The much-anticipated documentary film chronicling Oasis’ world-famous performances at Knebworth in 1996 is set for release this autumn.
Executively produced by none other than brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, Oasis Knebworth 1996 is being released to mark the 25th anniversary of the band’s legendary August 1996 shows – which drew in crowds of over a quarter-of-a-million people.
The feature-length film is made up of never-before-seen archive concert and backstage footage from the gigs, with additional interviews with the band and concert organisers.
Directed by Jake Scott – who’s known for helming the video for Oasis’ 1995 single Morning Glory, along with several other notable classic rock music videos – the film is said to be: “A joyful and at times poignant cinematic celebration of one of the most iconic live concert events of the last 25 years, driven entirely by the music, and the fans’ own experiences of that monumental weekend”.
“Knebworth for me was the Woodstock of the 90’s,” Liam said in a statement.
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“It was all about the music and the people. I can’t remember much about it, but I’ll never forget it – it was biblical.”
'Oasis Knebworth 1996' comes to cinemas worldwide from Thurs, September 23rd! The brand-new feature-length documentary, directed by Jake Scott from extensive concert & exclusive never before seen footage, see these era defining shows through the eyes of the fans who were there. pic.twitter.com/8KjhBfPhpj
The Knebworth shows crowned a whirlwind two-year period for Oasis – which saw the group ascend from small UK clubs, to the top of the charts with the best-selling albums Definitely Maybe and What’s the Story Morning Glory?
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Thirteen of the 20 songs were drawn from those two albums to play over the two nights, while new songs such as My Big Mouth and It’s Gettin’ Better (Man!), and an orchestra-backed cover of the Beatles’ I Am the Walrus rounded out the set lists.
“I did get quite emotional watching it. The sound is great. Liam is at his absolute peak, looked great with great clothes, sounds amazing, and of course, being that close to that band, you kind of perceive it differently to everybody else.”
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Crowds of over a quarter of a million music fans from all over the world descended on Knebworth in August 1996 / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
He continued: “But actually standing back and watching it, I was like, fucking hell, we were unbelievable. We could really, really play and I was like, ‘is that me playing the guitar?’ because my guitar playing suffered a bit because now I’m just singing and strumming.
“I was on fire that fucking night.”
Oasis Knebworth 1996 is set to arrive in cinemas on 23 September 2021, with tickets going on sale on 10 August – exactly 25 years to the day since the first night of the legendary concerts.
You can find more information and grab your tickets here.
In a statement shared today, the Co-op Live said it has been ‘undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans’.
It said that the shows are being rescheduled to ensure they can ‘run safely’.
The 23,500-capacity arena said this will give them ‘the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly’.
The Black Keys will now perform on 15 May, and Peter Kay on 23 and 24 May.
As for the Bolton-born comedian, he sounds somewhat in disbelief himself:
My apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience. Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either).
Co-op Live’s statement reads: “Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans.
“To ensure that we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows.
“Both The Black Keys and Peter Kay have graciously agreed to reschedule their shows. The Black Keys will now perform on 15 May 2024, and Peter Kay will now perform on 23 and 24 May 2024.
“All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase. Refunds will be available for those who can no longer attend.
“We deeply appreciate the impact this will have on excited fans, and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause.
“Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly.
“This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible.”
Co-op Live boss resigns just days before venue’s official opening
Daisy Jackson
The boss of Co-op Live, Manchester’s enormous, ground-breaking new arena, has resigned from his position just days before the venue is set to open.
The enormous music-first arena has been taking shape beside the Etihad Stadium for several years, and was due to welcome its first official audiences this week, but has been hit with last-minute challenges.
And now Co-op Live‘s boss Gary Roden has quit the mammoth project, with the news of his resignation announced late Thursday evening.
Oak View Group, which Co-op Live is part of, said in a statement that they would like to ‘thank Gary for his help bringing the UK’s newest arena to live entertainment fans’.
Stepping into his shoes as interim general manager will be Rebecca Kane Burton, who previously ran the U.K.’s highest-grossing venue, London’s The O2 arena.
Gary has previously come under fire for saying that some grassroots music venues ‘poorly run’ – a statement that OVG has now distanced itself from.
A separate statement said that ‘neither Co-op Live nor Oak View Group share the sentiment expressed by former Co-op Live General Manager Gary Roden regarding the grassroots industry’.
It continued: “As OVG Chairman and CEO Tim Leiweke has repeatedly stated, Co-op Live remains committed to grassroots music in Manchester and beyond, including teaming up with Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham on the Artist of the Month campaign, and as a founding partner of Beyond The Music.
“Co-op Live also donates over £1m a year to the Co-op Foundation to support communities and empower young people to take social action through its new Young Gamechangers fund.
“Oak View Group and Co-op Live remain happy to meet with grassroots organisations once the venue is fully operational.”
Co-op Live boss Gary Roden speaking at the launch of Co-op Live just days before he resigned. Credit: The Manc GroupInside Co-op Live in Manchester
The news of the venue’s boss stepping down comes at a time when all eyes are on Co-op Live, the opening of which has been delayed.
The venue did host a test event with Rick Astley last weekend, but even that faced difficulties, with thousands of tickets cancelled to reduce capacity just hours before showtime.
It’s now set to officially open this Saturday 27 April with a performance by rock group The Black Keys.
The full statement from OVG about Gary’s resignation said: “Gary Roden has decided to resign. We’d like to thank Gary for his help bringing the UK’s newest arena to live entertainment fans and wish him the best for the future.
“Rebecca Kane Burton has been named Interim GM, effective today. Rebecca is a seasoned veteran of venue management and live entertainment in the UK having served as VP/GM of The O2 from 2012-2016 and CEO of LW Theatres from 2016-2021.
Emily Sergeant -
14th July 2021 
