Liam Gallagher blasts Edinburgh council for disparaging Oasis fans

In Scotland, tensions arose when Liam Gallagher, the lead singer of Oasis, publicly criticized Edinburgh council officials for derogatory remarks made about the band's fans. In preparation for the popular band's three sellout concerts at Murrayfield Stadium in August 2025, safety briefings were released that indicated council members described Oasis supporters as “drunk, middle-aged, and fat.” The comments were revealed following a freedom of information request, provoking backlash from both Gallagher and fans. Council members expressed concerns about the safety of attendees during the concerts, particularly as they coincided with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a major annual event in the city. The officials warned about the potential for increased crowd size and rowdiness, emphasizing that middle-aged men tend to occupy more space, which could impact overall occupancy calculations at the venue. Despite their concerns, they acknowledged that recent events featuring Gallagher's performances had resulted in minimal arrests, which may point towards a different narrative regarding the behavior of Oasis fans. David Walker from the Oasis Collectors Group condemned the council's characterization of the fanbase, calling it a “nasty, sneering stereotype.” Liam Gallagher, taking to social media, denounced the council's attitude, suggesting that officials should leave town on concert days to avoid mischaracterizing the loyal fanbase. He humorously remarked about the physical appearances of council members in his posts, indicating that critics often lack self-awareness. Despite the backlash, the council remains committed to ensuring safety for residents and concert-goers, vowing to prepare thoroughly for the events. Councillor Margaret Graham emphasized their value and pride in hosting large events, reiterating their experience in managing the needs of various stakeholders while ensuring smooth operations. As the anticipation builds for Oasis's reunion tour, tensions between the band’s supporters and Edinburgh council highlight the challenges of coordinating large events in the context of community perception. While Gallagher's comments reflect a strong defense of his fans, the council's safety concerns underline the complexities that arise when popular events intersect with community dynamics and expectations.