05-07-2025
Oasis mania returns: Kuching exhibition pays homage to Britpop legend
(From left) Ahmad Shafizan, Saiful and Ahmad Bahtia show rare Oasis collector's items during the event. – Photo by Matthew Umpang
KUCHING (July 5): A group of dedicated fans in Kuching are celebrating the long-awaited reunion of Oasis – the iconic British rock band known for defining the Britpop era of the 1990s – with a month-long tribute exhibition at Brew Crew Coffee Club, located at Wisma Hopoh.
The exhibition, which opened today, coincides with the launch of Oasis' 'Live '25 Tour' at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales in the UK.
Organised by die-hard local fans, the exhibition is the passion project of Ahmad Shafizan Mohd Ghazali, 40, his wife Nur Liyana Razali, 36, along with friends Ahmad Bahtia Hamdan, 42, and Saiful Bahari Abdul Ghani, 40.
Adding to the nostalgic vibe at the press conference launch, the three men arrived in classic Liam Gallagher-style parkas.
Ahmad Shafizan and Nur Liyana even named their son Liam, a nod to the band's iconic frontman.
'Oasis is very special to me because of the attitude, the song-writing, and Liam Gallagher's voice. It's pure rock and roll,' said Ahmad Shafizan.
His impressive collection of memorabilia, much of which is on display, includes rare box sets, vinyl records, and even a pair of Clarks LG Desert Rain shoes – a limited collaboration with Gallagher.
'Some of the items, like the Time Flies vinyl box set, are special to us as a couple as we even made it one of our wedding gifts,' Ahmad Shafizan added.
He estimated having spent over RM5,000 on Oasis memorabilia over the years.
'After the band broke up in 2009, it was quite a frustrating time. But when they announced their reunion in August last year, we were shocked and beyond excited.
'That's when we decided to start collecting more seriously again,' he said.
One of the exhibition's highlights is a tambourine used by Liam Gallagher during a solo concert in Bangkok – caught by a fan and loaned for display by a fellow collector known as Mr Arap or 'Rock'n'Roll Kid'.
Ahmad Bahtia, who once flew with Saiful Bahari to Japan to catch Liam Gallagher live, said the exhibition is a heartfelt tribute to the band's return.
'It's such a great thing to see Oasis make a comeback. Even seeing Liam alone was already amazing, so I can't imagine the energy when it's the full band again,' he said.
For Saiful, the exhibition is also about honouring the loyalty of the local fanbase.
'We're holding this to show our love for Oasis. Many Sarawakians, especially those who grew up in the 1990s, know and love Oasis.
'You can't grow up in that era and not know 'Wonderwall' or 'Don't Look Back in Anger',' he said.
Nur Liyana described Oasis as the soundtrack of her youth and relationship.
'We first discovered Oasis back in high school. From 'Wonderwall' to 'Live Forever', their songs tell the story of our lives,' she said, recalling how Live Forever played during their wedding ceremony.
The organisers said more memorabilia from fans across Malaysia is expected to arrive soon, including from a Sarawakian collector based in Kuala Lumpur.
Visitors can look forward to a rich array of items – from cassette tapes and CDs to rare promotional materials, concert merchandise, and heartfelt personal tributes that echo the spirit of Britpop's golden age.
Fans are also encouraged to contribute their own items to the exhibition.
'It is more than just an exhibition; it's a gathering of the faithful and a celebration of a band that defined an era,' said Ahmad Shafizan. britpop exhibition Kuching Oasis
