The news of Oasis Manchester’s reunion has sent shockwaves of excitement throughout the music industry, but what does this mean for fans of the city’s two biggest football clubs, Manchester City and Manchester United? The Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, have famously been at odds over the years, but one thing they have in common is their love for Manchester City. As the boys from Burnage were in their prime during the mid-90s, playing to 250,000 people over two nights at Knebworth in 1996, their swagger became synonymous with the whole city.
But their football team – and cross-city rivals United – were on very different trajectories at the time. While Sir Alex Ferguson was building a dynasty at Old Trafford – delivering 13 Premier League trophies between 1993 and 2013 – City’s fortunes were rather more mixed. In 1998 – following the release of Oasis’ third album, Be Here Now – the Blues were in the third tier of English football.
The band split in August 2009 – a year after City’s takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group. Fifteen years on, City have won the Champions League, eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and six League Cups. United, meanwhile, have not won the league since Ferguson retired in 2013.
The Impact of Oasis on Manchester Football
The news of Oasis’ reunion has sparked a lot of reaction on social media, with many fans expressing their excitement and nostalgia for the band’s music. But what does this mean for the city’s football fans? According to Nigel Rothband, host of the Man City Show podcast, “From a City point of view, it’s a big deal – Wonderwall is played at the Etihad. Do Manchester United fans hate Oasis? I’m not sure if that’s true. Do we hate The Stone Roses? I’m not sure it’s that strong. But is there a natural connection between Oasis and City fans? Yes.”
Noel Gallagher, in particular, is a regular at the Etihad Stadium and has a real affinity with City fans. Gaz Drinkwater, Manchester United reporter for BBC Radio Manchester, notes that “there’s a bit of football banter, but one of the few things in this city that actually does feel potentially bigger than football is bands like Oasis and The Stone Roses. I don’t think anyone will be too concerned about where their allegiances are by the time these gigs come around.”
Oasis’ Influence on Manchester City
City have gone through a massive change since Oasis broke up. The team has won numerous titles and has become a dominant force in English football. But what about the fans? Scarlett Thornton, a self-confessed superfan, says “I woke up and screamed. To hear their songs live would be mint.” Shaun Edmonson says he’s “proper buzzing” and plans to try and get tickets for all four of the band’s shows in Heaton Park.
Oasis have inspired generations of Mancs to wear their hair, and their parkas, with a certain panache. The band’s music has become synonymous with the city’s swagger and confidence. As Gaz Drinkwater notes, “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory? was released the year I was born. My dad was massively into them and got me into them. I think I actually walked into my barber’s with a picture of Noel Gallagher at one point and said: ‘Can you make it look like this?’ I started learning guitar because of Oasis and set up a little band. We were absolutely useless, but that was all because of Oasis.”
A Timeline of Oasis and Manchester City
Here’s a timeline of Oasis and Manchester City’s history:
- August 1994: Oasis’ first album, Definitely Maybe, is released. Manchester United have just won their second Premier League title. City, meanwhile, have finished 16th under manager Brian Horton.
- October 1995: Oasis release (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? City are relegated at the end of the season, as United win their third Premier League title.
- August 1996: Oasis play two iconic gigs at Knebworth to 250,000 fans. Two and a half million people applied for tickets.
- August 1997: Oasis release their third album, Be Here Now, which receives less-than-favourable reviews. Noel Gallagher attends an event at 10 Downing Street with Prime Minister Tony Blair. City finish 14th in the second tier. They were relegated again at the end of the 1997-98 season.
- May 2000: Soon after Robbie Williams challenges Liam Gallagher to a boxing match during the Brit Awards, City are promoted back to the top flight. The two events are not linked. City were relegated again in 2000-01, then promoted the following year.
- June 2007: Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra completes an £81.6m takeover of City. The Blues finish the 2007-08 season ninth in the Premier League.
- September 2008: City are taken over by Sheikh Mansour of the Abu Dhabi United Group. Robinho joins from Real Madrid for £32.5m – making him Britain’s most expensive footballer.
- October 2008: Oasis release their final studio album – Dig Out Your Soul.
- July 2009: Former United striker Carlos Tevez joins City for £25.5m. A blue billboard is erected in the city with the slogan ‘Welcome to Manchester’.
- Aug 2009: Oasis split after a backstage fight at a concert in Paris.
- Aug 2024: Oasis announce their reunion. City, meanwhile, are going for their fifth consecutive Premier League title under manager Pep Guardiola.
The Reunion and Its Impact on Manchester United
While Oasis’ reunion is a big deal for City fans, what about United fans? According to Gaz Drinkwater, “I don’t think anyone will be too concerned about where their allegiances are by the time these gigs come around.” However, some United fans may not be too pleased about the reunion. Former Manchester United midfielder David Beckham posted a picture of the Gallaghers on his Instagram with the caption: “No words needed.” His fellow United great Gary Neville, who played alongside his sibling Phil for club and country, wrote on Instagram: “Manchester’s second most famous brothers make a comeback!”
The Rivalry Between Oasis and Manchester United
While Oasis have always been associated with Manchester City, there has been a long-standing rivalry between the band and Manchester United. According to Noel Gallagher, “I’ve always been a City fan, and I’ve always hated United.” However, this rivalry has not stopped United fans from enjoying Oasis’ music. As Gaz Drinkwater notes, “I think I actually walked into my barber’s with a picture of Noel Gallagher at one point and said: ‘Can you make it look like this?’ I started learning guitar because of Oasis and set up a little band. We were absolutely useless, but that was all because of Oasis.”
A Comparison of Oasis and Manchester United’s History
Here’s a comparison of Oasis and Manchester United’s history:
| Oasis | Manchester United |
|---|---|
| Formed in 1991 | Formed in 1878 |
| Released their debut album in 1994 | Won their first league title in 1908 |
| Played two iconic gigs at Knebworth in 1996 | Won the European Cup in 1968 |
| Split up in 2009 | Won their 20th league title in 2013 |
| Announced their reunion in 2024 | Currently competing in the Premier League |
The Future of Oasis and Manchester City
With Oasis’ reunion announced, what does the future hold for the band and Manchester City? According to Noel Gallagher, “We’re not just going to play the old songs, we’re going to play some new ones too.” This has sparked excitement among fans, who are eager to hear new music from the band.
As for Manchester City, the team is currently going for their fifth consecutive Premier League title under manager Pep Guardiola. With Oasis’ reunion announced, the team may receive an extra boost of motivation to win the title.
Only time will tell what the future holds for Oasis and Manchester City, but one thing is for sure – the reunion is a big deal for fans of both the band and the team.