Liam and Noel Gallagher took a 16-year hiatus from the band after a falling out in 2009. Picture: Mark
The long-awaited Australian return of Oasis kicked off in Melbourne with an explosive sold-out show that generated headlines for a moment of dangerous fan chaos, a massive economic boost for the city’s nightlife, and some classic brotherly banter directed at the local lingo.
The ‘Ultimate Sin’ Flare Incident
While tens of thousands of diehard fans celebrated the band’s reunion on stage, the concert at Marvel Stadium was marred by a single reckless act. During the iconic track “Champagne Supernova,” a concert-goer launched a lit flare high into the crowd. The flare, which burns at over 1,000 degrees Celsius, landed amongst the 58,000-strong audience, prompting some fans to desperately attempt to stamp it out.
The dangerous stunt quickly drew the fiery attention of frontman Liam Gallagher, who took to social media after the show to vent his fury. Gallagher condemned the culprit, writing that the individual who launched the flare was “one seriously f***ed up individual” and warning them to “get yours trust me.” The incident was widely criticized by fans, with some describing the act as the “ultimate sin” at such a highly anticipated event.
Noel Roasts the Aussie Accent
Adding a dose of classic Gallagher irreverence, guitarist Noel Gallagher amused the crowd by poking fun at the Australian accent. During the conclusion of the anthem “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” Noel altered the iconic line “I heard you say” to mock the local pronunciation, stretching out the phrase in a high-pitched, mocking Australian drawl: “I heard you saaaayyyy.” The playful interjection was a nod to the band’s notoriously confrontational nature and delighted the Melbourne audience.
Bar Owner Praises Oasis for ‘Saving the City’
In sharp contrast to the stage-side drama, the Oasis concert was lauded by local businesses for providing a much-needed lifeline to Melbourne’s struggling hospitality sector.
James Young, owner of the iconic CBD venue Cherry Bar, publicly praised the British rock band, stating that the influx of concert-goers had effectively “saved the city.” Young wrote a public “love letter” to Oasis, explaining that the massive event had brought significant business to the sector, which has faced a “very rough time” recently.
The bar owner’s praise for Oasis came alongside a public criticism of the state government, suggesting the massive economic benefit brought by a single band stood in stark relief against the difficulties faced by local bars and venues.
The reunion’s Melbourne leg was a microcosm of the Oasis experience: equal parts phenomenal music, economic force, chaotic controversy, and trademark Gallagher attitude.
Source: news.com.au
