Oasis returned to the stage in July after the siblings ended the feud that saw the band split 16 years ago. And Noel Gallagher has spoken to talkSPORT’s Drive show about what it is like to be back on stage.
It marks a huge moment for the Gallagher brothers, who have famously had a tumultuous relationship over the years. They were involved in many public spats, arguments and fights and they have also regularly traded social media blows. The tension between them was what eventually led to Oasis splitting up in 2009, but they’re now back together.
Oasis have sold out five nights at Wembley and another five nights at Heaton Park in Manchester on their tour so far. That, combined with many of their other sold-out venues, has meant almost one million tickets have been bought. And the sheer size of the tour, as well as the incredible support from fans, has left Gallagher shell-shocked.
Gallagher said, “I’m completely blown away, everyone is. It’s difficult to put it into words, every night is the crowd’s first night, so every one has that same energy to it. It’s been truly amazing, I’m not usually short for words, but I can’t really articulate it at the moment.”
Speaking about opening shows, he said, “For me personally, I grossly underestimated what I was getting into. After about five minutes, I was thinking, ‘can we just go back to the dressing room and start this again?’ This is… I’ve done stadiums before, but my legs turned to jelly about halfway through the second song and I could have done with going back and taking a minute. It’s been an amazing thing, it really is an amazing thing.”
Noel Gallagher admitted he underestimated the challenge of opening shows, saying nerves hit him hard early on, leaving his legs shaky. Despite the rocky start, he described the experience as amazing.
Gallagher expressed joy about reuniting with Liam and Bonehead, praising Liam’s humor and stage presence. He admitted he couldn’t handle stadium shows the way Liam does, and said he’s proud of his brother’s success as a frontman.
He said, “We’re not those kind of guys, it’s great just be back with Bonehead and Liam and doing it again. I guess when it’s all said and done, we’ll sit and reflect on it, but it’s great being back in a band with Liam.”I forgot how funny he was.”
Gallagher continued: “Liam’s smashing it and I’m proud of him. Having been fronting a band for 16 years, I know how difficult that is and I couldn’t do the stadium thing like he does it, it’s not in my nature. I’ve got to say, I kind of look at him and go: ‘Good for you, mate’. He’s been amazing.”
Their next shows will take place in Canada, where they will begin the latest leg of their comeback tour. The Gallagher brothers will move on to the USA later this month and into September before heading to Mexico. Oasis will then return to the UK and Wembley for another two shows on September 27th and 28th. The comeback tour will finish on November 23rd in Brazil after stints in Argentina, Japan, Australia and more.
