After a famously fractured relationship and 16 years apart, Britpop icons Oasis reunited for a highly anticipated performance at São Paulo’s Morumbi stadium on Saturday night as part of their “Live ’25” tour. The show, which drew an estimated 68,000 fans, marks a rare and meaningful moment for the band, known as much for the tumultuous dynamic between brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher as for their chart-topping hits of the 90s. The reunion tour is already proving a major draw, selling out multiple dates and rekindling a passionate fanbase eager to witness a pivotal moment in music history.
Oasis delivered a cathartic show for fans Saturday night (November 22) at São Paulo’s Morumbi stadium, bringing their “Live ‘25” tour – and brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher – back together on stage after a 16-year split. The reunion marks a significant moment for the iconic Britpop band, whose turbulent history has become as legendary as their music.
What seemed impossible just last year became a reality before the eyes of 68,000 people, according to event organizers. Not only have the Gallagher brothers, known for one of pop music’s most famous rivalries, found a way to coexist – at least on stage – but their performance proved their musical prowess remains undiminished.
In fact, some argue their performance is even stronger than during their late 1990s and 2000s tours, when Oasis began including Brazil in their itineraries. While their 2001 Rock in Rio performance boasted the largest audience, previous shows in the country received mixed reviews from critics.
Though lacking some of the chaotic energy of the 1990s, the show wasn’t lacking in power. Liam Gallagher, 53, clearly worked to recapture his vocal peak, hitting the high notes and maintaining the signature rasp in his voice.
Unlike all three previous Oasis shows in São Paulo, this concert wasn’t performed under rain-soaked skies – despite a forecast predicting showers. After a day of sunshine and heat, the evening in the city’s southern zone offered mild temperatures.
Richard Ashcroft, a contemporary and fellow Brit, opened the show, warming up the crowd with hits from his former band, The Verve. He culminated his 45-minute set with a performance of “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” as fans illuminated the stadium with their phone lights.
Oasis took the stage around 9:05 p.m., launching into “Hello,” “Acquiesce,” and “Morning Glory.” The audience’s immediate response set the tone for the night – beers raised high, fans jumping in the stands, and a chorus of voices singing along to nearly every song.
The enthusiastic reaction underscored the enduring power of Oasis’s music, which may have even gained new listeners over the years. The band was active for 18 years, followed by another 16 years apart. Their last performance in São Paulo, in 2009, drew a crowd of around 15,000. The two sold-out shows at Morumbi are expected to total nearly 140,000 attendees.
The band also showed their appreciation for their fans. Guitarist Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, a member of the original lineup, wore a Brazil national team jersey, returning to the tour after taking time off for cancer treatment. Alongside Noel and Liam, the band featured Gem Archer on guitar, Andy Bell on bass, and Joey Waronker on drums.
There was a palpable sense that everyone in attendance was witnessing a unique moment, setting aside differences to celebrate a shared musical legacy – largely focused on the band’s first three albums: 1994’s “Definitely Maybe,” 1995’s “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory,” and 1997’s “Be Here Now,” along with B-sides from that era.
This period represents Oasis at their peak, becoming the biggest rock band in the world while signed to an independent label. Their music captured the everyday – fueled by drugs, punctuated by violence and football, and driven by the dramas, tensions between the brothers, and the vibrant energy of youth.
On stage, the band seemed to operate on two levels. One was the punk-influenced rock with dense layers of distorted guitars, showcased in songs like “Supersonic,” “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star,” and “Bring It On Down.” The other featured Noel’s acoustic-driven ballads, including a sequence with “Talk Tonight,” “Half the World Away,” and “Little by Little.”
The crowd sang along to the majority of the songs. During “Cigarettes & Alcohol,” even those in the upper levels joined in a traditional “poznan” jump – leaping with their backs to the stage, a move inspired by the Manchester City football club’s fans, for which the brothers are avid supporters.
The stage setup was simple and unpretentious. The screen occasionally displayed animations, but primarily showcased large images of the band in action. Liam addressed the audience briefly, but the focus remained where it belonged – on the music. The sound was loud, with the distorted guitars and vocals crystal clear.
This simplicity mirrors the band’s music itself, which draws heavily from The Beatles, British punk, and the guitars of The Smiths. It wasn’t groundbreaking when it emerged thirty years ago, but it still has the power to move massive crowds.
That power was evident in the synergy between the brothers on stage. While Noel is a capable vocalist, his songs sounded epic in Liam’s voice, and Liam’s songs were perfectly suited to his unique delivery.
In an era dominated by solo artists, Oasis demonstrated the power of a band dynamic. It was the combination of energies on stage that truly resonated with the audience in São Paulo.
The “Live ‘25” tour concludes Sunday at the same venue. Given the tour’s success, an extension seems likely. However, when it comes to the Gallagher brothers, anything is possible.
