“They taught me what it means to move someone’s heart with music”: artists on the impact and influence of Oasis
When Oasis announced their massive comeback in August, it wasn’t just music listeners who flooded the internet with excited, overjoyed reactions to the news. Social media was awash with bands and artists celebrating the Gallagher brothers’ return, whether they were cheekily eyeing up a potential support slot or just sharing their love for a band that made a seismic impact on the music scene the first time around.
As the Manchester icons’ reunion continues to grow, with tour dates now announced in the UK, North America and Australia, NME speaks to 15 acts from around the world about Oasis’ enduring impact and influence.
Tom Ogden, Blossoms
In light of you teasing the support slot at Blossoms’ Wythenshawe show, we’ve got to talk about Oasis. You’ve opened for Liam and Noel plenty of times over the years, did you ever think you’d see the day you might be able to do it for Oasis?
“It was the best-kept secret in the music industry. We were playing at Wythenshawe Park on Sunday, and on Saturday night, the reunion article breaks. We’re all like, ‘This has got to be bullshit again’, but it felt a bit more legit. The next day, going to the gig, our manager calls us saying we need to show a video on the screens after the set because they’re showing it at Reading & Leeds. I’m like, ‘Is it Oasis?’ and he says, ‘I can’t tell you’. When we came offstage, we ran around to the front to see the video!”
So, do you think you might be supporting them?
“Nothing has been discussed, nothing has been asked; I don’t think they’ll sort it out until next year. It’s sold out. They don’t need to announce the supports. I’d like to think our name might be in the mix because why not? We’ve never shied away from saying how much they’ve influenced us. We went to watch them at Heaton Park when we were 16, and we kind of know them both. I’m not going to get my hopes up, though, because, at the end of the day, it’s up to them. If we get asked, the bags are packed, and we’d smash it.”
You’re well versed in opening for Mancunian royalty. What would it mean to you to support Oasis, though?
“Our mantra was instilled into us from Oasis. I grew up listening to them and seeing those songs being sung in the biggest stadiums. That’s what I wanted. Ten years on, to have done Wythenshawe, to have opened for The Stone Roses and to have your name brought up within the Oasis stuff, if you’d have told me that when I was 16, I’d have been like, ‘What the fuck’. We saw them before we were even a band. I would have never believed you.”
“As an artist from a working class background, Oasis were fundamental in showing me what was possible” – Kelly Lee Owens
Jehnny Beth, Savages
How did you fall in love with Oasis?
“My interest in the band grew over the years. Although I liked them as a teen, it was only later that I really got into them, after I watched the film Supersonic. Their wit and honesty were so attractive, and the songs of course hit me hard. One thing I love about them is that they are never boring. They take the space, yes, but they’re not here to bore your brains out – which honestly, is refreshing.”
How have Oasis influenced you as an artist?
“I would say their absolutely irresistible self-confidence has been one of the biggest inspirations for me. They are the living definition of ‘if you don’t believe in yourself, who will?’ Also the songwriting is genius, paired with Liam’s delivery, you’re entertained and nourished! I took that along with me when writing my next album.”
How do you feel about the reunion, the tour and the Gallagher brothers making up?
“Excited! Especially as I’ve met them both separately and they were equally funny and charming so I can’t imagine what it would be like to have them both in the same room. Also we need rock stars to fill up stadiums, I believe that’s good for guitar music. And I’m waiting for the call if they’re looking for support.”
Kelly Lee Owens
How did you fall in love with Oasis?
“I remember ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory’ being the first full-length album I ever fell in love with. It was played a lot in my house growing up. I would have been seven when that came out.
“I remember vividly staring at the front cover thinking it must have been shot in Manchester somewhere, little did I know it was Berwick Street, London and that I’d be working at the record store that’s featured on the cover 20 years later!”
- READ MORE: Soundtrack Of My Life: Kelly Lee Owens
How have Oasis influenced you as an artist?
“Firstly, as an artist from a working-class background, they were fundamental in showing me what was possible! That variability is everything! Secondly, their music made me feel like I’d stepped into a place, and I loved that feeling. It’s something I try and incorporate into the work I create.”
How do you feel about the reunion, the tour and the Gallagher brothers making up?
“I think it’s going to be an epic collective moment that makes a lot of people happy, and that’s all that matters! I never got to see them the first time around as I was so young, so who knows if, by some miracle, it will happen this time around!”
“Oasis taught me, a sensitive teenager, what it means to ‘move someone’s heart with music’” – Yojiro Noda, RADWIMPS
Aitch
How did you fall in love with Oasis?
“Being in the car with my dad and hearing them everyday, couldn’t get away from it.”
How have Oasis influenced you as an artist?
“They’ve made me do what I wanna do when I wanna do it and not give a fuck about what anyone says.”
How do you feel about the reunion, the tour and the Gallagher brothers making up?
“It’s obviously gonna be a legendary moment that millions of people have been waiting for and I’m sure it’ll make a lot of people happy, me being one of them.”
@aitch12 POV: it’s 11th July 2025 #oasis #heatonpark #aitch #wonderwall
Tommy O’Dell, DMA’S
How did you fall in love with Oasis?
“I saw them in 2002 at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney – made me wanna be in a band.”
How have Oasis influenced you as an artist?
“They influenced me growing up similar to Nirvana in the way that the vocals and guitars expressed attitude and angst – I was immediately drawn to it. The natural sincerity about them is something I’ve always wanted to have in my own music.”
How do you feel about the reunion, the tour and the Gallagher brothers making up?
“Having a brother myself, I’m happy that they could reconnect. The gigs will be unbelievable and probably the most iconic British gigs ever – I can’t see another act in my lifetime at least who will top it.”
“Oasis are the living definition of ‘if you don’t believe in yourself, who will?’” – Jehnny Beth
Oskar Gudinovic, Cardinals
How did you fall in love with Oasis?
“I had listened to ‘Wonderwall’ and ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ a lot when I was younger, but the gateway for me, I think, was ‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’ when I was in my mid-teens. Pun intended. I have a fond memory of sitting on a beach with some friends when I heard it for the first time. The fuzzy guitar intro, the rattlesnake tambourine and the raw and guttural vocals sent me on a pilgrimage through their discography and live material. It killed a bit of the pragmatist in me, which I needed at the time, I think.
“Since then, I’ve managed to catch the end of Liam Gallagher’s set while working in Thomond Park a couple months back. A stand out of the set for me was definitely ‘Slide Away’. It was cool to see how the music brought total strangers together, which I think has further strengthened my appreciation for Oasis and the music they’ve created.”
How have Oasis influenced you as an artist?
“The balance achieved in Oasis’ music has really been inspiring for me personally. They managed to fit so much in their songs, yet it was still clear what they were doing. The juxtaposition of honesty and bravado. the melancholic yet optimistic lyrics. Their songs sound simple at first but the arrangements and melodies within are smart and fit so well with each other. It makes the music feel like it could have been written today.
“I feel most of my influences come out subconsciously, so bits of Oasis are littered here and there on the EP. Some of the rougher and unpolished production aspects of ‘Definitely Maybe’ are also quite influential for me and the rest of the band, I’d imagine. Since the release of our EP, ‘Twist & Turn’ has been likened to Oasis a couple of times, which I am quite happy about.”
How do you feel about the reunion, the tour and the Gallagher brothers making up?
“I think we’re all quite happy about the reunion. It’s great that people will get to hear their songs live straight from the source again. I feel like some aspects of the ticketing system were very, very flawed. However, overall, I see the tour as a good thing. It’s wholesome, too, seeing the two brothers rekindle [their relationship]. Having brothers in the band can be quite daunting and tense at the best of times, so the fact that Liam and Noel managed to sort things out between them really gives me hope for the band’s future.”
Yojiro Noda, RADWIMPS
How did you fall in love with Oasis?
“I first encountered Oasis’ music when I was 13. I was in the school basketball team and became friends with my teammate, Suga. He had an older brother who was in a band so when I visited his house one day, there were the Oasis albums ‘Definitely Maybe’ and ‘Morning Glory’. I, a boy who picked up electric guitar in fifth grade, was blown away by their music and immediately went to buy their CD and a score book. From there, I started binging and endlessly practising their songs.”
How have Oasis influenced you as an artist?
“For 13-year-old me, who started writing my own songs, Oasis was like a textbook. They simply taught me the basic musical components of melody, harmony, and rhythm as well as eternal possibility that stretches out from there. They taught me, a sensitive teenager, what it means to ‘move someone’s heart with music’.”
How do you feel about the reunion, the tour and the Gallagher brothers making up?
“I’m simply happy that the reunion is happening in this lifetime. But even if they don’t [reunite], the fact that Oasis holds a special place in my heart does not change so much. Even more than their reunion, if the brothers, who were once that close, are back and talking to each other again, that’s the happiest news for me.”
“It would be easier to answer how Oasis haven’t influenced me” – Snail Mail
Nathan Cornell, Enumclaw
How did you fall in love with Oasis?
“I think it was like 2010, so I was 15, somehow only a year after they broke up. I knew ‘Wonderwall’ a bit, but I heard a cover of ‘Champagne Supernova’ that made me seek out the original and track down the rest of ‘(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?’ on Mediafire.
“I remember when the record really clicked for me – I was in the car on a family trip to Montana and I’m listening to it on a green iPod Nano as loud as it will go in my wired headphones. The sound of Liam’s voice and the loudest guitars I’ve ever heard playing these incredibly tight pop songs sunk their teeth into me, and I’ve loved it ever since. The last great, gigantic rock band.”
How have Oasis influenced you as an artist?
“In a sonic way, Noel is one of my favourite guitar players, so I’ll look to his playing for inspiration now and again. Mostly, though, it’s in the attitude and confidence. They had a desire and belief that they could be great and the work ethic to make it a reality.”
How do you feel about the reunion, the tour and the Gallagher brothers making up?
“It’s exciting as a fan. I don’t have tickets but I’m working on it, ha! I think whether the tour goes off perfectly or they fall apart again, it all just adds to the Oasis story. As far as the brothers making up, how can you not like that? They’re the only ones who understand each other on a particular level; you don’t want to see a feud like that go to the grave.”
Ian Shelton, Militarie Gun
How did you fall in love with Oasis?
“I fell in love with Oasis probably the same as anyone else: you grow up with it being a staple of mainstream radio, you know the songs but it’s background noise because it’s so omnipresent. Eventually, you get older, and you actually turn the record on and go, ‘Holy shit, these are amazing songs’. It seems to be a tradition within the hardcore community to eventually realise one of the biggest bands of all time isn’t so bad…”
How have Oasis influenced you as an artist?
“Oasis’ songwriting at its best is simple and intuitive; they are a good reminder to just stop thinking and play what comes natural.”
How do you feel about the reunion, the tour and the Gallagher brothers making up?
“I doubt I’ll be able to attend any of the gigs. Arena gigs aren’t really my favourite but I’m excited to see what the setlists look like and watch some videos of it.”
“The natural sincerity about Oasis is something I’ve always wanted to have in my own music” – Tommy O’Dell, DMA’S
Rou Reynolds, Enter Shikari
How did you fall in love with Oasis?
“I grew up obsessed with Britpop and adored Oasis. I remember when I was about eight, my mate’s older brother made me a cassette tape of songs, and I was locked in. I pretty much learnt the guitar through their music as a kid, and they were my first big show back when I was 15 down in Finsbury Park. When it comes to melody, song structure, lessons in simplicity and focus, they’ve always been up there for me.”
How do you feel about the reunion, the tour and the Gallagher brothers making up?
“It’s great to see them back together, and perhaps even more so, it’s just nice to hear the lads are talking again. No one wants to see families estranged.
“For me, the reunion has been slightly soured with the whole dynamic ticketing debacle. I thought that was pretty gross, to be honest. There’s no rational need for those extortionate and sudden price hikes apart from greed… They could have kept the prices reasonable, and it would have proved they’re still the ‘people’s band’ that they’re often tagged as.”
Lindsey Jordan, Snail Mail
How did you fall in love with Oasis?
“My sister torrented their entire discography when I was 10 or 11, and they ended up being one of my first favourite bands. I didn’t know where to start, with it all being on my iPod, so the first record I got really into was ‘Be Here Now’.”
How did you fall in love with Oasis?
“It would be easier to answer how they haven’t influenced me! Their songwriting, melodic genius, and style have been important to me for longer than I can remember. I always catch myself referencing them when I’m trying to write.”
How do you feel about the reunion, the tour and the Gallagher brothers making up?
“It’s definitely the most important reunion to happen in my lifetime. The rigamarole of trying to get a coveted thing when the entire world is also trying to get it stresses me out more than anything, so if they play the US, I’m not sure if I’ll be bloodthirsty enough to score tickets, but I also don’t think they’re gonna last that long before splitting again.”
Total Tommy
How did you fall in love with Oasis?
“My ex is a big fan and we spent many road trips with their records on, so the songs became a bit of a soundtrack for a little while there. Spending time with these records was so special. They really become a part of you after a while.”
How have Oasis influenced you as an artist?
“Not gonna lie, ‘Champagne Supernova’ was one of the first songs I learnt on guitar. I love how straight-up Oasis’ lyrics are and the way the songs push and pull and grab you from so many directions, which can change day to day depending on how you’re feeling. I always want my songs to do just that.”
How do you feel about the reunion, the tour and the Gallagher brothers making up?
“I’m so into it! A few of my friends have bought tickets to the UK shows and are flying over from Australia. I’m pretty jealous and hoping I’ll be in the UK when the tour happens and find a sneaky last-minute ticket somehow. Would be so amazing to catch!”
Haru Nemuri
How did you fall in love with Oasis?
“My older friend in the same college lent me Oasis’ ‘(What’s the Story) Morning Glory’? and I got to listen to their music. At that time (when I was just entering college), I wasn’t familiar with music genres except for J-rock in general, so it became an opportunity for me to become interested in British rock, which has a unique sound and context.”
How have Oasis influenced you as an artist?
“I got to dig into British rock music after discovering Oasis. I think the UK has a unique context of music as we can see it on the UK music charts – the rock music can be stronger than hip-hop, which is different from the US. Oasis is one of the most representative acts in British music, and studying their music led me to understanding it.”
How do you feel about the reunion, the tour and the Gallagher brothers making up?
“I never expected this reunion, so it was really surprising! But I saw a lot of people who have been fans of them for a long time saying that they wouldn’t feel safe even if they saw Liam and Noel standing on a stage, which I felt was a bit funny (though I also felt sorry for them).”
I did a cover of ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis with love from Japan! thank you for saving me by your music.Noel Gallagher Liam GallagherOasis – Wonderwall (Official Video)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx1Bh8ZvH84#ねむりカバー #nemuricover
Posted by Haru Nemuri – 春ねむり on Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Suki Waterhouse
What do you love about Oasis?
“One of my favourite things about Oasis, in general, is it just goes so deep into the hearts of English people and everybody comes together and screams and cries. Their music is the most uniting thing, and [the reunion shows are] going to unite the country. I feel like it’s gonna be like winning the World Cup.
“It’s the humour as well. It’s just so British to its core that it just makes you smile. I feel like they’re one of those bands you just think about and smile. I will 100 per cent be going to the shows – I’ve already got my tickets.”
What was it like appearing in Creation Stories, the movie about their label Creation Records (as Gemma, the journalist)?
“That was an amazing experience, just getting to dig into the history. I got to be around unbelievable actors and go back in time and step into that world – imagine what it was like discovering a band like that and the journey that label and Alan McGee went on. Music history is so fun to nerd out on.”
@notasteforever How did the Cochella crowd not like this?!
@sukiwaterhouse #allpointseast2024 #allpointseast #victoriapark #sukiwaterhouse #oasis #dontlookbackinanger
Sean Murphy-O’Neill, Courting
How did you fall in love with Oasis?
“Oasis are a very easy band to enjoy. I think that a lot of bands find the idea of being ‘boundary-pushing’ very important, and while it can be, sometimes, the most important thing you can do as a rock band is just write a great song – and Oasis have a great selection of those.”
How have Oasis influenced you as an artist?
“They are probably the first band I ever listened to in which I realised I was listening to a ‘rock band’. I don’t think there is anything wrong with letting your pretentiousness down for a second to appreciate a great chorus.”
How do you feel about the reunion, the tour and the Gallagher brothers making up?
“Getting the band back together is always a good thing. Everyone deserves a chance to see their favourite band.”
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