The young Oasis fans rebooting the spirit of the 90s

Oasis, a legendary band that reached the height of their fame in the 1990s, is making waves once again as a new generation of fans emerges. The band is best known for their iconic concerts, particularly the monumental gigs at Knebworth in 1996, which drew massive crowds. Anna Doble, a writer for BBC News, reflects on her experience attending one of those concerts when she was just 17 years old. Now, nearly three decades later, she engages with a fresh wave of young, dedicated fans who are captivated by a band that was at its peak long before they were born. Among these fans is Jasmine Griffin-Jones, a 19-year-old from Widnes, Cheshire, who treasures a set list from Liam Gallagher, one of the band's frontmen. Jasmine expresses her disbelief at the news of an Oasis reunion, stating, 'I was sat in shock for quite a while. ' Her passion for Oasis may stem from her mother's admiration for another Manchester band, the Stone Roses. However, Jasmine's musical tastes are diverse, as she also enjoys artists like Taylor Swift and Charli XCX, along with Britpop rivals Blur. Meanwhile, Yulia Markovskaia, a 23-year-old fan from St Petersburg, Russia, is surrounded by Oasis posters in her bedroom and is eagerly planning how to attend one of the UK concerts in 2025. She shares her excitement, saying, 'I'm going to sob so hard if they sing Acquiesce together,' highlighting the emotional connection fans have with the band's music. The current Oasis fanbase is notably different from the original one. Gone are the days of the stereotypical male fans with sideburns and football shirts. Instead, today's fans gather on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X, where they connect through hashtags like #oasistwt. This online community is filled with positive discussions, memes about Liam Gallagher, and a shared longing for the nostalgic vibes of the late 1990s. Anna Doble reminisces about her own experience as a teenager in the 1990s, standing in line to enter the Knebworth concert, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. At 16, she was the perfect age to embrace Britpop culture, with ticket stubs adorning her wall and a shoebox filled with cassettes from various bands. She recalls purchasing her copy of Definitely Maybe, Oasis's debut album, at a local market for just £3, a memory that evokes a sense of nostalgia. During that time, Anna enjoyed listening to music while sipping cider and watching football matches, all while feeling a sense of optimism about the future. Jasmine, one of the young fans, draws parallels between the current Oasis reunion and the political climate of the 1990s, stating, 'It does feel like a bit of a '90s throwback with the Labour government, Oasis mania, and the recent football final. ' Emma Arenstarr, another enthusiastic fan, expresses her joy at the prospect of the reunion gigs, saying she felt 'absolute elation' when the news was confirmed. She hopes to finally see her favorite band perform live. Beatrice Steele, a 24-year-old fan, believes that the excitement surrounding the reunion demonstrates that Oasis's music remains relevant to the experiences of today's youth. Andy Walker, a musician in a contemporary band, draws comparisons between the current societal mood and that of the late 1990s, suggesting that feelings of frustration can lead to creativity and hope. Emma shares her experiences of meeting fellow Oasis fans, often in record stores or online. She describes the joy of connecting with others who share her passion for the band, saying, 'I think Oasis fans are just lurking. ' Yulia, part of this new generation of fans, finds deep emotional resonance in the band's music. She describes the song Slide Away as 'so beautiful,' emphasizing the powerful emotions it evokes. Jasmine, who discovered Oasis at the age of 14, notes that the fanbase has evolved over the years, with a significant number of women and girls now actively participating. This shift reflects a broader change in the music scene, where the laddish reputation of the past is being replaced by a more inclusive community. Scarlett Allen, a 15-year-old fan, missed the Britpop era entirely but has become a devoted Oasis enthusiast during the pandemic. She enjoys attending concerts and meeting fellow fans who share her interests. The upcoming Oasis reunion gigs represent a thrilling opportunity for her, and she expresses her excitement, stating, 'It feels completely unreal and I didn't imagine it on this scale. ' Anna Doble, the writer, emphasizes the enduring connection that music from the 90s has with people today, showcasing how it continues to bring fans together across generations.