**Richard Ashcroft Electrifies Cardiff as Support Act on Opening Night of Oasis’ Reunion Tour**
Richard Ashcroft took centre stage at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium last night, delivering a compelling set as the main supporting act for Oasis on the hugely anticipated launch of their reunion tour. Thousands of passionate fans filled the stadium, eager not only for the return of the Gallagher brothers but also to witness a star-studded array of performers carefully chosen to mark this historic musical event.
Oasis, the British supergroup renowned for defining 1990s Britpop, stunned millions last year when they revealed plans for a 2025 reunion tour. Much to the delight of long-time followers, brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher returned to the stage together, putting an end to 16 years of public estrangement since the band’s infamous split in 2009. For the tour’s opening show in Cardiff, the pair were joined by legendary Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft, whose supporting role added further energy to the already electric atmosphere.
Taking to the stage following an opening performance by Cast, Ashcroft treated the Cardiff audience to a carefully curated seven-song set. Blending beloved Verve anthems with notable solo tracks, his performance set the tone for an evening that would be steeped in nostalgia and musical excellence. Ashcroft is scheduled to perform at all 19 UK and Ireland dates with the tour expected to capture audiences across multiple continents thereafter.
For those keen to know what Ashcroft played during this landmark gig, the full set list was as follows:
1. ‘Sonnet’
2. ‘Lucky Man’
3. ‘Break the Night with Colour’
4. ‘Space & Time’
5. ‘A Song for the Lovers’
6. ‘Music Is Power’
7. ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’
Ashcroft’s song selection showcased his enduring appeal, seamlessly weaving together songs that have resonated with generations. Standout renditions of ‘Lucky Man’ and the iconic ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ drew rapturous applause, while tracks from his solo catalogue highlighted his continued relevance as an artist in his own right. For many, his performance was a fitting reminder of the era that produced both Oasis and The Verve.
Interest in this tour has been stratospheric since Oasis announced their reunion in August 2024. When tickets went on sale the following month, demand was so overwhelming that venues across the UK and Ireland sold out in minutes. The decision to launch in Cardiff set the city alight, not only bringing economic benefits to local businesses but also creating a wave of excitement among music fans of all ages.
After leaving Cardiff, the Oasis Live ’25 tour will move on to some of the UK and Ireland’s most celebrated arenas, including Manchester, London, Edinburgh, and Dublin. From there, Oasis and their supporting acts—Ashcroft among them—are scheduled to perform internationally in locations spanning the United States, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina.
As the tour gets underway, the atmosphere surrounding the Oasis reunion is one of celebration and reconciliation. Long-standing fans who have waited over a decade for the Gallagher brothers’ reunion now have the chance to witness the magic live once more, while a new generation is being introduced to the vibrant legacy of 1990s British rock.
Richard Ashcroft’s presence as a supporting act adds both prestige and nostalgia to this already highly anticipated tour. His ability to capture a crowd remains undiminished, providing concertgoers with an unforgettable experience ahead of Oasis’ headline set. For those attending upcoming shows, the opportunity to witness Ashcroft’s set is set to be a highlight of what promises to be a monumental tour in music history.