As Oasis embarks on their triumphant Live ’25 tour, sealing their legendary status with sold-out shows across the UK, a recurring conversation among devoted fans and critics alike centers on the meticulously consistent setlist. While the Gallagher brothers continue to deliver electrifying performances, the lack of variation has sparked a compelling debate: what hidden gems and iconic tracks are being overlooked, and should they find their way into the current tour before it concludes?
The current incarnation of Oasis has been lauded for sounding better than ever, a powerful resurgence that has captivated audiences at venues like Wembley Stadium, Cardiff, and Manchester. This renewed vigor suggests a band at the peak of their powers, making the discussion of potential setlist additions less about improvement and more about celebrating the breadth of their illustrious catalog, especially if this tour marks a significant moment in their history.
Adding weight to this speculation, co-manager Alec McKinlay strongly hinted in a recent interview that Live ’25 could indeed be Oasis’s final major outing. This declaration transforms the tour from a mere series of concerts into a potentially historic farewell, intensifying the desire among fans for a comprehensive celebration of their entire musical journey, not just their most ubiquitous hits, making the case for setlist evolution even stronger.
With 11 dates already under their belt and an unwavering commitment to the same nightly lineup, the opportunity for a mid-tour appraisal has arisen. The proposition isn’t to diminish the current stellar performances, but rather to explore how the inclusion of lesser-played, yet equally beloved, Oasis songs could further elevate the Live ’25 concert experience and provide a richer retrospective for longtime followers.
Among the ten tracks often cited for inclusion are early cuts perfect for those early-set moments where a slight breather allows for enthusiastic singalongs, providing a dynamic shift from the relentless anthems. Imagine the collective roar as a deep cut from their early albums fills the stadium, fostering a deeper connection with the audience and showcasing the band’s versatility beyond their chart-topping singles.
Other fan favorites, characterized by sweeping strings, yearning vocals, or plaintive piano chords, could transform mid-gig moments into powerful, communal experiences. These tracks, perhaps unjustly overlooked in the current rotation, possess the emotional depth to become instant tearjerkers, uniting the crowd in a wave of nostalgia and shared passion, proving that true music legends resonate beyond their biggest hits.
Even B-sides, like the surprisingly popular choice already in the set, highlight the potential for deeper dives into the Oasis discography. Substituting a rollicking, punkier B-side for another fan-favorite could invigorate the setlist, offering a fresh, unpredictable element that keeps the live show vibrant and demonstrates the extensive depth of their songwriting, satisfying the most ardent of fans.
While acknowledging the challenge of fitting every beloved track into a finite set, the discussion underscores a collective hope that the unparalleled success of Live ’25 might prompt a reconsideration. With the 30th anniversary of Knebworth on the horizon, expanding the setlist with these iconic songs would not only reward dedicated fans but also solidify Oasis’s legacy as true British rock titans, leaving an indelible mark on music history.