7 Best Oasis Live Performances That Defined an Era: 1994 - 2009

As the band reunite for a huge 2025 tour, we bring you the greatest live highlights from iconic Oasis concerts and TV performances that defined the Britpop era, including Knebworth and Glastonbury.

Last updated: 31/08/2024 at 10.00am

Will they, won't they? After years of public spats and false hope for fans, the famous feuding brothers have finally set aside their differences for a highly-anticipated Oasis reunion in 2025 - with tickets on sale now for London Wembley Stadium and Cardiff's Principality Stadium.

Speculation first grew when the legendary rock band posted a teaser video on social media - a short vintage clip of a house surrounded by trees and a river, without audio or a caption. Eagle-eyed fans suggested the footage shows Sawmills Studio in Cornwall, where Oasis recorded their 1994 debut album, 'Definitely Maybe'.

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Reunion rumours were quickly quashed when it was revealed that the cryptic post was actually teasing the 30th-anniversary reissue of 'Definitely Maybe'. To mark the milestone, Liam Gallagher went on an anniversary tour playing every song from Oasis's groundbreaking debut.  

Liam paid tribute to his brother during his performance on Monday 3rd June at Utilita Arena Cardiff, dedicating the B-side 'Half the World Away' to Noel.

Exclaim reported he told the crowd, "So I'm gonna dedicate this next tune to my little brother, who's still playing hard to get. But that's alright. But word on the street is he was spotted in a really posh chocolate shop — one of them Thorntons — buying some chocolates. So, you never know! D'you know what I mean?"

Excitement began to mount further, when in August, Liam's son Gene, guitarist from Villanelle, told The Times: “I mean, will they [reunite]? I don’t know. I would love it but it’s so beyond my control... I get the feeling my dad wants it too. Let’s hope it happens... It’s easier to speak about after a couple of pints.”

And, finally, the band's reunion was confirmed on the morning of 27th August, with a huge 15-date UK tour announced.

In this post, we've curated the most unforgettable live moments from Oasis' biggest concerts and TV appearances, showcasing the band's most iconic performances at legendary venues like Knebworth, Glastonbury, Maine Road and more.

Get ready to relive Oasis' greatest hits - from their early days in 1994 to some of their final shows in 2009 before their split - as we get excited for their brand new tour next year.

Live Forever (Acoustic) MTV 1994

Stripped back from heavy riffs and bravado, this acoustic version of 'Live Forever' touches the soul differently from the original.

Despite the absence of the iconic distorted, fuzzy guitars and phenomenal solo, the combination of Noel's simple acoustic chord progression and Bonehead's organ playing is the perfect backdrop for Liam's vocals to take centre stage.

Liam's distinctive raspy vocals show a vulnerability on the high notes, yet it sounds beautifully powerful, especially when he sings the word 'fly' at the 3:13 mark.

Many Oasis fans consider this performance Liam's finest vocal delivery to date, made even more impressive by the fact that he was just 21 years old at the time.

Whatever Live on Jools Holland 1994

This mind-blowing rendition of 'Whatever' on Later With... Jools Holland features a stunning orchestral accompaniment.

The string arrangements are seriously impressive and take the performance to a whole other level. Also, Noel's guitar solo skills on his trademark Les Paul is nothing short of brilliant.

The impressive sound engineering in this performance not only highlights remarkable technical skills but also sets a new standard for live musical artistry.

As the song comes to a close, each instrument gracefully fades into the background, leaving the final notes to be carried by the strings. And that's exactly why this performance stands out as one of Oasis' greatest live moments.

Champagne Supernova Live at Earls Court 1995

On 5th November 1995 Oasis played to 20,000 die-hard fans at the now derelict Earls Court concert venue in London. This was just after the release of their second studio album, '(What's the Story?) Morning Glory'.

In an article about his best Oasis gigs, the man who discovered Oasis, Alan Mcgee, told the Guardian that this gig was 'was pure storming hedonism and it was one of the few moments where they truly captured the pop culture zeitgeist.'

We've chosen this performance of 'Champagne Supernova' from the 18-song setlist because we believe this is what nearly 9 minutes of musical perfection sounds like. It even trumps the album version with its incredible guitar solo ending. This performance truly captures Oasis at the pinnacle of their artistry.

Cast No Shadow Live at Knebworth 1996

Following their show at Earls Court, Oasis were still riding high off the success of '(What's the Story?) Morning Glory', and were set to play their biggest-ever gigs.

The band played two dates at Knebworth House in Hertfordshire on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of August 1996. These gigs have gone down as one of the most iconic moments in Britpop history.  

Oasis played to 250,000 fans each night, and as Radio X points out, they held the record for the biggest crowd to date, attracting more fans than Queen and Led Zeppelin did at Knebworth. Robbie Williams overtook Oasis's record in 2003 when he played three nights at the outdoor venue.  

'Cast No Shadow' earns its spot on this list for showcasing the stunning vocal blend of Liam and Noel, particularly highlighted by Noel's backing vocals. At 2:30, a poignant moment occurs when Noel gazes at Liam, and they harmonize in unison, symbolizing a brief pause in the brothers' rift.

I Am The Walrus Live at Knebworth 1996

Continuing with our list, we stay with the Oasis' Knebworth performances, as we highlight their phenomenal rendition of a controversial Beatles track.

The renowned Liverpudlian group never played 'I Am The Walrus' live. The BBC banned the controversial track for the line "Boy, you've been a naughty girl, you've let your knickers down."

But it wasn't underwear references that kept the song off The Beatles setlists. As Showbiz Cheat Sheet points out, the orchestrated backing in the studio could have posed challenges for a stage rendition during their solo careers. Lennon, the mastermind behind the song, even acknowledged the complexity of bringing it to life on stage.

In Lennon's own words, “Yoko and I even signed a guy’s violin in Spain after he played us ‘Yesterday,’” he reminisced. “He couldn’t understand that I didn’t write the song. But I guess he couldn’t have gone from table to table playing ‘I Am the Walrus.’”

The fact that Oasis pulled this off live is a testament to their undeniable talent as musicians. The addition of trumpets in the orchestral arrangement adds a magnificent touch, while a standout moment sees Liam leaping off stage to connect with the crowd.

At 4:18, Liam exchanges a wave with Noel, who responds with a smile and a little dance—a rare but heartwarming exchange of shared love and excitement between the brothers.

Some Might Say and Roll With It Live at Maine Road 1996

We're rewinding the clock for this entry, as we revisit Oasis's second show at Maine Road, the home of their beloved Manchester City FC. As lifelong fans of the club, this was a huge personal achievement for the Gallagher brothers.  

Oasis performed to 40,000 adoring fans each night and Noel brought out his famous Union Jack guitar for the occasion. Manic Street Preachers and Ocean Colour Scene opened for them.

We've cleverly included two songs in this entry, simply because one wasn't sufficient! 'Some Might Say' shines exceptionally, with a flawless moment of Liam and Noel harmonising beautifully at 2:37 and delivering a perfect outro at 4:00.

Don't Look Back In Anger Live at River Plate Argentina 2009

Concluding our lineup is what many fans regard as the pinnacle performance of 'Don't Look Back in Anger' at River Plate, Argentina in 2009.

The magic unfolds as 70,000 voices unite to sing along to the English lyrics, especially considering it's not their native language. This moving display truly highlights the song's profound impact.

A standout moment is when Noel charmingly invites the crowd to join him on the chorus, showcasing the exceptional bond between the band and their fans. At 5:32, Noel's proud smile speaks volumes, capturing the essence of the unforgettable moment.

What was the biggest Oasis concert?

Oasis biggest concert to date is Knebworth. They played to a total of 500,000 fans - that's 250,000 each night. It's rumoured that the gigs had the biggest guest list of all time - 7,000 people were apparently on it.

Did Oasis ever play Wembley?

In 2000, Oasis graced the iconic Wembley Stadium on the 21st of July, delivering a legendary performance that was later immortalised in their live album 'Familiar To Millions'.

Fast forward to 2009, the band returned in grandeur for three unforgettable nights on the 9th, 11th, and 12th of July. With support from Reverend and The Makers and The Enemy, Oasis mesmerised crowds of 80,000 fans each night.

The electrifying sets kick-started with the iconic anthem 'Rock N Roll Star', solidifying Oasis' place in music history and the hearts of their devoted fans.

And now, the band will be back at Wembley for five gigs in July and August 2025!

What was the last song Oasis played live?

The band's final performance took place on August 22, 2009, during their 'Dig Out Your Soul Tour' at the Staffordshire leg of the V Festival.

Originally slated to perform at V Festival in Chelmsford, the band was forced to cancel last minute due to Liam's battle with 'laryngitis'. Shortly after, Oasis announced their split, marking the end of an era.

Now that Oasis are confirmed to reform in 2025, tickets are in seriously high demand. With Seat Unique, you can secure VIP seats at their upcoming tours.

VIP tickets are on sale now for both Wembley and Cardiff.

Read more: The Ultimate Oasis Setlist for Their Rumoured Reunion, Inspired By Fans