“This Is the Place”. Oasis Deliver Biblical Homecoming at Heaton Park

Heaton Park in Manchester has once again etched its name into Oasis legend, hosting a series of monumental homecoming concerts that will see Liam and Noel Gallagher make history again. Described as a reunion of “epic proportions,” the concerts on July 11 and 12 marked a powerful return for the city’s favorite sons, captivating nearly 80,000 fans each night in a fervent celebration of their enduring legacy.

The atmosphere was nothing short of “biblical,” a “lion-like roar” greeting the Gallagher brothers as they took to the stage. On home turf, the visible connection between Liam and Noel seemed intensified, with moments of them standing “shoulder-to-shoulder” and even their hands “actually connecting this time.” Noel, often the more reserved, appeared “visibly relaxed,” leading joyous singalongs to classics like “Talk Tonight,” “Half The World Away,” and “Little by Little.”

Liam Gallagher, ever the charismatic frontman, was in top vocal form, commanding the massive crowd with his signature blend of swagger and directness. He wasted no time engaging with the audience, urging them to participate in the “Poznan” bounce – a celebratory dance adopted by Manchester City fans. In a moment that perfectly encapsulated his persona, Liam playfully goaded rival Manchester United supporters: “Stop sulking. You haven’t had a lot to jump around about lately. It’s f****g easy, man.” This playful jab, along with a dedication to “the greatest manager of all time, Mr Pep Guardiola” (which drew some mixed reactions from the crowd), showcased Liam’s unapologetic charm.

The concerts were steeped in nods to their Manchester roots. A cut-out of Pep Guardiola accompanied them on stage, alongside the Manchester City emblem. Noel also delivered a touching tribute to Manchester royalty, dedicating a song to the late comedian Caroline Aherne, co-creator of The Royle Family.

Despite the sweltering heat, Liam famously donned his iconic parka, a move that sparked amusing online commentary from fans questioning his sartorial choice but ultimately added to his legendary status. While some fans on social media noted the sheer volume of the crowd, occasionally “enveloping the sounds” of the band, it was this very passion and enthusiasm that elevated the homecoming, making fans proud to be from Greater Manchester.

Beyond the brotherly dynamic and crowd interactions, the shows delivered a powerful retrospective of Oasis’s catalogue. Visually, the performances were enhanced with fireworks and stunning graphics, including a golden-hued meadow during “Whatever,” creating moments that left the audience spellbound. The intricate logistics of managing an 80,000-strong crowd, including new “front standing” rules, also became a talking point, though ultimately, for those in attendance, it was a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience.

The Heaton Park gigs solidify Oasis’s triumphant return, proving that their music, and the unique connection between the Gallaghers and their devoted fanbase, remains as potent and magnetic.

Setlist

F**** in the Bushes intro
Hello
Acquiesce
Morning Glory
Some Might Say
Bring it on down
Cigarettes & Alcohol
Fade Away
Supersonic
Roll With It
Talk Tonight (Noel sings)
Half the World Away (Noel sings)
Little by Little (Noel sings)
D’You Know What I Mean
Stand By Me
Cast No Shadow
Slide Away
Whatever
Live Forever
Rock and Roll Star

Encore
The Masterplan (Noel sings)
Don’t Look Back in Anger (Noel sings)
Wonderwall
Champagne Supernova