Liam Gallagher has criticised the City of Edinburgh Council after Oasis fans were described as “rowdy”, “intoxicated” and “middle-aged men” who “take up more room” in a safety briefing.
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The comments were made when a range of senior officials from the council and emergency services met last year to plan for the band’s sold-out reunion shows at Murrayfield Stadium (Aug. 8-9 and 12). The run will mark the first time they will play in the Scottish capital since 2009.
Details of the safety advisory group meeting from October 2024 were made available via a freedom of information request, and were published in The Scottish Sun earlier this week. The briefing involved the council, promoters DF Concerts, security firm G4S, Police Scotland, the Scottish Ambulance Service and local transport providers including Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Trams, and ScotRail.
A number of concerns were raised by officials, including about fans of Oasis “on weekends as they are already rowdy”, as well as “the tone of the band.” The paper also said that the council, meanwhile, suggested that the 210,000 gig-goers posed a risk to the Edinburgh Fringe and its performers, which is expected to attract more than three million visitors between Aug. 1-25.
It also noted that the crowd at Murrayfield Stadium, which can hold 70,000 fans a night, may feature a number of “middle-aged men,” stating they “take up more room” and that promoters should “consider” these factors when “working out occupancy.” DF Concerts added that the audience would be “energetic and high-spirited” with a “medium to high intoxication.”
Gallagher has responded to these statements on social media, posting on X: “To the Edinburgh council I’ve heard what you said about OASIS fans and quite frankly your attitude f–-king stinks. I’d leave town that day if I was any of you lot.”
He added: “I’d love to see a picture of all the people on the Edinburgh council bet there’s some real STUNING [sic] individuals.”
Margaret Graham, Edinburgh Council’s culture and communities convener, told The Scottish Sun: “We’re very proud to host the biggest and best events in Edinburgh throughout the year, which bring in hundreds of millions of pounds to the local economy and provide unparalleled entertainment for our residents and visitors.
“As with any major event which takes place in the city, we prepare extensively alongside our partners to ensure the safety and best possible experience of everyone involved – and Oasis are no different.”
She added: “We’re all looking forward to seeing Oasis take to the stage this August and I’m sure that they’ll ‘live forever’ as some of the most memorable concerts ever performed at Murrayfield.”
The Oasis reunion tour kicks off in the U.K. at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on July 4. The run of dates will continue through Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Dublin before hitting North America, Latin America, Asia and Australia across 41 planned shows.
