The 2025 reunion tour features Richard Ashcroft and Cast as the primary support for the UK and Ireland dates. Ashcroft, the former Verve frontman and longtime friend of the Gallaghers, was a natural choice given his history with the band. Cast, led by John Power, brings a quintessential 90s Liverpool sound to the stadium circuit.
These selections reflect Noel Gallagher’s preference for “classic” songwriting and established peers. Fans attending the Wembley, Heaton Park, and Croke Park dates can expect high-energy sets that lean heavily into the Britpop revival aesthetic.
Richard Ashcroft’s Oasis History
Richard Ashcroft has been synonymous with Oasis since the early 1990s, famously inspiring the song “Cast No Shadow.” He previously supported the band during their 1993 tour and played the legendary 1996 Knebworth shows with The Verve. His presence on the 2025 tour cements his status as the “unofficial third Gallagher brother.”
Ashcroft’s solo career and Verve hits provide the perfect emotional buildup for an Oasis set. His performances typically include anthems like “Bittersweet Symphony” and “The Lucky Ones,” which resonate deeply with the Oasis fanbase.
Cast: The Scouse Connection
Cast was formed by John Power after leaving The La’s, a band Noel Gallagher frequently cites as a major influence. They emerged in the mid-90s with the multi-platinum album All Change, becoming one of the most successful acts of the era. Their inclusion in the 2025 lineup provides a direct link to the Merseybeat influence that shaped Oasis.
Known for tracks like “Alright” and “Walkaway,” Cast offers a melodic, guitar-driven opening that suits large outdoor venues. Their return to the big stage alongside Oasis represents a significant moment for fans of the original Britpop wave.
Legendary Knebworth 1996 Support
The 1996 Knebworth House concerts featured a diverse and massive lineup including The Charlatans, Ocean Colour Scene, and Manic Street Preachers. Over 250,000 fans witnessed these acts across two days, marking the peak of the “Cool Britannia” cultural movement. These shows are often cited as the greatest collection of Britpop talent ever assembled.
Each support band at Knebworth was hand-picked to represent the best of the UK music scene. The Manic Street Preachers, in particular, were touring their seminal Everything Must Go album, making their set one of the most poignant of the weekend.
The Verve at Maine Road
In April 1996, The Verve supported Oasis at their iconic Maine Road homecoming shows in Manchester. At the time, The Verve were emerging from a brief breakup and were on the verge of global superstardom with Urban Hymns. This pairing is remembered as a pivotal moment for Northwest English music history.
The chemistry between the two bands was palpable, often leading to joint after-parties that became the stuff of rock and roll legend. These shows helped solidify the bond between the Gallagher brothers and Richard Ashcroft that persists today.
Manic Street Preachers Partnership
The Manic Street Preachers provided support during the Morning Glory era, offering a darker, more intellectual contrast to the Oasis “lad rock” image. Their appearance at the 1996 Loch Lomond shows is frequently highlighted as a career-best performance for the Welsh trio. They brought a raw, punk-infused energy to the massive outdoor crowds.
Noel Gallagher has frequently praised the Manics for their songwriting grit and work ethic. Their inclusion on major Oasis tours helped bridge the gap between alternative rock and mainstream pop.
The Charlatans and Tim Burgess
The Charlatans have a long-standing history with Oasis, often appearing on the same bill at festivals and major stadium dates. Following the tragic death of keyboardist Rob Collins just before the Knebworth shows, the band’s performance there became a tribute to his legacy. Tim Burgess’s vocals and the band’s baggy-influenced sound provided a perfect groove-heavy lead-in for Oasis.
The Charlatans remained a staple of the UK scene throughout the Oasis era. Their longevity and consistent quality made them a reliable and respected support choice for the Gallaghers throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
Ocean Colour Scene Influence
Ocean Colour Scene were perhaps the most frequent Oasis support act during the mid-to-late 90s. Guitarist Steve Cradock also performed in Paul Weller’s band, creating a tight-knit circle of musicians that dominated the UK charts. Their soulful, mod-influenced rock was a perfect sonic match for the Oasis audience.
Hits like “The Riverboat Song” and “The Day We Caught the Train” became anthems in their own right during these tours. The band’s presence ensured that the “mod” aesthetic remained central to the Oasis touring experience.
Travis and the Post-Britpop Era
In the late 90s, Scottish band Travis supported Oasis during the Be Here Now and Standing on the Shoulder of Giants periods. Their more melodic, softer approach to indie rock signaled a shift in the British music landscape. They were often viewed as the “nicer” alternative to the brashness of the Gallaghers.
Travis’s success with The Man Who was bolstered by their high-profile slots with Oasis. This transition period showed Oasis’s willingness to support bands that were evolving away from the traditional Britpop sound.
The Stereophonics Rise
The Stereophonics supported Oasis at several massive outdoor shows, including the 1998 Cardiff Castle event. Kelly Jones’s raspy vocals and the band’s working-class storytelling resonated with the core Oasis demographic. These shows helped propel the Welsh band to their own stadium-filling status shortly thereafter.
The relationship between the two bands was built on a mutual respect for guitar-based anthems. Their joint shows in the late 90s are often remembered as a “passing of the torch” for British guitar music.
Supergrass: High Energy Openers
Supergrass brought a youthful, energetic vibe to Oasis tours, notably supporting them during the 1990s festival runs. Their hit “Alright” was a staple of the era, and their fast-paced live shows provided a stark contrast to the more stationary Oasis performances. They were often selected to “wake up” the crowd during long day festivals.
Despite their playful image, Supergrass were technically proficient musicians who earned the respect of Noel Gallagher. Their ability to blend Britpop with 60s pop sensibilities made them a fan favorite.
2005 Noise and Confusion Tour
The 2005 Don’t Believe the Truth tour featured a varied lineup of support acts, including The Coral and The Zutons. This era saw Oasis embracing the “New Rock Revolution” that was happening in the UK at the time. These bands brought a quirky, psychedelic edge to the stadium shows.
The Coral, hailing from Hoylake, were personal favorites of Noel Gallagher, who admired their eccentric songwriting. This tour proved that Oasis was still keen on championing young, interesting guitar talent.
Jet and the Australian Link
Australian rockers Jet supported Oasis during their 2005 world tour, bringing a “back to basics” rock sound. Their hit “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” was a global phenomenon, and their high-octane stage presence complemented the Oasis headline sets. They were one of the few international acts to be given a consistent support slot.
Jet’s influence was heavily rooted in the same 60s and 70s rock that Oasis worshipped. This shared DNA made for a very cohesive concert experience for fans worldwide.
Kasabian: The Modern Successors
Kasabian became the go-to support act for Oasis in the mid-2000s, appearing at massive shows like the 2005 City of Manchester Stadium gigs. Their blend of electronic beats and rock swagger was seen as the natural evolution of the Oasis sound. Tom Meighan and Sergio Pizzorno became close friends with the Gallagher brothers during this time.
Many fans viewed Kasabian as the heirs apparent to the Oasis throne. Their stadium-ready anthems like “Club Foot” and “L.S.F.” were perfectly suited for the massive crowds Oasis attracted.
The Enemy and Indie Revivals
During the final years of Oasis (2008-2009), Coventry band The Enemy were a frequent support choice. Representing the “indie-sleaze” era, they brought a raw, aggressive energy to the Dig Out Your Soul tour. Lead singer Tom Clarke often cited Oasis as the reason he started a band.
The Enemy’s inclusion showed Oasis’s continued relevance to a younger generation of musicians. Their sets were characterized by high-energy singalongs that mirrored the atmosphere of the main event.
Twisted Wheel: The Final Tour
Twisted Wheel was one of the last bands to support Oasis before their 2009 breakup. Hailing from Greater Manchester, they represented the grit and DIY spirit of the Northern music scene. Their fast, punk-influenced sets were a throwback to the early days of Oasis at venues like King Tut’s.
Being hand-picked by Liam Gallagher, Twisted Wheel gained a massive following through these slots. They remain a cult favorite among Oasis “purists” who appreciated the band’s return to raw rock roots.
International Support: Foo Fighters
While Oasis mostly stuck to UK talent, they did share bills with American giants like the Foo Fighters. Most notably, the two bands appeared together at several European festivals and the 2005 V Festival. Dave Grohl has frequently expressed his admiration for the Gallaghers, despite their very different public personas.
The pairing of these two powerhouses represented the pinnacle of 90s rock longevity. These shows were rare instances where Oasis shared the stage with a band of equal global commercial stature.
The Chemical Brothers: Electronic Edge
Oasis famously crossed over into the dance world via their collaboration and touring history with The Chemical Brothers. Noel Gallagher provided vocals for “Setting Sun,” and the duo supported Oasis at major events like Knebworth. This partnership helped break down the barriers between rock and electronic music in the mid-90s.
The “big beat” sound of The Chemical Brothers provided a high-energy alternative to the guitar bands on the bill. It reflected the eclectic tastes of the Manchester music scene where both acts originated.
Supporting Oasis in North America
In the United States, Oasis often toured with different acts to appeal to American audiences, including The Black Crowes and Ryan Adams. The “Tour of Brotherly Psychosis” with The Black Crowes in 2001 is particularly famous for its behind-the-scenes drama. These tours were essential in maintaining the band’s cult status in the US.
Support acts in America were often chosen for their blues-rock or alternative country leanings. This helped position Oasis within the broader “classic rock” tradition that resonates with US listeners.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans attending the Oasis Live ’25 tour, preparation is key for a smooth experience. Most stadium shows will feature at least two support acts before Oasis takes the stage. Doors typically open at 16:00 or 17:00, with the first support act starting around 18:30.
- Tickets: Ensure tickets are downloaded to your digital wallet via official apps (Ticketmaster/Gigsandtours).
- Transport: Most venues (Heaton Park, Wembley, Murrayfield) have strict public transport plans; book shuttle buses or trains in advance.
- Costs: Expect to pay £7–£9 for a pint and £10–£15 for stadium food.
- Merchandise: Official tour shirts generally retail for £35–£45.
- Weather: For outdoor shows like Heaton Park, bring a poncho as umbrellas are usually prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is supporting Oasis on the 2025 tour? Richard Ashcroft and Cast have been confirmed as the support acts for the UK and Ireland legs of the 2025 reunion tour. Some international dates may feature different guests, but Ashcroft is the primary special guest.
What time do the support acts start? For most stadium shows, the first support act typically starts between 18:30 and 19:00. It is recommended to be in your seat or on the pitch by 18:00 to avoid long entry queues.
Who supported Oasis at Knebworth 1996? The Knebworth lineup included The Charlatans, Ocean Colour Scene, Manic Street Preachers, The Verve, Cast, Dreadzone, and The Chemical Brothers. The lineup varied slightly across the two nights (August 10th and 11th).
Will Liam and Noel have different support acts? No, for the 2025 reunion, the support acts are booked for the entire Oasis show. Both brothers have agreed on the lineup, which focuses on their shared musical history and friendships.
Did Coldplay ever support Oasis? No, Coldplay never officially supported Oasis. By the time Coldplay became a major force in the early 2000s, they were already headlining their own shows, though both bands have headlined the same festivals like Glastonbury.
Who supported Oasis at their last ever show? Oasis’s last scheduled performance was at the V Festival in 2009, but they famously cancelled. Their last completed show was at the V Festival in Staffordshire on August 22, 2009, where acts like Kasabian also performed.
Are there any local bands supporting the 2025 tour? While the main support is fixed, there are rumors of smaller local acts being added for specific cities like Manchester or Dublin. Official announcements for “opening” openers are usually made closer to the tour dates.
How are support acts chosen? Support acts are typically chosen by Noel Gallagher in consultation with the tour promoters. Noel has a reputation for picking bands he personally listens to or longtime friends from the industry.
Can I see the support acts with a standard ticket? Yes, your Oasis ticket grants you access to the entire event, including all scheduled support acts. There are no separate tickets required for the opening performances.
Will there be more support acts announced? Most stadium dates are now fully booked with Richard Ashcroft and Cast, but additional acts for the international legs (US, Australia, South America) are expected to be announced later in 2025.
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