive part?
He didn’t seem to break a sweat throughout.
If there was ever any question that he is truly the coolest man in rock (he must have alligator blood), this surely settles it.