Happy Mondays star Bez says Oasis’ reunion has given Manchester’s music scene a fresh boost, after witnessing the response to the Gallagher brothers’ comeback during their Oasis Live ’25 tour.
The dancer and DJ, 62, who became a defining figure of Manchester’s Madchester era, believes the return of the Britpop legends has renewed attention on the city’s musical heritage and helped bands from the same scene.
Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Bez said:
“We’re lucky enough to be part of that Manchester scene which, at the time, grew so big it was unbelievable.
“We’ve got that legendary status from that time, and of course Oasis coming back last year helped all things Manchester again, so I think that’s given us a push as well.”
Bez was blown away by Oasis’ reunion tour
Bez attended Oasis’ comeback shows at Heaton Park in Manchester as part of the band’s Oasis Live ’25 tour, which marked their return to the stage after 16 years.
He said the experience left a lasting impression, particularly the number of younger fans who had turned out to see the band.
“It’s absolutely incredible, the phenomenon of Oasis.
“I was actually blown away by it all, both to see them at Heaton Park and to see hordes of young people all running around. It was just an incredible moment.”
The response demonstrated how Oasis’ music continues to connect with audiences across generations, while bringing renewed attention to the Manchester music scene that helped shape British music in the late 1980s and 1990s.
Happy Mondays emerged from that same era, becoming one of the defining acts associated with Madchester alongside bands including The Stone Roses. Their fusion of alternative rock, dance music and funk helped establish Manchester as a major force in British popular music.
Oasis Live ’27 tour set to extend the comeback
Oasis’ return is set to continue with the recently announced Oasis Live ’27 tour, which includes additional dates following strong demand.
Among the plans is a six-night residency at Knebworth, where Oasis famously performed two concerts in August 1996. The new run is set to surpass Robbie Williams’ three-show stint at the estate in 2003, establishing a new record for the most performances there.
The scale of the reunion has underlined the enduring appeal of the band’s catalogue, with songs such as Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back In Anger and Champagne Supernova continuing to attract huge audiences.
For Bez, the renewed enthusiasm surrounding Oasis has also created an opportunity for Manchester’s wider musical legacy to reach a new generation.
Liam Gallagher hints at new Oasis music
The excitement surrounding the reunion has also prompted fresh speculation about whether Oasis could release new music.
Liam Gallagher recently appeared to hint at a new album in a response to a fan on X, who claimed the band had seven great albums.
The singer replied:
“8 including the new 1, I mean happy birthday. (sic)”
Gallagher subsequently suggested that new material could become a possibility after the Oasis Live ’27 tour, although he has not formally confirmed an album.
Responding to another fan on X, he wrote:
“Listen if all goes well with the tour I guess next step is to have a chat about new music. Can’t see us touring again unless we have new music.”
The comments have fuelled hopes among fans who have waited years for a follow-up to Oasis’ last studio album, Dig Out Your Soul, released in 2008.
Why Oasis have been cautious about making a new album
Oasis split in 2009 following a backstage confrontation between Liam and his brother Noel Gallagher. Their reunion brought the brothers back together on stage for the first time in 16 years, but the question of new music remains a separate matter.
Liam has previously joked about the pressure the band would face if they attempted to match the success of their classic records.
When a fan asked for a new album, he responded:
“NO I’m just not prepared for the criticism if it doesn’t sell 100 million copies in the 1st hour… let’s just do some gigs and be happy thank you (sic).”
The singer has repeatedly highlighted the expectations surrounding any new Oasis material, given the cultural impact of albums such as Definitely Maybe and (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?.
For now, the focus remains on the live shows, with the reunion continuing to draw attention to the music and artists that helped put Manchester on the global music map.
Bez’s comments suggest that the benefits of Oasis’ return could extend beyond the Gallagher brothers themselves, giving the wider Manchester scene another opportunity to connect with audiences old and new.
