(What’s the Story): Everything you need to know ahead of this week’s Oasis shows

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Oasis is back.

In 2008, the British band from Manchester who play Britpop music last visited Los Angeles during their Dig Out Your Soul tour, performing at a venue then known as the Staples Center. The concert took place around wintertime, though it’s debatable if that’s an accurate description of LA winters, and the arena was filled to capacity.

It’s surprising to think that Oasis, a Britpop group that seemed far from trendy, could pack Staples Center,” the Orange County Register stated. “And it’s even more unexpected that a band with such a contentious past and inconsistent discography would still be active, not just touring, but still performing in the U.S. at this stage.

It seems as if bad luck might have played a part, but around eight and a half months after that, on August 22, 2009, at the V Festival in Weston Park, England, the Gallagher brothers decided to disband their band.

During that period, what other facts transpired? It was around when Barack Obama assumed presidency in the United States. Concurrently, the country found itself grappling with a severe economic downturn referred to as the Great Recession. Intriguingly, Bitcoin came into existence under the alias Satoshi Nakamoto, and its value at that time was remarkably low, equivalent to just a single eye blink – $0.

Needless to say, it’s been quite some time since Oasis graced the States.

On Saturdays and Sundays, they’ll make a grand comeback by performing two consecutive sold-out concerts at the Rose Bowl, which is a part of their reunion tour.

After being away for 16 years, their upcoming tour is projected to generate approximately $1.1 billion, as stated by The Guardian. This substantial sum speaks volumes about the group’s lasting popularity, and they undoubtedly find solace in setting aside any ongoing concerns, particularly when the payments are confirmed.

Should you manage to secure tickets for any of the performances, or if you’ve decided to purchase them from a reseller, here are some essential points to consider before your journey to Pasadena.

In a water supernova in the sky

The Labor Day weekend this year was exceptionally hot in L.A., with a heat advisory to match. As the week continues, the high temperatures are predicted to gradually decrease, although it’s important to note that the forecast calls for around 89 degrees on both Saturday and Sunday.

In Los Angeles, as you travel away from the coast, you’ll notice that the sun seems intensified, as if someone has placed a magnifying glass over it. This isn’t an exaggeration, but rather a genuine observation about the city’s inland areas.

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and following the event at the Rose Bowl. The Rose Bowl has water fountains along its walkway and allows sealed water bottles from factories (up to two per person) as well as empty reusable bottles up to 32 ounces.

In case the worst happens, you’ll be able to buy water at the event location, although expect high costs. But remember, it’s better than needing a costly ambulance ride.

Can I ride with you in your BMW? No, just take the Metro

You saw this one coming.

Taking the Metro and then a shuttle to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena has a couple of advantages. For one, if you go by rideshare on the way there, it might seem convenient at first, but when it comes time for pick-up, it can turn into a frustrating search like playing “Where’s Waldo?”

By taking public transportation, you can avoid the hassle and uncertainty that can come with waiting for a rideshare. Plus, it’s often a more reliable and predictable option!

At this event, there’s a compulsory pick-up and drop-off point for rideshares at Old Town Pasadena. Keep in mind though, if the venue can accommodate up to nearly 92,000 fans as stated by UCLA Bruins’ official site, you might find yourself waiting at the designated pick-up spot with a fraction of those attendees after this sold-out show before requesting an Uber or Lyft.

Second point: Parking is $75 at the gate.

At the Metro site and the official Rose Bowl website, you can find easy-to-follow directions for reaching the event using public transportation. Additionally, an express shuttle service will be operational on the day of the event, starting at 2:30 PM.

That runs from Old Town’s Parsons Engineering Complex (100 West Walnut St.) to the Rose Bowl.

My (soles) slide away, but don’t look back in anger

The historic Rose Bowl Stadium was built back in 1921, and it has undergone numerous remodeling projects throughout its long history due to significant sports events. One such renovation is currently being planned for the upcoming three years or so, as the 2028 Olympic Games approach Los Angeles.

Despite appearing level at first glance, the location is quite hilly, which can be problematic when combined with alcohol consumption, either within you or surrounding the area.

Previously, The Times of London announced that Oasis concertgoers at Wembley Stadium broke a record by consuming approximately 250,000 pints, which equates to nearly three drinks per person. In contrast, last year’s Coldplay concerts sold about 120,000 pints, and Taylor Swift’s performances saw around 40,000 pints purchased.

The Rose Bowl isn’t like Wembley, but it will certainly involve drinks, possibly more than the average event. As a band known for hits such as “Cigarettes and Alcohol” and “Champagne Supernova”, it’s no surprise that a lively drinking atmosphere tends to follow.

At one of the Wembley reunion shows, a tragic incident occurred where an Oasis fan passed away after falling. Not aiming to spread unnecessary alarm, this fan was 45 years old. His father expressed strong criticisms towards the management of the venue’s alcohol services following the unfortunate event.

He stated that all he could confirm was a situation where beer seemed to be everywhere, making it slippery. It appears he lost his footing, but the details beyond that are unclear. The incident raises some queries regarding the barriers involved.

In this setting at the minimum, it undeniably elevates the chances for a fall, potentially leading to harm or injury.

Stand by me (but not in line)

It’s reasonable to assume that both the city and the Rose Bowl have made every effort to ready themselves for the influx of Oasis fans flooding Los Angeles this week. Yet, it’s crucial to acknowledge that there may be certain aspects they can’t cater to entirely. One such element will likely remain unpredictable: merchandise kiosks.

Regardless of the number of lines established, expect a crowd at the show both before, during, and after. Fortunately, you can purchase Oasis merchandise prior to attending the event.

On August 20th, enthusiasts started amassing outside the W Hotel, eagerly anticipating a sneak peek at the band’s first North American Oasis Live ’25 pop-up shop. Once inside, they found a veritable treasure chest: walls adorned with exclusive merchandise, floors lined with poster bins, and shelves piled high with fashionable bucket hats.

1. Reservations are needed for visits, though there’s no problem with availability at the moment… yet.

2. The store is closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, but it opens up again on Mondays and Tuesdays specifically for post-concert indulgence.

Stop crying your heart out: Just buy the tickets

The tickets for every show during Oasis’ North American reunion tour tour swiftly sold out in just an hour, according to antiMusic. Given that their UK and Ireland shows sold out in a mere 10 hours, due mainly to technical difficulties and extended wait times, this rapid sell-out comes as little surprise.

Currently, your only option to acquire tickets is by resorting to ticket resellers, a practice that at the very least seems questionable. If you’re hoping for exceptional seats from where Noel and Liam might appear minuscule like ants, it’s likely that you’ll need to shell out approximately $480 per ticket for General Admission.

Instead, you might find tickets that are slightly further from the stage, priced between $250 and $300 each. Compared to some high-priced nosebleed seats for other artists, it’s not an unreasonable cost. Plus, it spares you from standing outside with your grandfather, asking strangers if they’re willing to sell their tickets.

Honestly, we’re talking about Oasis. It’s uncertain how long they’ll remain a band considering their turbulent past.

Resale tickets reside with the usual suspects: SeatGeek, Ticketmaster and StubHub.

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2025-09-03 13:32