August 27th 2024.
This morning, I woke up with an overwhelming sense of excitement as I heard the news of Oasis's reunion tour. It's no secret that I've always been a huge fan of the band. In fact, whenever someone asks me about a moment in history that I would love to experience, I always say one thing - Oasis at Knebworth in 1996.
Back in the '90s, during the era of acid house and Britpop, Oasis was at the height of their fame. Their music, filled with the raw energy of cigarettes and alcohol, spoke to a generation. And that's exactly why over 4% of the population tried to get tickets to their iconic Knebworth performance. People from all over the world flocked to Knebworth Park for two days of pure rock and roll swagger from the greatest band of all time.
It's no surprise that Oasis had enough fans to sell out another 18 days of shows, and their concerts even had their own radio station. It's no wonder that one band member even admitted that they should have ended on a high after those record-breaking gigs. It truly couldn't have gotten any better than that.
I was only three years old at the time, but every time I watch videos from Knebworth, I can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy and regret. I would give anything to have been there. So, when the reunion shows were announced this morning, it's safe to say that I was beyond thrilled.
But unfortunately, there are some middle-aged men out there who seem to think that I don't deserve to be a fan of Oasis just because I'm a young woman. They believe that I'm somehow behind them in the queue for tickets. They even have the audacity to say that to be a "real fan," I had to have been there, lived through the '90s, and not just been born in it. It's lad culture at its worst, and it's absolutely ridiculous.
Thanks to my dad, I've been an Oasis fan my entire life. I can proudly say that Heathen Chemistry is my favorite album, and I could ace any quiz on their B-sides. In my opinion, Sunday Morning Call is the most underrated song of all time, and Talk Tonight should be studied as an example of vulnerability in music.
I've seen both Liam and Noel Gallagher perform separately countless times, and every time I've cried like a baby. One of the highlights of my life was watching Liam strut onto the stage in his iconic parka, while The Stone Roses' I Am the Resurrection played in the background. And my dad was right there beside me, singing along.
As a fan, I'm free to have my own opinions. My favorite song, album, or even my favorite Oasis t-shirt may differ from other fans, and that's okay. But what I won't tolerate is being told that I'm somehow less of a fan because of my age or gender.
To me, Oasis and Taylor Swift are my top two favorite artists, and they constantly switch places depending on my mood. I'm a raver who also enjoys crying in the bath to country music or jamming to Bob Marley. Music is my escape, and it doesn't matter if I've been a fan for years or just discovered a handful of their songs - it's all about how it makes me feel.
But despite the excitement of the reunion, there are some people who are trying to ruin it with their gatekeeping behavior. They belittle and mock younger fans, especially female ones, because they believe that the '90s was a better time for men. It's pathetic and completely unnecessary.
One music journalist even claimed that demand for Oasis tickets would "absolutely dwarf" that of Taylor Swift. But why does that even matter? Why do they need to pit a female pop artist against a legendary rock band? It's just an excuse for sexism in the music industry to continue.
Yes, there may be some parka-wearing fans who refuse to grow up, but they are the minority. And they are not more of a fan than I am, or anyone else for that matter. There's no hierarchy when it comes to music. Whether you've been a fan since the beginning or just discovered them yesterday, it doesn't matter. We all have the right to enjoy their music in our own way.
So to all the older Oasis fans out there, I have one message for you - let the younger generation experience the magic of Oasis. Don't be the ones holding them back. After all, music is meant to be shared and enjoyed by all. So let's all come together and sing along to Wonderwall, regardless of our age or when we became fans.
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