Beloved Oasis hit Live Forever named the best British song of all time

It turns out that one of Oasis’ most popular songs isn’t just loved by fans, as it’s also just been named the best British song of all time.

Well, that’s according those who voted in Radio X’s 2024 ‘Best of British’ poll anyway.

In case you’re unfamiliar with the ranking, every year, rock radio station Radio X refreshes its list of the top 100 best British songs of all time, and puts the vote out to its listeners nationwide so they can have their say in helping create its annual ‘Best of British’ round-up.

And now, for what is the second year running, the iconic Manchester band’s 1994 hit, ‘Live Forever’, has taken the number one spot.

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The hugely critically-acclaimed song – which was released as the band’s third single from their debut album, Definitely Maybe, and was the first Oasis single to enter the top 10 charts in the UK – topped the radio station’s 2024 list in the countdown announced yesterday (1 April), which is nearly three decades following its release.

Written by Noel Gallagher in 1991, even before he joined Oasis, and declared Liam Gallagher’s favourite Oasis song, as well as apparently being the best British song of all time, ‘Live Forever’ is known for featuring a basic song structure and lyrics with an optimistic outlook.

The song was said to be one to contrast with the attitude of the songs released by the several grunge bands who were popular at the time.

“Thirty years after its release, it’s fitting to see ‘Live Forever’ retain top spot in this year’s list of the best tunes Britain has to offer,” commented Matt Deverson, who is the Managing Editor of Radio X.

The hit is one of four Oasis tracks making up the top 10 of Radio X’s 2024 ‘Best of British’ list too, alongside ‘Slide Away,’ ‘Champagne Supernova,’ and ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’, while elsewhere, the band appears to have dominated the top 100 just in general.

The Gallagher brothers and co have 14 songs featured on the list in total this year.

Read more:

• Liam Gallagher to play Oasis’ Definitely Maybe in full for 30th anniversary of legendary debut album
• The top 30 Manchester bands of all time… officially ranked by The Manc Audio
• The 1975’s Matty Healy urges Oasis to ‘stop messing around’ and reunite

Not only that, but as a city famed for its musical heritage, Manchester was the most represented city on the 2024 list too, with 35 songs from 11 different bands – including tracks from other iconic bands and artists like New Order, Blossoms, The Stone Roses, Elbow, and The Smiths.

Featured Image – Oasis (via Facebook)