3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
The legendary Scottish Oasis shows that drew 80,000 people to Loch Lomond
We are looking back at two of the band's most iconic concerts.
Oasis have kicked off their highly anticipated reunion tour. The monumental Britpop band have already played two shows in Wales, and will be heading to Scotland next month.
On August 8, 9, and 12, the group—fronted by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher—will play three concerts at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium. The last time Oasis performed in Scotland was also at Murrayfield, during their Dig Out Your Soul Tour in 2009.
The band's 2009 performance in Edinburgh came just months before their notorious split. Their final show in Scotland —until this August—was a spectacle to remember, but it was another pair of concerts that are perhaps their most memorable in the country.
In 1996, when Oasis were arguably at their peak, they played two consecutive nights at Balloch Country Park on the southern edge of Loch Lomond.
The unforgettable performances were part of the band's (What's the Story) Morning Glory? Tour, promoting their legendary second album.
Over two nights on August 3 and 4, they played to an estimated crowd of around 80,000. But with numerous Scots vaulting over barriers and sneaking into the concerts without tickets, the actual attendance figure could be even higher.
With a population of roughly 5,000 at the time, the small village of Balloch was ill-prepared for the whirlwind that Oasis would bring. Whether by train, bus, or car, thousands upon thousands of Scots from across the country descended on the tranquil beauty spot.
The sprawling site was nestled at the foot of a hill, encircling the main stage. Meanwhile, the serene Loch Lomond offered a gorgeous backdrop.
Images captured during the concerts showcase their sheer magnitude. They transcended mere performances to become a defining moment in Scottish musical history.
Sadly, the iconic gigs were marred by sorrow. Local lorry driver James Hunter tragically died after becoming trapped between a truck and a forklift during rehearsals.
The incident prompted the band to release a statement reading: "We are devastated that this has happened. Our only thoughts are with his loved ones."
Support acts for Oasis included Black Grape, Cast, Ocean Colour Scene, The Bootleg Beatles, and Heavy Stereo. Despite the strong performances from the supporting bands, there was no doubt about who the audience was there for.
Delivering tracks from their seminal albums Definitely Maybe and (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, Oasis immediately captivated the massive crowd.
The band performed powerful renditions of fan-favourites such as Don't Look Back in Anger and Wonderwall alongside other classics like Cast No Shadow and Acquiesce.
The shows culminated in a triumphant encore featuring their 1996 hit Champagne Supernova. In true Oasis fashion, they concluded their sets with a rendition of The Beatles' I Am the Walrus.
There is officially less than a month to go until Oasis make their triumphant return to Scotland. It is safe to say that excitement is reaching fever pitch.
The band's appearances at Murrayfield will be one for the history books. Whether they can recapture the magic that was their concerts by the shores of Loch Lomond, however, remains to be seen.
