Three decades have passed since Oasis took the stage at Knebworth for what would become one of the most legendary concerts in British music history. The Gallagher brothers' back-to-back performances in August 1996 didn't just define Britpop – they created a cultural moment that still echoes through music today.
The Gig That Shook a Generation
Over 250,000 fans descended on Hertfordshire's Knebworth Park across two nights, with demand so intense that the band could have sold out 20 consecutive nights at the venue. The scale was unprecedented – this wasn't just a concert, but a full-blown cultural phenomenon.
Setlist That Became Legend
The nights featured what would become classic Oasis anthems:
- Wonderwall – The singalong that defined a generation
- Don't Look Back in Anger – Noel's crowning compositional achievement
- Champagne Supernova – The epic eight-minute closer
Journalist John Harris perfectly captured the moment: "This was the absolute peak of Britpop's cultural dominance."
Why Knebworth Still Matters
Three decades later, the Knebworth shows remain:
- A high watermark for British guitar music
- The definitive Oasis live experience
- A snapshot of 90s youth culture at its most vibrant
As anniversary celebrations begin, fans worldwide are revisiting footage and setlists, proving that for all their later turmoil, Oasis at Knebworth represents the band at their untouchable best.
