Oasis, the iconic Britpop band fronted by Liam and Noel Gallagher, is set to reunite for a concert in Cardiff, Wales, after 15 years of sibling rivalry. The reunion is scheduled for seven months from now, but the excitement surrounding it has already sparked a surge in tribute band performances.
On a recent Saturday at the Flowerpot pub in Derby, England, Jon Boswell, the lead singer of the tribute band Ohasis, took the stage to a sold-out crowd. Dressed in dark shades and a black rain jacket, Boswell channeled Liam Gallagher as he announced, “We’re gonna take the roof off,” before launching into the Oasis hit “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star.” The audience of 250 enthusiastically sang along, creating a lively atmosphere.
As ticket prices for major acts like Oasis, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift have soared, many fans have found themselves priced out of attending live shows. This trend has inadvertently benefited tribute bands, which have seen a significant increase in bookings since the Gallagher brothers announced their reunion plans in August. Boswell noted that Ohasis has been inundated with gig and festival offers.
Damien Stringer of the tribute band Fakermaker reported that their bookings have nearly doubled, while Damon Cox of Oasis Maybe mentioned inquiries for shows in international markets, including Japan and Germany. Many fans attending tribute shows are those who either could not secure tickets to the original Oasis or could not afford the high costs associated with the reunion tour.
Attendees at the Flowerpot expressed their relief at the affordability of tribute shows. H. Singh-Deol, a 27-year-old joiner, highlighted that attending the real Oasis concert would cost over £1,000 for him and his partner, making the £13 ticket for Ohasis a more appealing option.
Most members of tribute bands are fans of Oasis, although some, like Ohasis’s drummer Alan Darmody, have different musical preferences. Scott Hardingham, who plays “Noel” in Ohasis, shared his journey from being a fan to performing as a tribute artist, noting the financial benefits of tribute performances compared to original bands.
Despite the lack of glamour compared to the original band’s stadium tour, Ohasis has experienced moments of significant success, including performing for 17,000 people at a festival. However, backstage life remains humble, with the band members enjoying simple refreshments.
Ohasis has also experienced its share of internal conflicts, with Boswell admitting that band members have occasionally fought, mirroring the Gallagher brothers’ notorious feuds. Nevertheless, these disagreements have been temporary.
Each tribute band aims to distinguish itself, with Fakermaker incorporating onstage feuds for added drama, while Oasis Supernova features a brass section and video screens. Ohasis prides itself on its authentic sound and appearance, with Boswell asserting that they are the closest tribute to the original Oasis.
After performing 18 hits, including “Wonderwall” and “Champagne Supernova,” Ohasis left the audience eager for more, with fans lingering for selfies and set lists. Jonathan Baker, a 35-year-old BBC employee, praised Ohasis as “fantastic,” noting their resemblance to the Gallaghers.