The highly anticipated Oasis reunion concerts at London`s iconic Wembley Stadium delivered precisely what fans craved: a thunderous return of Britpop`s most tumultuous, yet beloved, brothers. Yet, amidst the roaring crowds and nostalgic anthems, an unexpected attendee sparked a different kind of buzz: none other than Hollywood`s perennial action hero, Tom Cruise.
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A History of Public Barbs
For those familiar with the Gallagher brothers` notoriously outspoken nature, Cruise`s presence might seem, at first glance, an oversight of epic proportions. The history between the Gallaghers and the Mission: Impossible star is not one of mutual admiration. In the 2007 documentary “Lord Don`t Slow Me Down,” Noel Gallagher famously declared, “Tom Cruise is a little prick” and further asserted, “He hasn`t made a good film in his life.” Not to be outdone, Liam Gallagher chimed in with his own unequivocal assessment: “I hate Tom Cruise. Him and Michael Owen are the worst.”
Given this rather direct, unvarnished public disdain, one might wonder if the legendary action star was performing a different kind of `impossible mission` by attending. Was it a bold display of personal diplomacy, or simply the irresistible force of one of the greatest rock reunions of the century?
The Irresistible Pull of Wembley
It appears the sheer gravitational pull of a band reuniting after years of dormancy, especially one celebrating an album as monumental as ‘(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?’, proved irresistible even to those with past grievances. Cruise was reportedly seen enjoying the show, a selfie with musician Goldie confirming his surprise attendance on July 25th.
This remarkable turn of events suggests that some cultural moments are simply too significant to miss, personal history notwithstanding. Perhaps Cruise, ever the professional, understood that the spectacle of Oasis taking the Wembley stage once more transcended any lingering animosity. Or, perhaps, even Hollywood`s most durable star needs a good rock concert to remind him of life`s simpler, louder pleasures.
More Than Just a Concert
The Wembley shows are a pivotal part of the “Live ’25” tour, commemorating the 25th anniversary of their seminal album. The tour, which commenced in Cardiff and included five electrifying performances in Manchester before hitting London, has been heralded by critics as more than mere nostalgia; it is, as some observers have noted, “a true return of British rock history to its main stage.”
Cruise wasn`t the only notable face in the crowd. Fellow British music icon Jarvis Cocker of Pulp, and global pop sensation Dua Lipa, were also spotted, reportedly participating in `The Poznan` – the celebratory mass jump popularised by football fans – alongside thousands of ecstatic supporters. The energy was palpable, the anticipation immense, and the shared experience seemingly powerful enough to unite even the unlikeliest of celebrity attendees.
A Poignant Tribute
Amidst the jubilation, the concerts also held a moment of profound sadness. Just days before the Wembley dates, the world mourned the passing of heavy metal titan Ozzy Osbourne. Oasis paid a poignant tribute to the Black Sabbath frontman, dedicating “Rock ’N’ Roll Star” in his honour. During their performance of “Live Forever,” a powerful image of Osbourne graced the enormous stage screens, a fitting salute from one set of rock legends to another.
The “Live ’25” tour continues its triumphant journey, with additional shows in Edinburgh and further London dates scheduled for late September. The initial reactions confirm what many had hoped: Oasis is not just back, they`ve reclaimed their place at the zenith of British rock, effortlessly drawing in fans and, it seems, even past detractors, into their undeniable orbit.
