What prompted Oasis to omit "Hello" from their upcoming concert tour?
How do the lyrics of "Hello" connect to Gary Glitter, and why is this significant?
What measures are being taken to maintain peace between Noel and Liam Gallagher during the tour?
When and where will Oasis’s comeback concert tour kick off?
What is the historical context surrounding Gary Glitter’s past that influenced the band’s decision?
On the eve of rehearsals for Oasis’s highly anticipated comeback concert tour this summer, the band have decided to cut one of their early songs from their tracklist.
Hello – the opening track from their breakthrough 1995 album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? – contains lyrics written by disgraced former UK pop star Gary Glitter and will not be performed at the band’s forthcoming stadium gigs, The Sun newspaper reports.
Hello originally had frontman Liam Gallagher singing “Hello, Hello, it’s good to be back, it’s good to be back” with a melody from Glitter’s original 1973 track Hello, Hello, I’m Back Again playing underneath.
The Sun quotes an Oasis source saying: “The lyrics of the song would obviously have been a good fit for the reunion tour but the band have decided to leave it in the past.
“It would be inappropriate to play it given its connotations to Glitter and his convictions.”
The newspaper asked Oasis for official comment on the decision.
Glitter, in his 1970s heyday one of the UK’s biggest pop stars, was jailed for 16 years in 2015 for abusing three girls between 1975 and 1980. He was previously jailed in Vietnam for similar crimes.
Yesterday, with just weeks to go before the band make their return to the stage after 16 years, it was reported that, in an effort to keep relations sweet between the two previously warring brothers, Noel and Liam Gallagher will be kept apart backstage, with separate green rooms and party spaces for their independent entourages.
The band will kick off in Cardiff on July 4, before other stadium gigs around the UK, then onto the US and Australia later in the year.
Oasis: "Drop Inappropriate Song" – Hello From Reunion Concert Playlist
In the world of rock music, few bands have left a mark as indelible as Oasis. Emerging from the UK in the early ’90s, the band captivated a generation with their anthemic sound, characterized by catchy hooks, powerful guitar riffs, and introspective lyrics. However, their legacy has also been punctuated by controversy, interpersonal disputes, and legendary performances. In the wake of recent rumors about a potential reunion concert, a particular topic has ignited discussions among fans: the song selection for the setlist, especially the decision to drop one specific track deemed "inappropriate" for the occasion.
The Reunion Rumors
It’s no secret that Oasis has faced its share of ups and downs—or rather, Liam and Noel Gallagher, the band’s iconic brothers, have embodied that dynamic. The duo famously split in 2009 after a heated argument, leaving fans yearning for a reunion that has seemed like a distant dream. Recent statements from both Gallagher brothers have hinted at the possibility of a reunion concert, sparked by the 25th anniversary of their seminal album "(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?"
As excitement brews, a pertinent question arises: which songs would define the concert’s illustrious setlist? In the lead-up to a reunion, the anticipation for nostalgic favorites collides with the pragmatic considerations of modern sensibilities.
The Inappropriate Song
While Oasis is beloved for hits like "Wonderwall," "Don’t Look Back in Anger," and "Champagne Supernova," there’s one song that has been marked for exclusion: "Cigarettes and Alcohol." Released as part of their debut album "Definitely Maybe," this anthem of youthful rebellion is a quintessential Oasis track. However, the lyrical content, which explores themes of substance use and the struggles of daily life, may not resonate in today’s cultural climate.
In recent years, conversations about artists’ accountability for their lyrics have intensified, particularly in light of the ongoing discourse around mental health, substance abuse, and the impact of such themes on listeners. While fans cherish "Cigarettes and Alcohol" for its raw honesty and relatable dilemmas, the band’s leadership might find that performing the song in a reunion setting could raise eyebrows or even create backlash.
Backlash vs. Nostalgia
One of the core features of Oasis’s sound has always been its relatability. The band’s lyrics often encapsulate the frustrations and aspirations of the working-class British youth. However, the complexities of the modern audience introduce challenges when revisiting older material. Fans might recall the adrenaline rush of belting out the lines during concerts. Still, some lyrics may lay bare a problematic relationship with substance use that might not sit well with the band’s evolving fan base, many of whom are now parents or recovery advocates.
Dropping "Cigarettes and Alcohol" doesn’t erase its significance in the band’s journey; instead, it reflects an awareness of the present cultural context. As artists grapple with social implications, Oasis could navigate this newfound landscape differently by opting for songs that celebrate resilience and positivity rather than those steeped in darkness.
Setlist Evolution
If Oasis does opt to drop "Cigarettes and Alcohol," the question remains: what will fill its place in the heart-pounding setlist? A reunion is a chance for a new generation of fans to engage with the band while offering long-time devotees nostalgia. By choosing to highlight more uplifting tracks, Oasis can strike a balance between paying homage to their roots and acknowledging contemporary sensibilities.
Tracks like "Live Forever," with its uplifting message about hope and perseverance, naturally lend themselves to this context. Similarly, "Don’t Look Back in Anger" resonates with themes of forgiveness and moving forward—an important message for both the band and its audience. These songs create a sense of unity and shared experience, making them ideal candidates for ensuring that the concert experience is uplifting rather than divisive.
The Importance of Context
Ultimately, the decision to drop "Cigarettes and Alcohol" underscores the importance of reevaluating art through the lens of contemporary values. While the song undoubtedly forms a significant part of Oasis’s heritage, the band’s ability to adapt and grow could solidify their relevance in today’s music landscape.
In this context, Oasis has the unique opportunity not only to revisit their classics but to redefine them, ensuring that their reunion concert resonates with both old and new fans alike. It’s a balancing act: preserving the essence of what made them great while also engaging thoughtfully with the present.
Conclusion
As fans await further news on a potential Oasis reunion concert, the deliberation over the setlist—including the controversial decision to drop "Cigarettes and Alcohol"—highlights the dynamic interplay between nostalgia and modernity. The Gallagher brothers have always been ambassadors for their time, and as they contemplate a return to the stage, they have a unique moment to contribute meaningfully to evolving conversations around art, accountability, and responsibility.
In doing so, Oasis can ensure that their reunion concert not only serves as a celebration of rock and roll but as a thoughtful engagement with the themes that continue to shape our lives today. Whether in joyous nostalgia or newfound reflection, the music remains a vital part of our collective experience. Let’s hope for a reunion that embodies these values and resonates powerfully with all who witness it.
Oasis’s reunion tour has generated significant excitement among fans eager to see the band perform together again. While the official setlist has not been released, several sources have provided insights into potential song selections.
In January 2025, a fan shared a proposed setlist on social media, which Liam Gallagher responded to, stating, “It’s not far off.” This setlist begins with “Acquiesce” and includes classics like “Some Might Say,” “Lyla,” “Shakermaker,” and “The Hindu Times.” The middle of the show features “She’s Electric,” “Stand By Me,” “Stop Crying Your Heart Out,” “The Importance of Being Idle,” “Half the World Away,” “Whatever,” “Slide Away,” “Supersonic,” and “Morning Glory.” The encore concludes with “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star,” “Cigarettes & Alcohol,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” “Live Forever,” and “Champagne Supernova.”
Additionally, NME has proposed a dream setlist for the reunion tour, starting with “Acquiesce” and including fan favorites such as “Some Might Say,” “Lyla,” “Shakermaker,” “The Hindu Times,” “Columbia,” “Cast No Shadow,” “She’s Electric,” “Stand By Me,” “Stop Crying Your Heart Out,” “The Importance of Being Idle,” “Half the World Away,” “Whatever,” “Slide Away,” “Supersonic,” “Wonderwall,” and “Morning Glory.” The encore features “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star,” “Cigarettes & Alcohol,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” “Live Forever,” and “Champagne Supernova.”
While these proposed setlists provide a glimpse into the potential song lineup, the final selection will be confirmed by the band as the tour approaches.