OASIS fans believe they’ve spotted a clue that reveals who is supporting them on the band’s reunion tour next year.
After the Manchester rockers confirmed they are hitting the road for the first time in 15 years earlier this week, attention quickly turned to who will be joining them.
Speculation has been rife with major US acts like Weezer and Smashing Pumpkins mentioned in the same breath as younger indie outfits like Fontaines DC and Sam Fender, as well as those cut from the same cloth such as The Courteeners and Kasabian.
Another Brit band, Manic Street Preachers, has now entered the frame, and it looks increasingly likely the Welsh outfit could be involved.
The band released a new single, Decline & Fall, this week with some initially joking it was the worst possible time to promote a record with Oasis mania gripping the nation.
But it could have been a coordinated effort.
One person wrote in a forum: “As part of that their Facebook page is now following a grand total of three other Facebook pages – Steven Wilson (who they’ve recently worked with and is rumoured to be producing their new album), Columbia records (who they are signed to) and…… Oasis!
“Might be something, might be nothing, but there’s probably more substance to them supporting Oasis again than 95% of the rumours posted on here today!”
Another fan joked: “All this talk of Oasis and the manics. Is it the 90s again?”
A third said: “Manics & Embrace for support for the Oasis gigs please.”
The two acts share history with the Manics previously supporting Oasis on the road back in 1996; a tour that saw Liam Gallagher infamously clash with late Screaming Trees frontman Mark Lanegan.
And they were also on the bill for Oasis’s era-defining concerts at Knebworth that same year.
Manics bassist Nicky Wire spoke to NME about the 1996 tour back in 2001.
Recalling what sparked Liam and Mark’s feud, he said: “It was in catering, and Liam was calling them something like The Barking Branches and The Crazy Conkers. Mark was a very bruised individual at that point.”
Despite the fallout, Nicky had fond memories of the run, adding: “It was a great tour. We just sat back and watched Oasis teetering on the edge and cancelling gigs. For once, we were the stable part of the touring party! It was the first time we’d had success on a global scale and we were enjoying it.”
The band originally consisted of James Dean Bradfield (lead vocals, lead guitar), Nicky Wire (bass guitar, lyrics), Sean Moore (drums, percussion), and Richey Edwards (rhythm guitar, lyrics).
Early Years and Breakthrough: The Manic Street Preachers emerged during a time when the British music scene was dominated by Madchester and shoegaze. They stood out with their punk-inspired sound, provocative lyrics, and glam-rock aesthetics. Their early work was characterized by a mix of political and personal themes, delivered with raw energy.
Their debut album, “Generation Terrorists” (1992), was ambitious, aiming to be a double album filled with anthemic rock tracks. It included singles like “Motorcycle Emptiness” and “You Love Us,” which garnered critical acclaim and established the Manics as a band to watch.
Critical Acclaim and Tragedy: The band’s second album, “Gold Against the Soul” (1993), showed a more polished sound but received mixed reviews. However, it was their third album, “The Holy Bible” (1994), that became a critical masterpiece. Dark, intense, and deeply personal, it reflected the troubled state of co-lyricist Richey Edwards, who was battling severe depression and self-harm.
In February 1995, Richey Edwards disappeared under mysterious circumstances and was declared missing. His car was found near the Severn Bridge, a known suicide spot, but his body was never found. This event deeply affected the band and their future work.
Commercial Success: Despite the tragedy, the remaining members decided to continue as a trio. Their next album, “Everything Must Go” (1996), marked a shift towards a more accessible and anthemic sound. It included hits like “A Design for Life” and was both a commercial and critical success, earning multiple awards and solidifying their status as one of Britain’s top bands.
Their follow-up, “This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours” (1998), continued their commercial success with hits like “If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next,” which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.
Continued Evolution: The Manics have continued to evolve musically over the years, experimenting with different styles and themes. Albums like “Know Your Enemy” (2001), “Lifeblood” (2004), and “Send Away the Tigers” (2007) showcased their versatility and willingness to push boundaries.
In 2009, they released “Journal for Plague Lovers,” an album that featured lyrics left behind by Richey Edwards, creating a poignant connection to their past.
Recent Work: The Manics have remained active and relevant in the 21st century, releasing albums such as “Postcards from a Young Man” (2010), “Rewind the Film” (2013), “Futurology” (2014), “Resistance Is Futile,” (2018) and most recently The Ultra Vivid Lament (2021).
OASIS brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher have revealed a 17 gig comeback tour next summer - here are the details
The Wonderwall hitmakers will delight crowds as follows:
JULY 2025
4th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium
5th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium
11th – Manchester, Heaton Park
12th – Manchester, Heaton Park
16th – Manchester, Heaton Park
19th – Manchester, Heaton Park
20th – Manchester, Heaton Park
25th – London, Wembley Stadium
26th – London, Wembley Stadium
30th – London, Wembley Stadium
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
16th – Dublin, Croke Park
17th – Dublin, Croke Park
Fans are able to increase their chances of getting tickets through a pre-sale ticket ballot.
Fans need to enter some personal details and answer an Oasis-related question.
Those who answer correctly will receive an email asking for confirmation they want to be entered into the ballot.
Successful ballot entries then received an email with a code by 12pm on Friday, August 30.
*If you click on a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue.
Tickets for the UK dates go on sale from 9am on Saturday, August 31st and will be available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk, www.gigsandtours.com and www.seetickets.com. Dublin tickets will be available from 8am that same day from www.ticketmaster.ie.
