Tens of thousands of Oasis fans have descended on Dublin for the band's first Irish shows in 16 years. The Britpop icons will perform two sold-out concerts at Croke Park this weekend, marking the Irish leg of their reunion tour. Dublin is experiencing a heatwave, with high UV levels expected, and health officials have advised concert-goers to wear bucket hats for sun protection.
Fans from across the UK and Ireland have gathered outside the stadium, sharing their excitement and nostalgia. Sarah and Neil Charlton travelled from Southampton after securing standing tickets. Neil said: 'We thought: what a great city to come to and see the gig and have a couple of nights out in Dublin. It’s just so nostalgic – all the songs and all the music from when we were growing up.'
Lisa and Alan Roe from Dublin said their love of the band dates back to their wedding in the 1990s. Alan commented: 'Because the two of them are after getting back together after so many years, to be able to sell out a world tour the way they did – and their music going back to the late 80s and 90s. That brings an aura about in everybody and a buzz and the memories of growing up in Dublin with them – it’s absolutely out of this world.'
Sinead Millea from Kilkenny, who saw Oasis in Limerick in 1996, reflected on the reunion: 'Maybe we’re all going through a bit of a midlife crisis – I turned 50 this year, and look, Noel and Liam, they’re in their 50s as well. And maybe things just dawned on them that life is too short and just, let’s put grievances to bed. They seem to be getting on great, and it’s fabulous.'
The setlist includes hits such as 'Cigarettes And Alcohol', 'Wonderwall', 'Acquiesce', 'Some Might Say', 'Morning Glory', 'Don’t Look Back In Anger', and 'Champagne Supernova'. Support acts for the Dublin dates are Richard Ashcroft and Cast. The 41-date tour has already visited Cardiff, Manchester, London, and Edinburgh, and will continue to cities across the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and Japan.
