Oasis Rocks Cardiff: A Triumphant Reunion at Principality Stadium

StarStream Radio
Jul 8
5 min read

On July 4 and 5, 2025, Cardiff’s Principality Stadium became the epicenter of rock ‘n’ roll as Oasis launched their "Oasis Live '25" reunion tour with two spectacular performances. After a 16-year hiatus marked by the Gallagher brothers’ infamous feud, Liam and Noel Gallagher reunited to deliver shows that were both nostalgic and electrifying. With an estimated 62,000 fans on night one and 75,000 on night two, these concerts were a cultural milestone, proving Oasis’s enduring appeal. Below, we explore the setlists, key moments, and critical reception that made these nights unforgettable.

Night One: A Blistering Kickoff (July 4, 2025)

The first night of Oasis’s reunion tour was a masterclass in Britpop nostalgia. As the clock struck 8:15 PM, Liam and Noel Gallagher strode onto the stage shoulder to shoulder, greeted by a deafening roar from 62,000 fans. The opening chords of "Hello" ignited the stadium, setting the tone for a performance that felt like a time capsule to the 1990s. Liam’s raw, iconic vocals paired seamlessly with Noel’s gritty guitar riffs, proving the band’s synergy was as potent as ever.

Setlist for Night One

The 23-song setlist was a love letter to fans, emphasizing Oasis’s 1990s heyday:

Song Number	Song Title
1	Hello
2	Acquiesce
3	Morning Glory
4	Some Might Say
5	Bring It On Down
6	Cigarettes and Alcohol
7	Fade Away
8	Supersonic
9	Roll With It
10	Talk Tonight
11	Half The World Away
12	Little By Little
13	D'You Know What I Mean
14	Stand By Me
15	Cast No Shadow
16	Slide Away
17	Whatever
18	Live Forever
19	Rock 'n' Roll Star
20 (Encore)	The Masterplan
21 (Encore)	Don’t Look Back in Anger
22 (Encore)	Wonderwall
23 (Encore)	Champagne Supernova

Key Moments

Brotherly Unity: The Gallagher brothers’ entrance together was a powerful symbol of their reconciliation, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Tribute to Diogo Jota: During "Live Forever," a picture of the late soccer star Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash on July 3, 2025, appeared on the screens, sparking emotional applause.
Encore Magic: The encore, featuring "The Masterplan," "Don’t Look Back in Anger," "Wonderwall," and "Champagne Supernova," had the entire stadium singing in unison, creating a euphoric atmosphere.
Support Acts: Cast and Richard Ashcroft opened the show at 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, respectively, with Cast also paying respects to Diogo Jota during their set.

The performance was described as "triumphant" by The New York Times, with fans on social media calling it "unforgettable." The band, including original members Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs, Andy Bell, and Gem Archer, alongside new additions like drummer Joey Waronker, delivered a tight, energetic show that defied their years apart.

Night Two: An Electric Celebration (July 5, 2025)

If night one was a comeback, night two was a celebration. With an estimated 75,000 fans packing Principality Stadium, the atmosphere was electric from the start. The show began with the same video intro and "Fu**in in the Bushes" walk-on song, but Liam’s playful bow to Noel as they took the stage added a fresh layer of warmth to their reunion. The crowd’s energy, bolstered by the Poznan dance, made this night feel even more communal.

Setlist for Night Two

The setlist remained identical to night one, ensuring fans experienced the full breadth of Oasis’s catalog:

Key Moments

Liam’s Bow to Noel: Liam’s gesture of bowing to his brother symbolized their mended bond, eliciting cheers from the audience.
Beatles Nod: During "Whatever," Liam sang lines from The Beatles’ "Octopus Garden," a playful variation that delighted fans and distinguished night two.
Poznan Dance: Liam’s call for the crowd to perform the Poznan dance after "Bring It On Down" created a wave of excitement, with thousands participating.
Manchester Tribute: Images of bees during "Don’t Look Back in Anger" paid homage to the Manchester Arena attack victims, adding emotional depth.
Personal Touch: An image of Liam’s rescue dog Buttons on the big screen brought a heartwarming moment to the show.
Celebrity Presence: Stars like Sienna Miller, Matt Smith, James Buckley, and Joe Thomas were spotted, adding to the event’s buzz.

Critics, including Wales Online, awarded the performance five stars, calling it "biblical." Louder Sound noted that the crowd’s energy was slightly reserved until the encore but described the show as "near-flawless." Social media posts, such as @owenplaywright’s "Oasis. Cardiff. Sat 5th July 2025 Phenomenal," reflected the night’s impact.

Band Lineup and Production

The Oasis lineup for both nights included:

Liam Gallagher: Vocals
Noel Gallagher: Guitar, vocals
Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs: Guitar
Andy Bell: Bass
Gem Archer: Guitar
Joey Waronker: Drums
Christian Madden: Keyboards
Jessica Greenfield: Backing vocals
Brass Section: Alastair White (trombone), Steve Hamilton (saxophone), Joe Auckland (trumpet)

The production was top-notch, with a video intro tape, dynamic lighting, and large screens enhancing the experience. The walk-on song "Fu**in in the Bushes" set an anticipatory mood, while the band’s tight performance showcased their rejuvenated sound.

Critical Reception and Fan Feedback

Both nights received glowing reviews. The Guardian highlighted the setlist’s focus on the 1990s, while Billboard praised the inclusion of fan favorites. Radio X noted the "all killer, no filler" setlist, particularly on night one. Fan reactions on platforms like X were ecstatic, with posts like @Rodgie5 expressing eagerness for future shows. However, some reviews suggested the crowd’s energy was more subdued early on night two, possibly due to the larger audience or seating arrangements. Individual experiences likely varied based on factors like seat location or personal taste.

Logistical Details

Doors and Timing: Doors opened at 5:00 PM, with Cast performing at 6:00 PM, Richard Ashcroft at 7:00 PM, and Oasis from 8:15 PM to 10:30 PM.
Venue Challenges: Road closures and transport disruptions were reported, but the festive atmosphere outside, with merchandise stalls and fans queuing, added to the excitement.
Cultural Impact: An Oasis-inspired graffiti mural by Cardiff artist Rmer and an exhibition at Tramshed featuring Noel’s Union Jack Epiphone Sheraton guitar amplified the event’s cultural significance.

The Bigger Picture: A Tour to Remember

The Cardiff shows launched a 41-date world tour, with upcoming performances including five nights at Manchester’s Heaton Park (July 11, 12, 16, 19, 20) and stops in London, Edinburgh, Dublin, North America, Asia, Australia, and Brazil. Announced in August 2024, the tour has been dubbed "the most anticipated of the century" by The Guardian, with ticket demand breaking records. These performances set a high bar, proving Oasis remains a cultural force.

Conclusion

Oasis’s two-night stand in Cardiff on July 4 and 5, 2025, was a triumphant return, blending nostalgia, raw energy, and emotional resonance. From the Gallagher brothers’ heartfelt reunion to the crowd’s passionate sing-alongs, these concerts were a testament to the band’s enduring legacy.

As Oasis embarks on the rest of their "Oasis Live '25" tour, Cardiff will remain a cherished memory for fans lucky enough to witness this historic moment.