If you didn't get a chance to see Oasis at Wembley, this lesser-known live album offers a satisfying alternative experience
Oasis' Live Album "Familiar to Millions" Captures the Band's Energy at Wembley
In 2000, Oasis, the iconic British rock band, reunited after a 16-year hiatus and performed at Wembley Stadium for five sold-out nights. This historic event was captured in the live album "Familiar to Millions".
Recorded over two nights, this album showcases Oasis at the height of their early career energy, with a setlist primarily consisting of tracks from their first three albums. The 18-track album, produced by Mark Stent and Paul Stacey, was released by Big Brother Records.
The live album opens with the distinctive intro "Fuckin' in the Bushes" and features key hits like "Supersonic," "Acquiesce," and "Rock ‘n’ Roll Star." The band also performs covers, including Neil Young's "Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)" and The Beatles' "Helter Skelter."
However, the decision to include "Helter Skelter" at the end of the album, which was recorded in America three months earlier, has been met with some criticism, as it seems out of place with the rest of the album.
One of the most memorable moments on the album comes during the performance of "Wonderwall," when Liam Gallagher unexpectedly gives up singing halfway through, allowing the audience to finish off the iconic song. This moment, along with the mass sing-alongs that are a significant part of the Oasis live experience, make this album a truly immersive listen.
For those who want to recreate the gig experience as closely as possible, it is suggested to go to the loo and get another pint after "Gas Panic!".
The vocals for "Wonderwall" on the album were overdubbed from an entirely different show in Japan due to Liam's intoxication during the second night at Wembley. The DVD release preserves these genuine live moments, making it a must-watch for any Oasis fan.
Key details and tracklist highlights:
- Recorded: Wembley Stadium, 2000
- Genre: Rock
- Length: About 92 minutes (full live set)
- Producer: Mark Stent, Paul Stacey
- Label: Big Brother Records
- Notable live moments: Liam Gallagher kissing Noel on the cheek live, Liam leaving vocals during "Wonderwall" with the crowd filling in, mix of original songs and covers.
Tracklist (Selected from the 1CD version of 13 tracks): 1. Fuckin' in the Bushes (intro) 2. Go Let It Out 3. Who Feels Love? 4. Supersonic 5. Shakermaker 6. Acquiesce 7. Step Out (B-side) 8. Rock 'n' Roll Star 9. Some Might Say 10. Cigarettes & Alcohol 11. Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black) – Neil Young cover 12. Helter Skelter – The Beatles cover 13. Live Forever
The full concert featured additional tracks not on the 1CD album, including "Acquiesce," "Step Out," and other B-sides, as well as the band’s signature opening track "Fuckin’ in the Bushes."
"Familiar to Millions" offers a classic snapshot of Oasis's live energy at Wembley and remains a fan favorite as a "sonic time capsule" of their 2000 live sound and stage presence. The album, along with its DVD counterpart, can be found on Audio CD and DVD. It is also available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, but without its original 5.0 Dolby soundtrack on the streaming versions.
In 2025, the 2025 incarnation of Oasis includes original member Bonehead back on guitar and Joey Waronker on drums, promising a continuation of the band's legendary live performances.
- Some audiophiles were intrigued by the news of an Oasis deal for a live album, capturing five sold-out nights at Wembley Stadium.
- The much-anticipated album, titled "Familiar to Millions," features a show that proves Oasis's energy was in full swing during their early career.
- The live audio showcases the band's iconic tracks, such as "Supersonic," "Rock ‘n’ Roll Star," and of course, the fan-favorite "Wonderwall."
- This album is a treasure trove for Oasis fans, offering a preview of the band's live performances in the realm of pop-culture and entertainment.
- Music critics have lauded the album's production by Mark Stent and Paul Stacey, with some even going as far as calling it a top-tier hi-fi audio experience.
- For those who want to immerse themselves in the full gig experience, they can stream the album or buy the audio CD, but be warned, the streaming versions lack the original 5.0 Dolby soundtrack.
- In the entertainment world, Oasis remains an influential brand in British pop-culture and rock music, with their brand of pop-rock being a staple in the minds of celebrities and music enthusiasts alike.
- With the return of original member Bonehead and the addition of Joey Waronker, fans can look forward to future reviews of Oasis's live performances on streaming platforms, securing their reputation as a stellar live act for years to come.
