Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

6 minutes read. Updated 2:36AM GMT Wed, 28August, 2024

Thirty years after their iconic debut album, Definitely Maybe, Oasis is back, delighting both their loyal middle-aged fans and a whole new generation of listeners. Known for their rebellious spirit and massive impact on British rock, the band has announced a highly anticipated reunion tour, confirming that the once-distant dream is now a reality. With a statement saying, “The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over,” the Gallagher brothers have set the stage for what promises to be one of the most historic comebacks in music history.

Oasis: The Band That Captured 90s Britain

Oasis’s story is deeply rooted in rock ‘n’ roll folklore. From their unexpected discovery by record executive Alan McGee after they gatecrashed a gig in Glasgow in 1993, to their infamous breakup 16 years later, where a fruit thrown by Liam Gallagher at his brother Noel backstage in Paris symbolized their intense sibling rivalry, Oasis has always thrived on chaos and passion. Despite the persistent rumors over the years, it seemed that a reunion was impossible. But almost 15 years since their split, Oasis has announced a string of live dates for next summer, rekindling excitement across generations.

The UK and Ireland stadium tour, with potential international dates on the horizon, has already been hailed as one of the most anticipated musical comebacks of all time. It isn’t just the Gen X fans who are thrilled; a new generation, many of whom weren’t even born when Oasis first took the stage, are just as eager to experience the band live. This reunion is a testament to the timelessness of Oasis, a band that not only defined an era but also transcended it.

The Impact of Definitely Maybe

The reunion coincides with the 30th anniversary of Definitely Maybe, released during the fading days of summer in 1994. It wasn’t just another album; it was a cultural phenomenon that became the fastest-selling debut album in UK history. Oasis quickly rose from being a group of working-class lads from Manchester to the pinnacle of British rock, selling 75 million records worldwide. Their success seemed almost destined, fueled by their immense confidence and unabashed ambition to be “bigger than The Beatles.” Yet, Noel Gallagher recently reflected on how uncertain their journey was. “A fing singer who’s 19 and lairy, [me] writing the songs, ripping off everyone who’s fing dead, the other three lads look like plumbers… you couldn’t invent it,” he said.

Their background became their superpower, connecting with millions who also felt the desire to escape their everyday lives. The songs in Definitely Maybe resonated with the youth, capturing the essence of a generation on the brink of change and optimism. Britain was emerging from an economic recession, and political change seemed imminent with Tony Blair’s rise in the Labour Party. Songs like “Rock ‘N’ Roll Star” and “Supersonic” became anthems of this era, inviting listeners to break free from the mundane and embrace the magical moments of youth.

Oasis’s Influence Beyond Music

Oasis’s rise paralleled the resurgence of British guitar music, with bands like Blur, Pulp, and Suede also making waves. But Oasis was never content with just being part of the pack; they wanted to be the biggest band in the world. Their unapologetic ambition and raw energy set them apart, making them more of a “people’s band” than a “critic’s band.” Paul Lester, editor of Record Collector, who reviewed Definitely Maybe for Melody Maker in 1994, noted how the band’s success was difficult to predict despite their initial hype. “Yes, the critics absolutely frothed and raved about them, but we didn’t quite grasp how deeply these songs were going to become ingrained in the national psyche,” he said.

Oasis’s influence stretched beyond their music. The raw and real dynamic between the Gallagher brothers was both the driving force behind the band’s success and its downfall. Their very public disputes, like the infamous “POTATO” insult from Liam or Noel’s quip describing Liam as “a man with a fork in a world of soup,” became legendary moments in rock history. However, the potential reconciliation hinted at in recent years has finally culminated in this reunion, bringing a sense of closure and anticipation to fans worldwide.

A New Generation Embraces Oasis

The Oasis reunion is not just about nostalgia for those who experienced their heyday; it’s also about a new generation discovering and resonating with their music. Gen Z has increasingly shown an affinity for the 90s, seeing it as a time of rebellious freedom and authenticity. Many young people today, faced with constant digital noise and global crises, long for the kind of connection that defined the pre-social media 90s era. Neil Ewen, associate professor of media, communications, and culture at the University of Exeter, explains, “Young people have a longing for the kind of connection that is romanticized when we talk about the 1990s.”

This appeal is evident on platforms like TikTok, where #OasisCore trends capture the fashion and music of the band, bringing their essence into modern youth culture. Even today, Oasis’s anthems like “Live Forever” and “Wonderwall” remain deeply entrenched in the fabric of British music culture, making them relevant and relatable for audiences of all ages.

The Legacy Lives On

For many, Oasis represents the last of a dying breed – rock stars who spoke their minds and weren’t afraid to live loudly. Their interviews were unfiltered, their shows were wild, and their rivalries were the stuff of legend. In an age where music is often polished and controlled, Oasis’s raw energy and attitude are sorely missed. Their comeback is not just a return to the stage; it’s a reminder of a time when music had the power to unite, inspire, and provoke.

With this reunion, Oasis gives both their loyal fans and a new generation the chance to relive or discover that magic. As Noel Gallagher once wisely said, “People will never, ever forget the way that you made them feel.” Oasis is back to make us feel again – and this time, it feels like they’ve never left.