Ludo Hunter-Tilney, a Financial Times music critic, and Ortenca Aliaj, a London banking editor and Oasis superfan, dive into the excitement surrounding Oasis's reunion after 15 years. They explore the band's cultural resonance and the nostalgia it evokes. Discussion topics include ticket sales frenzy and whether the Gallagher brothers deserve the hype. They also analyze the significance of live music today and share personal stories about how Oasis shaped their teen years. Expect humor and heartfelt reflections on aging rock icons!
Oasis's reunion after 15 years highlights their cultural impact and emotional connection with fans, evidenced by overwhelming ticket demand.
The complex relationship between the Gallagher brothers has shaped Oasis's identity and continues to intrigue audiences, influencing their lyrical themes.
Deep dives
The Return of Oasis and Ticket Madness
The reunion of Oasis, after 15 years of conflict between brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, has ignited immense excitement among fans, leading to chaos during ticket sales reminiscent of major events like Taylor Swift's releases. The high demand resulted in a tumultuous ticket release day, fraught with technical glitches and skyrocketing prices that pushed some tickets to the 300-pound range. This frenzy highlights the band's significant legacy as one of the quintessential rock bands of the 1990s, with songs that remain staples for sing-alongs and celebrations worldwide. The anticipation surrounding their reunion speaks to the band's cultural impact and the emotional connection many fans still feel towards their music.
Oasis: A Cultural Phenomenon
The podcast explores how Oasis emerged from Manchester's vibrant music scene in the 1990s and played a defining role in the Britpop movement, characterized by their anthemic tunes and a sense of togetherness that resonated with a generation. The band's debut album, 'Definitely Maybe,' and its follow-up, 'What's the Story Morning Glory,' are celebrated for their exceptional sound and significant hits like 'Wonderwall' and 'Don't Look Back in Anger.' These songs form a nostalgic backdrop for listeners, particularly those who associate them with key moments in their adolescence and young adulthood. Oasis captured both the zeitgeist of their time and a raw, relatable ethos that continues to draw in new fans, bridging generational divides through their music.
The Complexity of the Gallagher Brothers' Relationship
The podcast delves into the complicated relationship between the Gallagher brothers, whose love-hate dynamic has been central to the band's story and public interest. The discussions highlight how their personal conflicts often fueled the band's identity, making them a fascinating subject of discussion and speculation even after their split. Their tumultuous upbringing, marked by challenges, plays a significant role in shaping their lyrical content and public personas, resonating with themes of rebellion and authenticity. The ongoing appeal of their story ultimately raises questions about their future as a reunited band and the possibility of resolving their tumultuous legacy in a way that resonates with both old and new fans.
After 15 years of feuding, the most famous rock band of 1990s Britain recently announced that it will be reuniting for a stadium tour. Fans went wild, and the first day of ticket sales nearly broke Ticketmaster. Why do we still care about Oasis? Do the Gallagher brothers deserve the fanfare? And what can we expect from the reunion? Lilah's joined by the FT's music critic Ludo Hunter-Tilney and London banking editor (and Oasis superfan) Ortenca Aliaj to discuss.
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We love hearing from you. Lilah is on Instagram @lilahrap. We’re on X @lifeandartpod and on email at lifeandart@ft.com. We are grateful for reviews on Apple and Spotify. And please share this episode with your friends!
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Links (all FT links get you past the paywall):
– Supersonic, directed by Asif Kapadia, is available to rent on Amazon Prime now.
– Ludo’s scathing review of the last time Oasis performed, in 2008, is here: https://on.ft.com/47mEhtt
– We loved Jo Ellison’s column on the meaning of the reunion and why Oasis has a unique hold on “the people”: https://on.ft.com/3TpNueF
– More or Less: Ludo wants to see fewer e-bikes. For those who feel similarly, here’s a piece on the latest e-bikes controversy by our colleague Josh Gabert-Doyon. Lilah recommends Shrinking on Apple Plus
Special FT subscription offers for Life and Art podcast listeners, from 50% off a digital subscription to a $1/£1/€1 trial, are here: http://ft.com/lifeandart
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Original music by Metaphor Music. Mixing and sound design by Breen Turner and Sam Giovinco. Clips courtesy of Creation Records and Red Carpet News TV