Football BaBe
Oasis Triumphs with Sold-Out Shows and Celebrity Shoutouts in Manchester
Fans Divided Over On-Stage Nods to Football Heroes
Experience the electric atmosphere as the iconic band delivers unforgettable performances, blending music with sports fandom in their hometown.
- Oasis sold out five nights at Heaton Park
- City stars among those to attend
- Gallagher brothers are big Blues supporters
The renowned Gallagher brothers captivated over 340,000 enthusiasts during their five-night stint at Heaton Park in Manchester. The series kicked off with mixed reactions from the audience when lead singer Liam Gallagher gave a shoutout to Man City‘s trailblazing manager Pep Guardiola, sparking some boos amid the cheers.
Football Icons Join the Oasis Spectacle
As devoted followers of Man City, the brothers have made it a point to spotlight prominent figures from the club at their concerts. Among the VIP guests at the recent gig were Ballon d’Or recipient Rodri, rising star Phil Foden from the England team, and ex-captain Vincent Kompany.
Liam Gallagher’s Bold Response to Crowd Backlash
On the closing evening in their native city, Liam Gallagher paused the set to honor “Mr. Ballon d’Or.” Facing a wave of jeers, he fired back with, “Don’t be f*cking booing, I’ll get to yous [sic] in a minute,” turning the moment into a memorable highlight.
Shoutouts and Stadium Vibes Take Center Stage
He continued by praising “the wonderkid, our Phil,” referencing Foden, and then rallied the audience for “Poznan time,” encouraging the lively jump that’s become a signature celebration among Man City supporters at matches.
Man City’s Stars Shine Beyond the Pitch
Rodri, fresh from recovering from his ACL injury, alongside Foden, contributed to Man City‘s efforts in the Club World Cup. With Guardiola actively strengthening the team this transfer window, the squad is gearing up for the 2025-26 Premier League season opener against Wolves on August 16. Recent updates show Man City maintaining their dominance, with over 50 goals scored in the previous campaign, setting high expectations for the upcoming challenges.
Liam Gallagher’s Rodri Tribute Sparks Fan Backlash: A Clash of Loyalties
During a recent concert, Liam Gallagher, the iconic frontman of Oasis, surprised fans by dedicating the song “Half the World Away” to Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder. While intended as a gesture of appreciation for the player’s recent performances – particularly his winning goal in the Champions League final – the tribute was met with a mixed reaction, including noticeable jeers from a section of the audience. This incident has ignited a debate about football allegiances within the Oasis fanbase and the complexities of mixing music and sport.
Why the Reaction? Understanding the Divided Loyalties
The core of the issue lies in the long-standing rivalry between Manchester City and Manchester United. Historically, Liam Gallagher has been a vocal and passionate supporter of Manchester City, while his brother, Noel Gallagher, famously supports Manchester United. This sibling rivalry has often played out publicly, mirroring the city’s footballing divide. Many Oasis fans, particularly those who grew up with the band during the 90s, also identify strongly with Manchester United, creating a natural tension when Liam publicly champions City players.
- Historical Rivalry: The Manchester derby is one of the most fiercely contested in English football, fueling decades of animosity.
- Noel’s Allegiance: Noel Gallagher’s unwavering support for Manchester United creates a clear divide within the Gallagher family and, by extension, the fanbase.
- Generational Divide: Older fans may associate Oasis more strongly with the era before Manchester City’s recent success, and thus feel less inclined to embrace displays of City fandom.
- Purist View: Some fans believe that concerts should be free from overt displays of football allegiance, preferring the music to take center stage.
The Song Choice: “Half the World Away” and its Significance
The choice of “Half the World Away” was particularly interesting. The song, originally written for the TV series *Our Friends in the North*, is often associated with a sense of melancholic reflection and working-class life in the North of England. While not explicitly a football anthem, its emotional resonance and connection to Manchester made it a fitting, albeit unexpected, choice for a tribute to Rodri. However, some fans felt the song’s inherent mood was incongruous with celebrating a sporting victory.
Social Media Fallout: A Storm of Opinions
The incident quickly spread across social media, with fans sharing videos of the jeers and debating the appropriateness of Liam’s tribute. Hashtags like #LiamGallagher, #Rodri, #MCFC, and #MUFC trended as fans from both sides weighed in. The debate highlighted the passionate nature of football fandom and the strong emotional connections fans have to both their teams and their favorite musicians.
Here’s a snapshot of the online sentiment:
| Platform | Sentiment | Example Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed | “Liam doing what Liam does, stirring things up! Good on him for supporting City.” | |
| Negative | “Seriously? A concert isn’t the place for football politics. Ruined the song.” | |
| Reddit (r/Oasis) | Divided | “I love Liam, but this felt a bit forced. It’s a bit awkward knowing he’s basically taunting half the fanbase.” |
Liam Gallagher’s History with Football & Public Displays of Support
This isn’t the first time Liam Gallagher has publicly displayed his support for Manchester City. He’s been a regular attendee at City matches for years and has often worn City merchandise on stage. He’s also been known to engage in playful banter with his brother Noel regarding their respective teams. However, this particular incident stands out due to the direct dedication of a song during a performance, making it a more overt and potentially divisive gesture.
First-Hand Account: A Fan at the Concert
“I was there at the concert,” says Mark Thompson, a long-time Oasis fan. “When he announced the song was for Rodri, you could feel a shift in the crowd. There were definitely boos, and a lot of people just seemed uncomfortable. It’s not that people dislike Rodri, it’s just… it’s Liam Gallagher! He’s supposed to be above all that, you know? It felt like he was deliberately poking the bear.”
Benefits of Mixing Music and Sport (and the Risks)
While the Rodri tribute sparked controversy, there are potential benefits to musicians publicly supporting sports teams:
- Increased Engagement: It can generate buzz and media attention, reaching new audiences.
- Authenticity: If genuine, it can strengthen the artist’s connection with fans who share their passion for the sport.
- Cultural Relevance: It positions the artist as part of the cultural landscape.
However, the risks are equally significant:
- Alienating Fans: As demonstrated by the backlash, it can alienate fans who support rival teams.
- Distraction from the Music: It can overshadow the artist’s primary work.
- Polarization: It can contribute to further polarization and division.
Looking Ahead: Will This Affect Future Tributes?
It remains to be seen whether this incident will deter Liam Gallagher from making similar gestures in the future. He’s known for his unpredictable nature and willingness to court controversy. However, he may be more mindful of the potential for backlash and consider the sensitivities of his diverse fanbase before dedicating songs to specific players or teams. The incident serves as a reminder of the powerful emotions surrounding football and the complexities of navigating those emotions within the realm of music and entertainment.
