The long-awaited homecoming of the iconic Britpop band Oasis brought a wave of nostalgia and excitement to Manchester as they staged a remarkable concert that many locals had thought would never take place. This extraordinary event turned into a touching family affair backstage, where Noel and Liam Gallagher's children were seen together, highlighting a moment of unity amidst the band's storied history of sibling rivalry.

Over 70,000 eager fans flocked to Heaton Park to witness the exhilarating performance, which notably included not just local music enthusiasts, but also distinguished figures such as Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. The crowd erupted in applause when Liam Gallagher dedicated the song “D’You Know What I Mean” to Guardiola, whom he affectionately referred to as “the boss” and praised as “the greatest manager of all time.” This moment struck a chord with the audience, many of whom identified as supporters of Manchester United, illustrating the unifying power of music.

During the concert, Guardiola was spotted mingling with Gallagher's family, including Liam's sons, Lennon, 25, and Gene, 24, along with Noel's children, Anais, 25, Donovan, 17, and Sonny, 14. Gene even shared a memorable photo on his Instagram, cheekily captioning it: “Pic of the century alright now everyone els fuck off.” This playful sentiment encapsulated the spirit of the evening, showcasing the humorous and carefree nature that Oasis fans have come to love.

Noel Gallagher also took a moment to honor the late actor Craig Cash and his co-star Caroline Aherne by dedicating the song “Half The World Away” to them. Aherne, who passed away from cancer in July 2016 at the age of 52, was celebrated for her contributions to British comedy, particularly as a star of the beloved BBC series featuring the song as its theme.

As the clock struck 8:20 PM, cheers erupted from the audience as the Gallagher brothers made their way onto the stage together, hand in hand, a significant gesture given their complicated history. Dressed in a zipped-up parka despite the sweltering 30C heat, Liam raised his brother's hand in triumph, signaling the start of an unforgettable set. The opening number, “Hello,” set the tone for a night filled with classic hits, including “Acquiesce” and “Morning Glory,” culminating in a euphoric encore featuring fan favorites such as “Don’t Look Back In Anger” and “Wonderwall.”

The Greater Manchester police reported that the event proceeded smoothly, with only six arrests made for various offenses, including drunken disorderliness and suspicions of drug and fraud-related activities. Additionally, authorities confiscated five drones that breached airspace restrictions, ensuring the safety of the massive gathering.

In the lead-up to the concert, the city was awash with Oasis-themed promotions. Banners depicting the Gallagher brothers adorned the sides of Manchester’s iconic yellow buses, while fans were treated to pre-recorded announcements from Liam Gallagher on the Metrolink tram network, playfully reminding concertgoers to “Off you go” as they journeyed to Heaton Park. The Guardian interviewed a diverse array of fans who had traveled from across the globe, including the United States and Mexico, many donning bucket hats to shield themselves from the intense summer sun.

A social media message from the band encouraged attendees to wear bucket hats, apply sunscreen, stay hydrated, and look after each other during the event, underscoring the band's commitment to fan safety. One particularly enthusiastic fan, Carley Williams, 27, from Boston, shared her excitement, revealing that she spent over $15,000 (£11,000) for a two-week trip to Manchester just to attend this concert and four other hometown shows. “I’ve just never been more excited in my life,” she expressed. “This is like what I’ve lived my life to do, so I just have never experienced this level of anticipation in my life, and I’m just loving every minute of it.”

The Manchester concert marks only the beginning of Oasis’s much-anticipated comeback, following their initial gigs in Cardiff the previous week. The Guardian’s five-star review labeled the performance a “triumph in the bag,” setting high expectations for the upcoming shows. After Manchester, Oasis is set to perform at London’s Wembley Stadium, Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium, and Dublin’s Croke Park throughout July, August, and September, continuing their much celebrated return to the stage.