The Untouchables: Oasis at Knebworth ‘96.
So, yesterday, August the 10th signified 20 years since the infamous Oasis @ Knebworth. Two days of carnage, chaos and class A consumption.
On the 10th of August, 1996. 250,000 people from all corners of the British Isles, arrived at a small village, just off the M25. Knebworth village was minuscule, but the venue wasn’t. I mean a massive field, in the middle of the country. What’s not to like? A perfect setting for the ravers of the 90’s.
Not only did you have one of the largest bands of the 90’s performing, but even their support acts were colossal. The Charlatans, The Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy, The Manic Street Preachers, Kula Shaker, Ocean Colour Scene, and ..The Bootleg Beatles.
So, I suggest you take a look at the full concert footage from Knebworth. The footage is a little grainy, but what do you expect? It was the 90’s man.
Columbia
Acquiesce
Supersonic
Hello
Some Might Say
Roll With It
Slide Away
Morning Glory
Round are Way
Cigarettes and Alcohol
Whatever
Cast no Shadow
Wonderwall
The Masterplan
Don’t Look Back In Anger
My Big Mouth
It’s Getting Better Man
Live Forever
Champagne Supernova - Encore
I am The Walrus (w/John Squire) - Encore
As Liam, Noel, Bonehead, Guigsy and Whitey all graced the stage, Noel addressed the bucket-hat clad crowd by taking to the mic and reciting,“You’re making history, you lot”, “This is history right ‘ere.” Before a half-drunk, half-excited Liam shouts, “Hello, Hello, Hello, Let’s go”. Noel hits that first chord, the crowd go wild. I would have loved to witness that pivotal moment in Rock history. I doubt any concert nowadays will reach the sheer capacity and atmosphere of Knebworth. Although, the 4 days @ The Etihad with The Stone Roses was pretty crazy. Maybe Mancunians do it best?
Knebworth is a concert that will withstand the test of time, as will Oasis.
You can still catch Noel performing at slightly smaller venues nowadays, with new songs, but same attitude. Liam on the other hand divides his time between ranting on social media about his brother and supposedly trying to form a new Beady Eye.
Will Oasis ever reform? Who knows, there’s been so many rumours, it’s hard to say.
But, if Universal Records can offer £80 million for Robbie Williams, then surely we can fork out a few more for Oasis. I sincerely hope the boys don’t pull a Dave and Ray Davies, and not reform until their late 70′s.