Oasis Take Centre Stage in Cardiff After 16-Year Hiatus, Drawing Star-Studded Crowd
Oasis, the trailblazing Britpop band fronted by brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, delighted fans with a reunion performance at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium last night. This landmark event marked the first time in sixteen years that the pair have set aside differences to appear on stage together, sparking a frenzy among loyal fans and a flurry of celebrity sightings in the audience.
As the house lights dimmed, the unmistakable opening of ‘F***ing in the Bushes’ reverberated through the venue, igniting a tidal wave of anticipation. The band wasted no time, launching straight into ‘Hello,’ which saw thousands of eager fans erupt in applause, and for a moment, the decades since their last appearance seemed to vanish.
Among the crowd were some familiar faces from British television and entertainment. Danny Dyer, known for his role in *EastEnders*, was seen mingling with fans, while *Line of Duty* actress Vicky McClure took her place in the audience. Television host Vernon Kay was also spotted enjoying the festivities outside the stadium, adding to the sense that this was an unmissable event both for diehard fans and those in the limelight.
Liam Gallagher took a moment to express his gratitude to the assembled fans, addressing them warmly with, “Hey, beautiful people, it’s been too long.” Noteworthy attendees also included Emily Eavis—Glastonbury’s influential organiser—music journalist Dominic Mohan and broadcaster Andy Goldstein, further fuelling the evening’s significant buzz.
The occasion was not only a musical reunion but also a nostalgic journey through the heights of Britpop. Britpop itself, as many recall, was far more than a musical genre—it was a bold reminder of British identity in the mid-1990s, standing in contrast to the American grunge which dominated airwaves at the time. Oasis’s return seemed to encapsulate this era’s sense of celebration and working-class pride.
One especially poignant presence was that of Meg Mathews, Noel Gallagher’s former wife, who confirmed she was at the show alongside their daughter Anais. Mathews had earlier posted heartfelt messages and photos of the day, reflecting on the band’s impact and the personal significance of the event. She reminisced about the chaotic, joyful times organising after-show parties, a window into the lifestyle accompanying Oasis’s first rise to fame.
Mathews has been candid in recent years about the challenges she faced in the public eye following her very public split from Noel. She has spoken openly about coping with PTSD and the overwhelming scrutiny, recalling a time in the late 1990s when she was, by her tally, one of the most heavily covered women in the British press. These reflections lent an additional layer of poignancy to her presence at the reunion.
For fans who have yet to secure tickets, there remains a glimmer of hope. The band’s promoters have indicated that, as final preparations are made for the remaining reunion shows, a limited number of additional seats—released after production and sightline checks—will soon be available. Given the overwhelming demand, these are expected to be snapped up swiftly.
For many, the Cardiff concert represented much more than a mere gig. It was a cultural event, steeped in nostalgia, where fans, celebrities and music journalists all gathered to witness a band whose influence continues to shape British music. As the echoes of the encore faded and fans filed out beneath the Welsh night sky, there was a clear sense that Oasis’s music—much like the spirit of Britpop itself—remains as powerful and evocative as ever.
As anticipation builds for the next dates on their reunion tour, the question now lingers: could this signal a new chapter for Oasis, or is it a fleeting but glorious return? Either way, their Cardiff performance may have already carved out its own space in British music history.