Can Oasis' performance at Croke Park meet the high hopes? Possibly yes, maybe no.
Oasis Reunion Tour Controversy: High Prices, Security Breaches, and a "Meat and Potatoes" Concert
The Oasis reunion tour has been met with controversy, as fans and critics alike express their discontent with the dynamic pricing of tickets and the lack of spectacle at the concerts.
The use of dynamic pricing for the tour's tickets last summer led to prices exceeding £350 ($478) per ticket, even on resale platforms. This sparked significant backlash from fans, who accused the band and promoters of overcharging loyal supporters. Oasis stated that ticket pricing decisions were left to promoters and management, and the band was not aware that dynamic pricing would be applied.
In addition to pricing issues, there was a major security breach at Wembley Stadium during Oasis concerts in 2025. Reports emerged that up to 200 people were smuggled into shows without valid tickets by paying around £350 each, using a disabled entrance and identical tickets with hand stamps as a makeshift admission system. This raised serious concerns about venue security and fairness, especially given the high ticket costs fans were facing.
Fans have expressed anger and frustration over expensive tickets and unsafe concert conditions. Liam Gallagher, Oasis's lead singer, responded sharply on social media, telling fans to “SHUT UP” when they complained about prices and even joking about the extreme cost himself, which some fans found dismissive.
The cost of attending the concert by the brothers Gallagher on their first tour together in 16 years is well publicized. However, for €440, younger audiences expect a live music event with spectacle or a megastar cameo appearance. Instead, the concert is described as a "meat and potatoes" kind of gig, featuring music, big screens, personality, and swagger, but lacking the sin é that fans may have been hoping for. Liam is reported to have said "you'll get the top tunes, our kid, and you'll be f**king grateful."
Despite the controversy, the brothers Gallagher have a reconciled on-stage presence. The concert is being received by critics, with Laura Slattery, Irish Times culture columnist, discussing the tour on a podcast. The podcast, presented by Aideen Finnegan, produced by John Casey and Andrew McNair, delves into the tour's controversies and the band's legacy.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is currently investigating the dynamic pricing model used for the concert tickets. The Live 25 dates have already been played in Cardiff, Manchester, London, and Edinburgh. The concert in Dublin's Croke Park is the first of two sold-out gigs this weekend.
As the live music industry grapples with concerns about dynamic pricing practices, venue security, and the balance between maximizing revenue and maintaining fan goodwill, the Oasis reunion tour serves as a cautionary tale for future artists and promoters.
- Some fans might have preferred more entertainment elements, such as music collaborations or special guests, during the Oasis reunion tour, as opposed to just the music and on-stage presence of the band.
- Despite the controversies surrounding dynamic pricing, high ticket costs, and venue security incidents during the Oasis reunion tour, the band's performances have received positive reviews from critics, with some discussing the tour's controversies and the band's legacy on podcasts.
