Oasis, the iconic Britpop band that defined a generation, shocked the music world when they acrimoniously split in 2009. For years, fans have been asking, Why Did Oasis Break Up? The answer, as with many band dissolutions, is complex and layered, involving creative tensions, personal clashes, and the volatile dynamic between the Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel. However, after nearly fifteen years of estrangement, the seemingly impossible has happened: Oasis is reuniting in 2025. Let’s delve into the tumultuous history of Oasis, exploring the reasons behind their dramatic split and the improbable path to their highly anticipated reunion.
Fifteen years after their infamous fallout, the news broke on August 27th, 2024: Liam and Noel Gallagher would share a stage once again in the summer of 2025. Multiple stadium shows across Cardiff, Manchester, London, Edinburgh, and Dublin were announced, marking the end of a long and bitter sibling rivalry. For many who followed the saga of Oasis, the reconciliation seemed like a distant fantasy.
Liam Gallagher himself famously downplayed Noel’s departure, stating to Radio X, “I didn’t leave Oasis. Noel Gallagher left Oasis. He couldn’t handle the vibes any more. He couldn’t handle the rock ’n’ roll. He was too scared of it. So now he’s gone all cosmic pop and Leo Sayer.”
Yet, Noel had hinted at the possibility of a reunion years earlier. On the very first day of Radio X in 2015, Noel told Chris Moyles, “One should never say never, should one look like a bit of an idiot somewhere down the road, when you’re waving a cheque for a quarter of a billion in The Sun!”
But before the triumphant return, there was the dramatic collapse. Radio X takes a look back at the key moments that led to the Oasis split.
29th September 1994: Noel Quits (The First Time)
The initial cracks in the seemingly invincible Oasis armor appeared early in their career. During a showcase gig at the iconic Whiskey A Go Go in Los Angeles, the band’s youthful exuberance veered into chaos. According to the documentary Supersonic, fueled by various substances, Liam’s behavior became increasingly erratic. He began verbally attacking band members and infamously hurled a tambourine at Noel. Disgusted and pushed to his limit, Noel stormed off, disappearing for days. While he eventually returned, this incident marked the first significant public display of the brothers’ volatile relationship. Interestingly, this turmoil birthed one of Oasis’s most poignant songs, “Talk Tonight,” showcasing how their conflicts could sometimes fuel their creativity.
November 1995: “Wibbling Rivalry” Captures Brotherly Discord
The raw and unfiltered animosity between Liam and Noel was captured and immortalized in “Wibbling Rivalry.” This infamous interview, conducted by journalist John Harris, was released as a spoken-word single on vinyl and CD by Fierce Panda Records. Labeled as “14 minutes of verbal mayhem,” the recording, from the previous year, offered the public a shocking glimpse into the Gallagher brothers’ constant bickering and explosive personalities. It solidified their reputation as rock’s most turbulent siblings, a dynamic that was both captivating and concerning.
May/June 1995: Cricket Bat-Gate – Violence in the Studio
The recording sessions for their seminal second album, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?, in Wales, were far from harmonious. An already tense atmosphere erupted when Liam brought a group of people back to the studio while Noel was trying to work. Noel’s reaction was extreme: he reportedly struck Liam over the head with a cricket bat. This violent outburst, while shocking, was almost becoming par for the course in the Gallagher brother’s relationship. The infamous cricket bat itself became a piece of Oasis lore, later rescued by writer Paolo Hewitt and sold at auction, a tangible symbol of their explosive dynamic.
23rd August 1996: MTV Unplugged – Liam’s Heckling from the Sidelines
Oasis’s highly anticipated MTV Unplugged performance at London’s Royal Festival Hall, following their monumental Knebworth gigs, took an unexpected turn. Liam pulled out at the last minute, citing a sore throat. Noel, ever the professional, announced to the audience, “Liam ain’t gonna be with us ’cause he’s got a sore throat, so you’re stuck with the ugly four.” He then proceeded to deliver a powerful 12-song acoustic set, proving his capability as a frontman. However, Liam’s absence from the stage didn’t mean he was absent altogether. He watched the entire performance from the audience, heckling his brother throughout, creating an incredibly awkward and tense atmosphere for everyone involved.
27th August 1996: No Liam for America
The drama continued as Liam again pulled out at the last minute, this time from a US tour. A statement from Creation Records vaguely attributed it to a “personal matter.” The real reason, it emerged, was that Liam had sold his house and hadn’t secured new accommodation for his then-wife, Patsy Kensit. Noel was left to front the band in America, an added pressure in a market they were still trying to conquer. Liam eventually joined the tour three days later, but the damage was done, and the tour was ultimately cut short after just two weeks, further fueling the perception of Oasis as unreliable and volatile.
21st May 2000: Barcelona Brawl – Questioning Paternity
A cancelled show in Barcelona due to drummer Alan White’s arm injury set the stage for another Gallagher clash. With the show off, the band indulged in drinking, and as the night progressed, tensions escalated. An argument erupted where, according to reports, Liam questioned the paternity of Noel’s daughter, Anais. This deeply personal attack led to Noel physically assaulting Liam before, once again, leaving the band. Oasis continued the European tour without Noel, but this incident marked a significant low point in their relationship, showcasing how personal their conflicts had become.
1st October 2002: “Bad Chemistry” on Tour
The Heathen Chemistry tour was plagued by issues, primarily Liam’s vocal problems. Shows were postponed and cut short. At a concert in Fukuoka, Japan, Liam only managed six songs before leaving the stage. Later that year, in Munich, Liam was involved in a bar brawl, reportedly kicking a police officer and losing teeth in the process. The remaining German dates were cancelled, with Liam needing dental treatment. This period highlighted the toll the rock and roll lifestyle and internal band friction were taking on Liam’s health and the band’s stability.
12th June 2005: Arcade Game Psychology
During a performance of “Champagne Supernova” at the Heineken Jammin’ Festival in Italy, Liam abruptly left the stage. In an interview with Spin magazine later that year, Noel offered a disturbing insight into their dynamic, stating, “I’ve kind of learnt that instead of arguing stuff out with him and ending up in a fight, I work on his psychology and he’s completely freaked out by me now, He’s actually frightened to death of me.” This comment revealed a manipulative and unhealthy power dynamic at play between the brothers, suggesting a deep psychological rift.
April 2009: The Beginning of the End?
In an interview with Q magazine, Noel’s infamous “man with a fork in a world of soup” quote about Liam cemented the growing public perception of their irreparable relationship. “He’s the angriest man you’ll ever meet. He’s like a man with a fork in a world of soup,” Noel declared. Social media became another battleground, with public bickering and Noel’s ominous statement, “Life would be easier without Oasis…” foreshadowing the imminent breakup.
23rd August 2009: V Festival Fallout
Oasis were scheduled to headline the Chelmsford leg of the V Festival, but cancelled at the last minute, officially due to Liam’s laryngitis. However, Noel publicly claimed Liam was simply hungover. This accusation led to Liam initiating legal action for libel. Noel eventually apologized, and the lawsuit was dropped, but the incident further eroded any remaining trust between the brothers and within the band.
28th August 2009: The Final Split – Paris and the Guitar Axe
The breaking point arrived just before Oasis was due to take the stage at the Rock En Seine festival in Paris. A heated argument erupted backstage, culminating in Liam reportedly wielding Noel’s guitar “like an axe.” This act of aggression was the final straw. The show, and the rest of the tour, were immediately cancelled. Noel released a statement that resonated around the world: “It’s with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight. People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.”
In a subsequent, more detailed statement titled “Tales From The Middle Of Nowhere,” Noel elaborated on his reasons for leaving, citing “verbal and violent intimidation towards me, my family, friends and comrades” and a “lack of support and understanding” from management and bandmates. While initial reports suggested the argument was sparked by an advertisement for Liam’s clothing brand Pretty Green in the V Festival program, Noel later revealed a more trivial, yet perhaps equally telling, catalyst to Radio X: “I had enough when Liam and Bonehead – and this is true – started arguing over a leather jacket. I am not even kidding. I can dress it up more than this, but this is what happened.” This seemingly minor disagreement over a jacket symbolized the deep-seated and often petty nature of their conflicts, highlighting that the reason why Oasis broke up was not just one major event, but a culmination of years of simmering resentment and personality clashes.
19th November 2009: Beady Eye Emerges
In the aftermath of Oasis’s dramatic end, Liam, along with former Oasis members Gem Archer, Andy Bell, and Chris Sharrock, announced the formation of a new band, Beady Eye. This swift move signaled Liam’s intention to continue making music and perhaps to prove he could thrive outside of Noel’s shadow. Beady Eye released two albums, Different Gear Still Speeding (2011) and BE (2013), but never reached the heights of Oasis, despite some critically acclaimed songs.
26th March 2010: Noel’s Solo Return
Noel Gallagher officially embarked on his solo career with a performance for Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Notably, he avoided playing any new solo material, focusing on Oasis classics. This cautious approach suggested a respect for his Oasis legacy and perhaps a recognition of what the audience truly wanted to hear from him.
12th August 2012: Olympics and Wonderwall Agreement
The London Olympics closing ceremony saw Liam and Beady Eye perform Oasis’s anthem, “Wonderwall.” Intriguingly, Noel revealed that the Olympic organizers had to seek his permission for his brother’s new band to use the iconic track. Noel admitted to playing “cat and mouse” before granting his approval, highlighting the lingering power dynamics and subtle gamesmanship in their relationship even after the split.
21st November 2013: Noel Shuts Down Reunion Talk
Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, Noel firmly dismissed any possibility of an Oasis reunion. “We are split up. You’ve heard that, haven’t you? You must’ve heard… Yeah, so, ergo, band splits up, band is no more. There is no band. So, no, I won’t be getting involved, anyway. If there is a reunion, I won’t be in it.” This seemingly definitive statement appeared to close the door on Oasis’s return for good.
25th October 2014: Beady Eye Bites the Dust
Liam announced the end of Beady Eye via Twitter, immediately reigniting Oasis reunion rumors. The speculation reached fever pitch, with some even predicting an Oasis Glastonbury performance in 2015. Noel, when asked about it by Radio X, responded with a coy, “I’m available that weekend – it’s not up to me though, is it?” The cycle of reunion rumors and denials was clearly in full swing.
Beady Eye are no longer. Thanks for all your support. LGx
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) October 25, 2014
6th May 2015: Reunion Rumors – “Slack Arse” and Saxophones
Following further rumors of a 2016 Oasis reunion based on a supposed “gentleman’s agreement,” Noel’s team issued a denial. Liam responded in typical fashion, tweeting, “I see Noel Katie Hopkins Gallagher is talking out of his slack arse again go and polish your SAXAPHONE Ha ha LGx.” The public spat continued, underscoring the deep personal animosity that still existed.
I see Noel Katie Hopkins Gallagher is talking out of his slack arse again go and polish your SAXAPHONE Ha ha LGx
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) May 6, 2015
21st September 2015: “Never Say Never” on Radio X
In a significant shift, Noel, speaking to Chris Moyles on Radio X, softened his stance on a reunion. “One should never say never, should one look like a bit of an idiot somewhere down the road, when you’re waving a cheque for a quarter of a billion in The Sun!” This marked a turning point, suggesting that financial incentives, or perhaps simply time and distance, were starting to thaw the icy relationship.
9th July 2016: POTATO
Liam’s infamous “POTATO” tweet, featuring a picture of Noel, became an instant internet meme and a classic example of their ongoing, albeit often humorous, feud. It demonstrated that even amidst serious tension, their interactions could still be laced with a peculiar brand of brotherly banter.
POTATO pic.twitter.com/C13BbKFyCH
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) July 9, 2016
25th August 2016: Solo Liam is Official
Despite previous vehement denials, Liam officially announced his solo career, with an album slated for 2017. This marked a definitive step away from Oasis and towards establishing his own musical identity.
Solo record are you fucking tripping dickhead im not a cunt LG X
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) January 4, 2016
It’s official I’m a cunt LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) August 25, 2016
22nd May 2017: 50th Birthday Tweet – A Glimmer of Hope
On Noel’s 50th birthday, Liam surprisingly tweeted, “Happy 50th rkid stay young LG.” He later explained to Radio X’s Johnny Vaughan that the Manchester Arena bombing had influenced his decision to reach out, a rare moment of brotherly sentiment amidst years of conflict.
30th May 2017: Solo Career Takes Flight
Liam played his first solo show at Manchester’s Ritz, marking the official launch of his solo career. His debut album, As You Were, was announced for release later that year and proved to be a critical and commercial success, solidifying his position as a successful solo artist.
5th June 2017: Manchester Benefit Concert Spat
Following the tragic Manchester terror attack, Liam criticized Noel for not attending the One Love Manchester benefit concert organized by Ariana Grande. Noel’s representatives clarified that he was out of the country but had donated proceeds from “Don’t Look Back In Anger” to the victims’ fund. The public disagreement, however, highlighted the continued friction, even in the face of tragedy.
Manchester id like to apologise for my brothers absence last night very disappointed stay beautiful stay safe LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) June 5, 2017
Noels out of the fucking country weren’t we all love get on a fucking plane and play your tunes for the kids you sad fuck
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) June 5, 2017
19th July 2018: “Let’s Get The Big O Back Together” – Drinks on Liam
During the 2018 World Cup, Liam, in a surprising turn, extended an olive branch to Noel. After Noel joked that football wasn’t coming home, Liam initially fired insults but then, after Noel played a “dry” gig in Edinburgh, tweeted a plea: “Earth to noel listen up rkid I hear your doing gigs where people can’t drink alcohol now that’s the BeZarist thing you’ve done yet I forgive you now let’s get the BIG O back together and stop fucking about the drinks are on me LG x.” When Noel didn’t respond, Liam followed up with “I’ll take that as a no then.” This public, albeit somewhat tongue-in-cheek, offer was a significant step towards reconciliation from Liam.
Earth to noel listen up rkid I hear your doing gigs where people can’t drink alcohol now that’s the BeZarist thing you’ve done yet I forgive you now let’s get the BIG O back together and stop fucking about the drinks are on me LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) July 19, 2018
I’ll take that as a NO then as you were LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) July 20, 2018
21st November 2019: “It’s Not F**king Banter” – Noel’s Serious Tone
After a summer of back-and-forth, Noel, in an interview with Beats 1, adopted a more serious tone regarding Liam’s Twitter comments. “When I eventually see him, he’ll realise it’s not f**king banter,” he stated, suggesting that the online feud was having real-world consequences and that Noel’s patience was wearing thin.
30th April 2020: Lockdown Demo – “Don’t Stop…”
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Noel released an unheard Oasis demo, “Don’t Stop…,” featuring him on vocals. Liam responded characteristically, demanding that any further demo releases feature him on vocals and Bonehead on guitar, or else they were “not worth a wank.” Even during a global pandemic, the sibling rivalry persisted, albeit with a touch of dark humor.
Oi tofu boy if your gonna release old demos make sure im singing on it and boneheads playing guitar on it if not it’s not worth a wank as you were LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) April 30, 2020
May 2021: £100 Million Reunion Price Tag
Noel, appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show, addressed rumors that he had turned down £100 million for an Oasis reunion. He quipped, “If anybody wants to offer me £100 million now, I’ll say it now, I’ll do it. I’ll do it for £100 million” but realistically added, “There isn’t £100m in the music business between all of us.” Liam countered this by saying he’d do it for free, continuing their public negotiation, albeit still tinged with antagonism.
March 2023: “Call Us” – Noel’s Open Invitation
Speaking to Radio X’s Dan O’Connell, Noel addressed the reunion question again, stating, “He’s got my number, he’s got my manager number. Call us.” He emphasized that the ball was in Liam’s court, seemingly open to discussions but placing the responsibility on his brother to initiate contact.
“He’s got my number, he’s got my manager number. Call us”
Noel Gallagher about Liam Gallagher and an Oasis reunion pic.twitter.com/rCRBvizkpg
— Liam Gallagher Fans Club (@liamgfansclub) March 21, 2023
Liam, in response to a fan question about a “small percentage” chance of reunion, simply tweeted, “It’s happening.” When pressed by French media, Noel reiterated his invitation: “He should get his people to call my people to call my people. They know who they are. They know where we are… Stop talking on the f***ing internet and let’s see what you’ve got to say.”
August 2024: Reunion Teasers and “Definitely Maybe?”
The Times reported industry rumors of an Oasis reunion, suggesting shows at Heaton Park and Wembley Stadium. Liam, during a Leeds Festival performance, fueled the fire by saying, “It is very interesting init? It is a very interesting situation we’ve found ourselves in.” He later tweeted, “I never did like that word FORMER,” and when asked about reunion dates, responded, “Nxt Friday,” leaving fans in suspense.
I never did like that word FORMER
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) August 25, 2024
Nxt Friday
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) August 25, 2024
August 2024: Glastonbury 2025 Headliner Speculation
The Mail On Sunday added to the speculation, reporting that Oasis were being considered to headline Glastonbury 2025. An anonymous source stated, “There’s a genuine feeling that next summer’s Glastonbury will be too much of an attraction for Liam and Noel to turn down… It looks more do-able than it has been for years.”
27th August 2024: OASIS REUNION TOUR ANNOUNCED!
Finally, after years of speculation, denials, and hints, the official announcement came on August 27th, 2024. Oasis would reunite for a series of stadium shows in 2025, 14 years and 364 days after their split. Dates across the UK and Ireland were revealed, including multiple nights in Cardiff, Manchester, London, Edinburgh, and Dublin.
Oasis’s official press release stated: “The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over. Come see. It will not be televised.”
Oasis Reunion Tour Dates for 2025:
JULY 2025:
- 4th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium
- 5th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium
- 11th – Manchester, Heaton Park
- 12th – Manchester, Heaton Park
- 16th – Manchester, Heaton Park – NEW DATE ADDED
- 19th – Manchester, Heaton Park
- 20th – Manchester, Heaton Park
- 25th – London, Wembley Stadium
- 26th – London, Wembley Stadium
- 30th – London, Wembley Stadium – NEW DATE ADDED
AUGUST 2025:
- 2nd – London, Wembley Stadium
- 3rd – London, Wembley Stadium
- 8th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
- 9th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
- 12th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium – NEW DATE ADDED
- 16th – Dublin, Croke Park
- 17th – Dublin, Croke Park
Conclusion: From Feud to Future
So, why did Oasis break up? The answer lies in the complex and often combustive relationship between Liam and Noel Gallagher. A potent mix of sibling rivalry, clashing personalities, creative control battles, and the pressures of rock star excess all contributed to the band’s demise. From tambourine throwing to cricket bats, and from public insults to guitar-axe wielding, their feud was as much a part of the Oasis story as their music.
However, time, maturity, and perhaps the undeniable lure of their shared legacy have paved the way for reconciliation. The Oasis reunion in 2025 is not just a musical event; it’s a cultural moment. It’s a testament to the enduring power of their music and the unwavering hope of fans who never stopped believing that one day, the guns would fall silent, and Oasis would rise again. The great wait is indeed over, and the world is ready to welcome back one of Britain’s most iconic bands.
