Overlooked Oasis's Wembley performance? This undervalued live album offers a comparable experience
In July 2000, Oasis graced the stage of the iconic Wembley Stadium for two unforgettable nights. The second night's performance, recorded and later released as the live album and DVD, Familiar to Millions, offers a journey through the band's early years, showcasing their classic anthems and fan-favourite B-sides.
The setlist, primarily drawn from their first three albums, Definitely Maybe, (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, and Be Here Now, opens with the instrumental walk-on music, F**kin' in the Bushes, and continues with hits like Supersonic, Rock ‘n’ Roll Star, Live Forever, and Cigarettes & Alcohol. The crowd's energy reached its peak during Wonderwall, a song that saw Liam Gallagher's vocals overdubbed from an entirely different show in Japan, as the audience took over the chorus.
Other highlights include the organ-heavy version of Whole Lotta Love during Cigarettes and Alcohol, and the goosebump-worthy audience participation in Don't Look Back In Anger. The setlist also includes a few tracks from their then-new album, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, but the focus remains on their classic repertoire.
The current line-up of Oasis includes original member Bonehead back on guitar and Joey Waronker on drums, recreating the magic of the past. The tech heard at its best and worst while listening to Oasis in Spatial Audio can be found on Familiar to Millions.
If you're a fan of Wembley-worthy, wall-of-sound anthems and don't want to pay professional touts for tickets, Familiar to Millions is a must-listen. It's available on DVD, Audio CD, and can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Fast forward to the present, and Oasis is back at Wembley Stadium for five consecutive nights, playing a setlist that includes songs like Supersonic, Shakermaker, Acquiesce, and Don't Look Back in Anger b-side Step Out. Liam Gallagher, referring to the 80-year-old stadium being due for demolition just a few months later, acknowledges the historical significance of these shows.
Familiar to Millions is not the best live album ever made, but it wouldn't be Oasis without a few imperfections. It captures the band near the end of the original Wembley Stadium era, with the venue being demolished shortly afterward. This live album and DVD serve as a testament to Oasis' enduring legacy and the power of their music, even after two decades.
- The live album and DVD, Familiar to Millions, provides a preview of Oasis' classic anthems and B-sides from their early years.
- The tech, at its best and worst while listening to Oasis in Spatial Audio, can be found on Familiar to Millions.
- If you're a fan of Wembley-worthy, wall-of-sound anthems, Familiar to Millions is a must-listen and can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
- In the present, Oasis is back at Wembley Stadium, showcasing songs like Supersonic, Shakermaker, and Step Out in their setlist.
- Liam Gallagher, during their current shows at Wembley, acknowledges the historical significance of these shows, with the stadium being due for demolition just a few months later.
- While Familiar to Millions isn't the best live album ever made, it serves as a review of Oasis near the end of the original Wembley Stadium era.
- The setlist, during the unforgettable night at Wembley Stadium, includes hits like Cigarettes & Alcohol with an organ-heavy version of Whole Lotta Love and the goosebump-worthy audience participation in Don't Look Back In Anger.
