DJ Jo Whiley has opened up about a pivotal moment in British music history, recalling the electrifying experience of introducing Oasis to radio listeners for the very first time. The broadcaster, well-known for her influential role in championing new sounds, described feeling an unforgettable “tingle” as the now-legendary band performed live during a Radio 1 session in 1993.
It was on the Evening Session, co-hosted by Whiley and Steve Lamacq, where Oasis’s track “Columbia” received its maiden broadcast. At that time, the Manchester band, fronted by siblings Liam and Noel Gallagher, were barely known outside their local scene. The airplay signalled the beginning of their meteoric rise, ultimately defining a generation of British music fans.
Reflecting on that day, Whiley said, “Our producers told us that Alan McGee, Oasis’s then-manager, had this fantastic new record. There was real excitement – we were told this band was something special and that we absolutely had to give them a spin.” She recalled the moment they arrived in the studio for a session, adding, “The performance was almost mesmerising. You could instantly pick up on their charisma and notice the intense dynamic between the Gallagher brothers.”
According to Whiley, witnessing Liam Gallagher’s vocals during their rendition of “Live Forever” was nothing short of transformative. “I just remember sitting there, watching, goosebumps all over – I’ll never forget that feeling. You could tell something extraordinary was happening,” she shared during a recent appearance on BBC Radio 2, where she spoke with fellow DJ Sara Cox, who was filling in for Scott Mills.
These reminisces come at a time of high excitement for fans, as Oasis are set to embark on their much-anticipated reunion tour, with a first date in Cardiff kicking off a run of concerts across the UK and Ireland, including headline shows in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Dublin. The band originally split in 2009 following a very public altercation between the Gallagher brothers, leaving fans in limbo regarding their future. News of the reunion, confirmed in August 2024, has seen tickets snapped up in record time, underlining the band’s enduring popularity and cultural legacy.
During her recent interview, Sara Cox jokingly suggested that Whiley was ultimately responsible for the band’s decision to reform, referencing a previous radio encounter during which Whiley encouraged Liam to reach out to his estranged brother Noel. Whiley modestly deflected, but acknowledged the special place Oasis hold in the hearts of the public. “They mean a tremendous amount to so many people. We’ve all grown up with their music – their songs are woven into the fabric of people’s lives,” she said.
To celebrate the band’s return, Whiley announced her Thursday night Radio 2 show would be dedicated to Oasis, featuring archival clips and fan memories. She also called on listeners to share their own stories and recollections of the iconic group. “It feels right to mark this occasion properly, to get everyone excited and to remember just how much this music has given us all.”
Oasis’s popularity is not just historic – it remains ever-present, with their back catalogue still enjoying heavy rotation on radio stations and streaming services alike. “Live Forever”, “Wonderwall”, and “Don’t Look Back in Anger” continue to be rallying cries for festival crowds and nostalgic fans.
The Oasis Live ‘25 tour represents more than a set of concerts – it is, for many, a homecoming of sorts, a chance to relive the fervour of the 1990s music scene and to introduce a new generation to the power and passion that the band embodies. Organisers expect huge turnouts and an atmosphere of celebration as the Gallaghers and their bandmates retake the stage.
In conclusion, Jo Whiley’s memories serve as a powerful reminder of the role the media plays in shaping music history, and the enduring effect of a band whose music continues to resonate. As Oasis prepare to take to the stage once more, fans old and new are invited to join in what promises to be a remarkable new chapter in the band’s storied legacy.