Manchester is in the grip of Oasis fever ahead of the band's first homecoming concerts in 16 years, with fans from across the globe descending on the city. The five sold-out shows at Heaton Park have sparked a surge in sales at pubs, shops and hotels, as international visitors join local Mancunians to celebrate the Gallagher brothers' return.
At the Definitely Maybe bar in the Northern Quarter, owner Paul Gallagher reported a deluge of customers from countries including New Zealand, Kazakhstan, Greenland, Sudan, the US, South America and China. 'The Americans are mad for it – they mither us to death for Wonderwall,' he said. The bar has a giant map where fans have planted flags to show their origins.
Three fans from Baltimore, US – Luke Dolan, 24, his brother John-Bryant Dolan, 23, and friend Zack Schutz, 28 – made the 8,600-mile round trip for their first UK visit. 'I've never seen buzz for a band like this, ever,' said Luke Dolan, who spent almost £3,000 on flights and accommodation. The trio plan to visit Liverpool, London and Macclesfield.
Local businesses are benefiting from the tour, which is the most lucrative in British music history. Hotel and tourism takings in Cardiff soared by nearly 300% during last weekend's gigs, according to tech firm SumUp. At The Manchester Shop, sales of Oasis-related products were up 129%, owner Miki Christi said. 'I've never seen anything on this scale,' she added.
The Studio tattoo parlour in Afflecks has seen fans from Australia to America getting inked with favourite lyrics. Manager Colin Thompson compared the excitement to the Stone Roses reunion in 2012 but said 'this is a different scale'. Oasis will play five nights at Heaton Park before moving on to London, Edinburgh, Dublin and North America.
