Oasis reunited for a series of highly anticipated live performances in 2025, marking their first tour since the Gallagher brothers’ acrimonious split in 2009. Capturing this historic event is the new concert documentary "Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger," directed by Will Lovelace and Dylan Southern. The two-hour film, released globally this week, provides an intimate look at the band’s Live ’25 Tour, chronicling their rehearsals, performances, and personal dynamics during the reunion.
The documentary opens in Oasis’s practice space ahead of their first concert in Cardiff, capturing the initial tension and tentative camaraderie among band members. Noel Gallagher and the band begin rehearsing without Liam, who joins weeks later with a casual but energetic entrance. Despite underlying tensions, the brothers quickly fall into their roles, signaling a renewed commitment to the band’s music.
Noel Gallagher, often perceived as the prickliest member, appears notably more vulnerable and reflective throughout the film. Approaching his 60th birthday, he acknowledges pre-show nervousness and emotional moments on tour, particularly during a show in Ireland. The recent death of Stone Roses bassist Mani prompts Noel to contemplate his mortality. His emotional response extends to interactions with fans, especially touching moments observed between fathers and sons in the audience.
Liam Gallagher carries a strong and confident presence in the documentary, approaching the tour in notably good physical condition after abstaining from smoking and alcohol. His quick wit is on display, including humorous references to Mick Jagger, and his vocal performance is described as some of the best in years. Liam’s seriousness about the tour is underscored by his punctual arrival at concerts, arriving just minutes before stepping on stage.
Despite the brothers’ fraught history—marked by years of estrangement and a lack of forgiveness—both Noel and Liam emphasize cooperation and unity in their interviews. Liam describes music as a “superhero” that belongs to fans, while Noel suggests that reconciliation occurred quietly. The film notably omits any discussion of financial motivations behind the reunion, despite speculation that monetary gain likely played a part.
Ticket pricing, a subject of controversy during the tour, receives little acknowledgment in the film. The brothers make light of the issue, with Liam joking about the absence of cheap seats. However, the documentary does not address the significant markups imposed by Ticketmaster, which saw some tickets initially priced around £150 doubling to over £350.
The Gallaghers also confront misconceptions about their political stance in the film. While Noel’s past endorsements and comments have suggested shifts toward more conservative views with age, both brothers dismiss characterizations of Oasis as aligned with any political faction. Noel describes the band as a unifying force, open to all fans regardless of background, emphasizing themes of inclusivity and hope found within their music.
The concert footage itself stands out for its high production values, featuring cinematography from Lol Crawley and sound mixing by industry professionals, providing a dynamic and immersive experience. The film intersperses iconic performances across global venues, including Manchester, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, and Dublin, highlighting the enduring power of Oasis’s anthem-like songs.
Behind the scenes, the tour is portrayed as a family-focused event, with both Gallaghers stepping back from heavy partying and relying on their entourage to manage the logistics. "Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger" offers fans and newcomers alike a comprehensive glimpse into one of Britpop’s defining reunions, balancing nostalgia with a candid look at complex personal and professional relationships.