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A Superfan’s Journey to See Oasis at Wembley
For John Smallbones, a 50-year-old superfan from Andover, Hampshire, the anticipation for an Oasis gig is more than just excitement—it’s a lifelong passion. Known for his dedication to the Manchester band, John has attended 40 concerts and spent over £14,500 on memorabilia throughout the years. His devotion has led him to camp outside Wembley in preparation for the band’s London show, a commitment that shows no signs of slowing down.
John’s love for Oasis is so deep that he even got a tattoo of Liam Gallagher’s face on his back. This time around, he’s determined to meet Liam and make sure he’s not just another random fan. To achieve this, he has created a personal plan: offering £1,000 to his friends if they can secure him a face-to-face meeting with the frontman. The challenge is clear, but for John, it’s worth every effort.
He plans to spend the night in his Oasis-themed van to ensure he gets a prime spot at the front of the concert on July 26. While many fans might be anxious about the event, John is looking forward to the weekend with excitement rather than regret. “A lot of people meet him. Obviously they are fans but they probably don’t have what I’ve got,” he said. “I’d have a hundred questions to ask him but my mind could go blank.”
John’s home is a testament to his fandom, filled with mugs, t-shirts, cardboard cutouts of the Gallagher brothers, and even a handmade ‘Liam’ wig. His dedication extends beyond just collecting items—he’s also invested time and energy into securing tickets for the Wembley shows. The process was no easy task, as he and his family had to work together to get their hands on the coveted tickets.
The group of seven friends and family members used multiple devices and spent hours trying to secure the tickets, which were priced at £350 each. However, the online system proved to be a challenge, often logging them out when they reached the top of the queue. Despite the difficulties, John’s father, also named John, persisted and eventually managed to secure the tickets. He chose to pass up the opportunity to give it to his son’s cousin, showing his support for the family.
John isn’t worried about the possibility of Oasis splitting up again. He believes the band will reunite, despite some people doubting his optimism. “To be honest, I don’t think they ever really probably fell out. I’ve always said to people that they get back together,” he said. “A mate of mine said that there was no chance that they would get back together and that he didn’t know why I kept banging on about it. But I said, ‘yeah, they will – they definitely will.’”
Economic and Cultural Impact of the Oasis Tour
As the Oasis tour kicks off in Cardiff, the impact of the band’s return is being felt across the city. According to data compiled by SumUp, the tour has sparked a surge in various areas, including fashion, haircuts, and local businesses.
- Rise in mod-style haircuts: Mod-style haircuts, once rare in the city, now account for 2.5% of all cuts, equivalent to 10 per week.
- Surge in Oasis-era fashion: 80% of sales this week are related to Oasis-themed items, with stores like Stone Island, CP Company, Fred Perry, and Adidas experiencing increased demand.
- Spike in sales of Noel Gallagher’s guitar: Sales of guitars rose by 200% from May to June, coinciding with the tour.
- Surge in taproom bookings: There has been a 50% increase in taproom bookings in the lead-up to the gigs.
These trends highlight the cultural and economic influence of the Oasis tour, demonstrating how the band continues to resonate with fans and local communities. For John, the experience of attending the concert is more than just a celebration of music—it’s a culmination of years of dedication, passion, and a dream come true.
