Hundreds of thousands of Oasis fans are finding out today whether they have secured tickets for next year's 42-date world tour, as the ballot process opened with Liam Gallagher posting on social media: 'WHO IS AND WHO ISN'T?'
The singer's message, channeling Ian Brown at the Empress Ballroom, came shortly after the ballot opened. This year, a special system has been set up to avoid the chaotic scramble of last year's reunion, with fans receiving codes that grant access to various time slots. Three slots are available today, with more spread across the weekend.
Fans report smooth process
Within minutes of the first window opening, some very happy fans were sharing their success on social media. One wrote they were 'shrieking and crying in a restaurant' after securing tickets for the Etihad. Another said the process was pretty smooth for Manchester dates, writing: "Very easy for Manchester - one browser open for several dates, was 41 in one queue and almost immediately in another. Tuesday shows were fastest, not surprising."
Tickets for the Etihad gigs are already appearing on resale sites for almost £3,000. However, while tickets can be sold on sites such as Viagogo, doing so violates the band's official terms and carries a high risk of cancellation. Oasis and their promoters have said that tickets could only be resold at face value through authorized platforms, specifically Ticketmaster UK and Twickets.
Etihad Stadium concerts confirmed
It won't just be Oasis at the Etihad next summer. Stadium bosses have announced they are 'back in the concert game' after several years away while Manchester City's home ground underwent its major North Stand expansion. Following Noel and Liam's 11-night residency in June, several other big gigs are being lined up, with industry insiders speculating it could include shows from pop heavyweights such as Sam Fender, U2, Bruno Mars and maybe even Harry Styles.
Other local stories
Manchester Evening News night editor Tom Burnett has reviewed a £60 room at the easyHotel on Dale Street, comparing it to his beloved Sacha's. Meanwhile, a Grade II-listed, 150-year-old water tower in the Cheshire village of Lymm, which featured on Grand Designs, has gone up for sale for £3m. Jannette, 57, and Russell Harris, 67, bought the property for £138,000 in 1997 and spent the next three decades transforming it into a family home.
The weekend forecast looks mixed, with Saturday warm and dry with temperatures set to hit 19C, but Sunday overcast with the chance of a few showers in the afternoon and evening. Drivers are being urged to 'avoid travelling if you can' as Simister Island is set to close this weekend, shutting from 8pm on Saturday to 6am on Monday as part of an ongoing £296m upgrade.
