Richard Ashcroft says each Oasis Live ’25 reunion tour date is like a ‘World Cup final’

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Richard Ashcroft talking about Oasis reunion shows inspiring him

Manchester music veteran Richard Ashcroft has come out to join Noel Gallagher to discuss just how special this summer’s Oasis reunion shows have been so far, comparing each and every night on stage to “a World Cup final.”

The Wigan legend has been supporting the Burnage boys on their Live ’25 concerts since the opening night at the Principality Stadium.

Following fellow long-standing scouse indie rockers, Cast, for each date, Richard Ashcroft’s own performances have been heaped with praise since day one of the world tour, with many fans praising his timeless vocals and impressive stage presence against the backdrop of the biggest band in the world.

In fact, his own renaissance as part of the whole phenomenon has not only seen excitement build for his first new album in seven years, but he’s even booked a massive arena run amidst all the buzz. Speaking to Virgin Radio this week, he says he continues to feel the weight of each and every gig.

Joining host Chris Evans via video call for the interview on Tuesday, 19 August, the former Verve frontman could only echo the elder Gallagher brother’s sentiment when it came to describing that first night in Cardiff, agreeing that it felt pretty “overwhelming” and kind of “passed like a movie.”

Struggling to fully articulate the magnitude of what has genuinely become a globally observed cultural event, as you can see, he explains that it isn’t just about “nostalgia” and fans rolling back the year; he says that this specific chapter in music history and collective feeling can’t be put into words.

While arguing that “we need to find a new word” for whatever this is, we think the closest you’ll get is the zeitgeist of the moment, or perhaps ‘collective effervescence’.

Having noted that he’s seen Noel a few times since the reunion got underway, Ashcroft insists the 58-year-old seems to be “in great spirits” and “in a good place” since the Oasis comeback began.

We’re sure you’ll agree this was a particularly touching moment from the interview – and not the only one we’ve got this week…

As for his 53-year-old songwriting peer – who the Oasis icon and High Flying Birds frontman has often cited as one of his favourite lyricists of all time and even dedicated ‘Cast No Shadow’ to – Ashcroft could only reiterate his own “respect” for both of the Gallaghers and the rest of the band.

He goes on to wax lyrical about “the power of the song”, too, expressing that even tracks he thought wouldn’t be the biggest favourites, adding that this is “what time does to a tune.”

Describing the entire journey thus far as a “healing, celebratory event” for the thousands who have already, he labelled it nothing short of an “amazing experience” thus far.

That was definitely the case for us here in Manchester when they played five unforgettable nights at Heaton Park.

Even those who didn’t manage to get tickets were still somehow able to create memories to last a lifetime, and what we would argue was one of the most surreal snapshots in music history – at here in Britain, certainly.

In memory of Gallagher Hill: an ode to one of the greatest moments in Manc music history
Countless numbers gathered on a muddy hill to listen to Ashcroft and Oasis’ hometown reunion.

As well as reinforcing just how creatively charging the tour has been for him so far – quipping that the 40+ shows overall could either “retire or inspire” him, but has certainly encouraged him to pull out his trusty acoustic guitar and write even more music – there was one comment that stood out the most.

Besides acknowledging how moving it is to see them walking out holding hands, laughing and joking mid-performance, as well as hugging at the end of each night, it was how Ashcroft portrayed how much it means not just him, but those out in the crowds.

“We play like a World Cup final every day and every time I play, I win 7-0; everyone’s on my side, and then they win 22-0 at the end. We’re all on the same team.”

Having just wrapped up the first leg of UK and Ireland shows, with just two Wembley nights remaining in September, the band and their tour mates are set to arrive in Toronto, Canada, for the North America shows this weekend.

You can watch and/or listen to Virgin Radio and Chris Evans’ full interview with Richard Ashcroft down below, and if you’re an Oasis fan, we would strongly suggest you do.

Even Evans looked visibly stirred by Ashcroft’s words, calling them “prophetic and profound.”

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Featured Images — Virgin Radio (screenshot via YouTube)/Audio North