News

Kevin Sinfield’s emotional tribute to ‘beacon of hope’ Rob Burrow after his death at 41

'I will miss you my little mate'

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 3rd June 2024

Heroic Kevin Sinfield has lead the tributes that are pouring in for rugby league great Rob Burrow, after his death from MND at just 41 years old.

Rob passed away peacefully with his young family by his side on Sunday, following a four-and-a-half-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease.

Since the news broke, tributes to the sporting legend and MND ambassador have poured in, The Hoot reports.

Since his diagnosis, Rob Burrow has done so much to raise awareness and vital funding for the cruel disease, often with the help of his friend Kevin Sinfield – together, the pair have inspired more than £20 million in fundraising.

And theirs was a friendship for the history books.

Kevin has now shared a tribute to his ‘little mate’, writing that ‘the world has lost a great man’.

In his tribute, shared by Leeds Rhinos, he sent his love to Rob’s family (the sporting legend leaves behind wife Lindsey, two daughters and a son) and praised Rob’s bravery.

Kevin’s moving tribute says: “Today was the day that I hoped would never come. The world has lost a great man and a wonderful friend to so so many. You fought so bravely until the end and became a beacon of hope and inspiration, not only for the MND community but for all those who saw and heard your story. 

“My love and thoughts go to your beautiful family, Lindsey, Macy, Maya, and Jackson, to your lovely parents Geoff & Irene, sisters Joanne and Claire and your wider family and friends.

Floral tributes to Rob Burrow are already piling up at Headingley Stadium. Credit: Leeds Rhinos
Floral tributes to Rob Burrow are already piling up at Headingley Stadium. Credit: Leeds Rhinos

“You will continue to inspire me every single day. I have lost a dear friend and I will never forget the special times we shared both on and off the pitch. I would always say that you were pound for pound the toughest player I ever played alongside, however since your diagnosis, you were the toughest and bravest man I have ever met. 

“The last 4 and a half years you showed the world what living and loving looked like and this was always done with the biggest smile on your face.

“I will miss you my little mate. All my love, Kev x.”

Rob Burrow passed away peacefully at Pinderfields Hospital with his family by his side.

Fans are invited to pay their respects to Rob in the South Stand at his beloved Headingley Stadium, with the gates open from Sunday evening for visitors and floral tributes already mounting up.

Leeds Rhinos’ tribute to Rob Burrow CBE

Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow has passed away at the age of 41
Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow has passed away at the age of 41

It is with deep sadness that the club can confirm that former player Rob Burrow CBE has passed away, aged 41.  

Rob inspired the entire country with his brave battle against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) since his diagnosis in December 2019. He passed away peacefully at Pinderfields Hospital near his home surrounded by his loving family after becoming ill earlier this week. 

Burrow played his entire career with Leeds Rhinos and won every honour with the club as part of their golden generation. A hard working and dedicated player, his fearless performances made him one of the most respected players in the Rhinos ranks.

Rob rose through the club’s Academy ranks to make his debut in 2001. In 2004, he was part of the Leeds team that ended a 32-year wait to win the Championship with victory in the Grand Final. It was the first of eight Grand Final wins for Burrow including winning the Man of the Match award in the 2007 and 2011 Old Trafford showpieces. The 2011 game included his breathtaking try that is still regarded as the greatest Grand Final try ever scored. 

In total he made 492 appearances for the club, placing him in fifth in the club’s all-time list of career appearances. He scored 196 tries for a total of 1,103 points. He was capped 15 times by England and played five more tests for Great Britain including a Man of the Series performance in 2007 for the national side. He won the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 2014 and 2015 as well as three World Club Challenges and three League Leaders Shields.

Following his MND diagnosis in December 2019, Burrow and his family took the decision to open their doors to show the impact of the disease and raise awareness and funds for the MND community. Since then Burrow has inspired two award winning documentaries, wrote a best selling autobiography, hosted an award winning podcast and was awarded a CBE from HRH Prince William at AMT Headingley in January 2023. 

Along with his friend and former team mate Kevin Sinfield, Burrow has inspired nearly £20 million in fundraising across the UK and Ireland. This has included raising over £6 million to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds as a lasting legacy for those who follow him in their own personal battles with the disease. 

On behalf of the Burrow family, we would like to thank the staff at Pinderfields Hospital for their compassion and caring for Rob in his final days. Fittingly, as a tribute to the incredible work done by Rob, the groundbreaking of the new Rob Burrow Centre for MND at Seacroft Hospital on Monday will go ahead as planned at Rob’s request. At this time, we would ask that everyone respect the privacy of the Burrow family. 

Well wishers who wish to pay their respects to Rob can do so in the South Stand at Rob’s beloved Headingley Stadium, with the gates open from Sunday evening for visitors to come. 

How to support Rob Burrows’ family or MND

  • If you would like to support Rob’s family directly, you can do so here 
  • If you would like to support the MND Association, whom Rob was Patron of, you can do so on Rob’s Fightback Fund page 
  • If you would like to support the Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND you can do so here 

Featured image: MND Association

News

‘Major milestone’ as planning permission secured to transform Oldham town centre

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Oldham town centre regeneration

Planning permission has been granted for six transformational sites in Oldham town centre, with developers calling it a ‘major milestone’.

This approval marks a key step forward in Muse Places and Oldham Council‘s long-term partnership with a shared ambition to deliver a ‘vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable’ town centre that not only reflects Oldham’s heritage but also meets the needs of the people who live there.

Following ‘extensive consultation’ with the local community earlier this year, where hundreds of people took park and shared valuable feedback to help shape the proposals, a total of 1,619 new homes will be delivered as part of the plans, offering a mix of high-quality, energy-efficient apartments designed for families, older people, and young professionals.

The plans also include social and affordable housing provision too in a bid to help more local people find a home that suits their needs and circumstances.

According to the Council and developers, the approved plans will bring underused sites back into ‘productive’ use and support a ‘cleaner, greener’ future for Oldham, opening the door to new opportunities for local businesses and communities alike.

“This decision marks a key milestone in delivering on our promises for Oldham,” commented Cllr Arooj Shah, who is the Leader of Oldham Council.

Planning permission has been secured to transform Oldham town centre / Credit: Muse Places

“Oldham Council and Muse have a shared, ambitious vision to create a quality place that people genuinely want to spend time in.

“I am thrilled that we can continue moving forward with our plans, delivering high-quality homes, including the provision of social and affordable homes to meet local needs. We will also support local businesses and create opportunities for everyone, as part of a clean, green and sustainable future.

“Together, we are creating a place that we can all be proud of.”

Read more:

Site investigation works are now complete at the Civic Centre, and works at Prince’s Gate will begin shortly, followed by the former Magistrates’ Court later this year.

With planning consent secured and preparatory works underway, construction at Prince’s Gate is expected to begin this autumn.

Featured Image – Muse Places

News

The ULTIMATE guide to Oasis Live ’25 reunion tour at Heaton Park – tickets, times, setlist and more

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia Oasis Knebworth part 2 August 2026

The biggest export in Manchester music history, Oasis, are officially back performing, and they’re about to play five nights right here in Heaton Park this summer.

You can finally ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ over the years spent without the Gallaghers performing together, because the time has finally come… Their momentous homecoming is just DAYS away.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – for us Mancs at least – as Oasis are heading to Heaton Park for five whole nights of Britpop brilliance.

Anyway, enough chitter-chatter, you’re here for a comprehensive Oasis gig guide for their Manchester dates, so let’s get stuck in.

Gig guide | Oasis Live ’25 at Heaton Park, Manchester – all the info

Oasis are bringing their reunion tour 'Oasis Live '25' to Heaton Park across five nights in July.
Oasis are bringing their reunion tour ‘Oasis Live ’25’ to Heaton Park across five nights in July.
Credit: Supplied

Oasis UK reunion tour dates

  • Fri 4 July – Cardiff, UK – Principality Stadium – you can see the scenes from night one HERE.
  • Sat 5 July – Cardiff, UK – Principality Stadium
  • Fri 11 July – Manchester, UK – Heaton Park
  • Sat 12 July – Manchester, UK – Heaton Park
  • Wed 16 July – Manchester, UK – Heaton Park
  • Sat 19 July – Manchester, UK – Heaton Park
  • Sun 20 July – Manchester, UK – Heaton Park
  • Fri 25 July – London, UK – Wembley Stadium
  • Sat 26 July – London, UK – Wembley Stadium
  • Wed 30 July – London, UK – Wembley Stadium
  • Sat 2 August – London, UK – Wembley Stadium
  • Sat 3 August – London, UK – Wembley Stadium

Are there any Oasis tickets left for the Heaton Park shows?

We feel like you already know the answer to this one, surely?

Unfortunately, all five of their Heaton Park dates – just like the rest of the domestic shows and, indeed, all over the globe – are completely sold out.

However, you’re in luck: our music counterpart, Audio North, is running an exciting competition that includes TWO tickets to see Oasis Live ’25 right here in Manchester at Heaton Park.

Of course, there’s always the off chance of grabbing last-minute spares from friends, family and via trusted resellers like Twickets and TicketSwap, but always proceed with caution, and you might as well throw your hat in the ring whilst you’re here.

It’s simple: pay a visit to either of Heaton Park’s on-site cafes (The Stables or The Lakeside), order ‘Digsy’s Dinner’, or a little lunch for yourself, and you’ll automatically be entered into a prize draw that could see you and a mate living it large on 20 July for the Burnage boys final night in Manchester.

Oasis Live ’25 reunion setlist – so far, anyway

The Manc Britpop legends have seven studio albums to their name, so it will come as no surprise that the setlist for the ‘Oasis Live ’25’ shows is a hefty one that tries to work their way through most of the big hits, but they do prioritise the first three albums.

No ‘Shock of the Lightning’ there, if you’ll pardon the pun.

Oasis starring in their official music video for 'Wonderwall' in 1995.
Oasis starring in their official music video for ‘Wonderwall’ in 1995.
Credit: Screenshot via YouTube

Here’s the setlist from the first two nights of the Live ’25 reunion tour, as Oasis played a pair of biblical shows at Principality Stadium in Cardiff to kick off their long-awaited comeback. Of course, they’ll most likely tweak and experiment with this lineup of tracks from time to time, but here’s how it looks so far:

  • Hello
  • Acquiesce
  • Morning Glory
  • Some Might Say
  • Bring It On Down
  • Cigarettes & Alcohol
  • Fade Away
  • Supersonic
  • Roll With It
  • Talk Tonight
  • Half the World Away
  • Little by Little
  • D’You Know What I Mean?
  • Stand by Me
  • Cast No Shadow
  • Slide Away
  • Whatever
  • Live Forever
  • Rock ‘n’ Roll Star
  • The Masterplan
  • Don’t Look Back in Anger
  • Wonderwall
  • Champagne Supernova

Die-hard fans will be pleased to hear they do still walk out to their iconic intro, ‘F***in’ in the Bushes’, so there is some representation post-Be Here Now.

What we know about Oasis’ Heaton Park reunion shows based on their first comeback gig in Cardiff
We broke down all the details from Oasis in Cardiff – Night One to see what it could mean for Manchester.

What are the stage times for Oasis at Heaton Park in Manchester?

According to Ticketmaster, the opening times for doors at each of the Manchester shows are scheduled for 3:30pm; however, Oasis’ Heaton Park stage times are yet to be confirmed by the band themselves.

The Principality Stadium gigs saw support acts starting from 6pm (5:59pm, to be exact) with Oasis taking to the stage from roughly 8:15pm.

In fact, pretty much everyone got started a minute early on night one in Cardiff, so we guess you could say everyone involved was just as eager as the Oasis fans themselves.

Heaton Park has a curfew of 11pm, so fans can rest easy knowing they can listen to every note of the seven-and-a-half-minute-long number ‘Champagne Supernova’ without having to stay up all night long – not that anyone is going to be bed after this full-on cultural event.

Anyone wanting to know how excited Liam is ahead of the upcoming shows needs to take a scroll through his X (Formerly Twitter) and you’ll soon see just how excited he is.

Who are the support acts for Oasis Live ’25?

Back in October, just before the official Oasis supports were announced, LG took to social media boldly stating, “Richard Ashcroft or Manic Street Preachers as support”.

He also confirmed the Cardiff set times prematurely, too. Someone should really take his phone off him at this point…

Nevertheless, we were pleased to see Wigan’s finest, Richard Ashcroft, confirmed as the first warm-up act, who had no shame in confessing he was absolutely “buzzing” to be a part of the reunion shows.

The former Verve frontman and the Gallaghers are big supporters of one another, and we’re sure that Heaton Park will erupt into chaos the second ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ plays out this July.

Joining Ashcroft is Cast, who were confirmed to be the second official support act for the UK and Ireland tour, just days after the announcement of the ‘History’ singer.

The Liverpool natives are known for smash hit singles including ‘Walkaway’, ‘Finetime’ and ‘Sandstorm’, joining the younger Gallagher brother, describing these upcoming gig opportunities as “biblical”.

Richard Ashcroft was the first announced support act for Oasis.
Richard Ashcroft was the first announced support act for Oasis.
Cast were the next support act to be announced describing these upcoming gigs as "Biblical".
Cast supported Liam on his Definitely Maybe tour.
Credit: Instagram/Supplied

What are the expected drinks prices for the Oasis gigs?

Although official drinks prices have not been released yet, another one of the biggest dates in the Manchester music calendar, Parklife, took place last month and can be used as a rough calculation.

Spirit and mixers

  • Smirnoff No.21 Vodka- £11.80 for double, £7.90 for single
  • Captain Morgan Spiced Gold – £11.80 for double, £7.90 for single
  • Captain Morgan Black Spiced – £11.80 for double, £7.90 for single
  • Johnnie Walker Black Label – £11.80 for double, £7.90 for single
  • Gordon’s London Dry Gin – £11.80 for double, £7.90 for single
  • Gordon’s Pink Gin – £11.80 for double, £7.90 for single
  • Casamigos Blanco Tequila – £14.80 for double, £10.90 for single

Included mixers: Pepsi Max, Pepsi Max Cherry, 7Up Free, Ginger Beer, Tonic, Soda, Grapefruit Soda

Rockstar Energy drink mixers: Tropical Guava, Peach Zero Sugar, Original – +£1

Pre-mixed cans

  • Smirnoff Miami Peach- £9.50
  • Captain Morgan X Pepsi Max – £9.50
  • Gordon’s Gin & Tonic – £9.50
  • Johnnie Walker & Lemonade – £9.50
  • Captain Morgan Muck Pit Brew – £8.50

Jagermeister

  • Jagermeister Mule – £11.80
  • Jagerbomb – £7.90
  • Jagermeister ice cold shot – £6.90
  • Jagermeister cold brew coffee shot – £6.90

Wine

  • Rose/white wine, 187ml – £7.95

Beer and cider

  • Poretti Lager – £6.65
  • Somersby Cider – £6.65
  • 0.4% Brooklyn Special Effects Hoppy Lager – £5.50

White Claw

  • Blackberry – £7.90
  • Green apple – £7.90
  • Mango – £7.90
  • Raspberry – £7.90
Parklife drinks prices may set the tone for what Oasis fans can expect.
Parklife drinks prices may set the tone for what Oasis fans can expect.
There will be an array of bars and drinks options throughout the park.
There will be an array of bars and drinks options throughout the park.
Credit: The Manc Group

Where can I buy merchandise for Oasis Live ’25?

You don’t have to travel ‘Half The World Away’ to find a good selection of Oasis merchandise, our bustling city is full of it – and we for one certainly aren’t complaining.

Ahead of the biggest Manchester gigs of the year, two exclusive Oasis merchandise pop-up shops have opened – one of them being on the city’s shopping hub, Market Street, which has seen the band’s long-standing affinity with adidas rekindled.

Launching to the general public on Thursday, 3 July, adidas and Oasis have teamed up to open a pop-up shop selling an exclusive 90s-inspired collection.

Over in Spinningfields, the UK’s first official Oasis merch fan store has opened and is part of a larger nationwide roll-out of Oasis fan stores.

There might even be some merch items that have been right under your nose the whole time, like these impressive and colourful tees from jeans mastermind Levi’s in Manchester Arndale.

Any eager-eyed office commuters will have noticed there’s an official merchandise pop-up trailer outside Manchester Central Library at St. Peter’s Square ahead of the five monumental shows.

And of course, there will be merch points spread across various locations in Heaton Park where you can sport your very own Oasis-branded apparel and accessories like a keyring or bottle opener.

There's plenty of t-shirts and Oasis memorabilia at the official fan shop in Spinningfields.
There’s plenty of t-shirts and Oasis memorabilia at the official fan shop in Spinningfields.
You can shop Oasis merch at multiple Manchester stores including Levi's.
You can shop Oasis merch at multiple Manchester stores including Levi’s.
Credit: The Manc

How to get to Heaton Park

Last but not least, if you’ve never been to the massive green space before, your best bet is to travel via tram or other Bee Network public transport. Metrolink services will be running direct from Victoria to the venue during the day, and thankfully, it’s just a case of getting off at the Heaton Park tram stop itself.

From there, you can enter the event site via the North Gate; after the party is over, the Bowker Vale tram stop located near the East Gate is your quickest exit. Please also be mindful that Heaton Park station will also be closed from 9pm due to help with congestion and safety reasons.

Otherwise, the usual Big Green Coaches will also be running from the city centre, which can be booked in advance, and taxis home will be available from Blackley New Road and along Bury Old Road.

There is also official car parking for the site – you can reserve your spot online from £16.80.

The posters of our Burnage boys Liam and Noel have been cropping up around town.
The posters of our Burnage boys Liam and Noel have been cropping up around town.

Throughout the city, there are also lots of official Oasis wayfinding signage which direct any concertgoers to the tram stop at Victoria, which runs directly to Heaton Park every 6 minutes on Oasis gig days.

Alongside this, a shuttle bus service will be running from Lever Street to Heaton Park and back on any of the upcoming Manchester Oasis dates.

The signage will direct people arriving at Piccadilly Station through the Northern Quarter to Victoria Station to either the shuttle buses or the Victoria trams.

And that should be just all the important key information you need to know ahead of what is sure to be nothing short of one of the most memorable nights of your life and in music history.

We’re sure you’re about to have a ‘Supersonic’ night, let’s just hope the weather makes sure to ‘Cast No Shadow’ over these five very important nights of Manchester music history – the last of our puns for today, we promise.

As you were x

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images – The Manc Group/Instagram/Youtube/Press shots

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