Oasis sparks surge in Cardiff footfall and radio plays
- Oasis resumed their concert activities in Cardiff after a 16-year hiatus, leading to a remarkable rise in local footfall.
- The increase in visitors was further supported by the start of Wimbledon and favorable weather conditions.
- This surge in public engagement underscores the importance of live music events for enhancing retail activities during summer.
In the UK, specifically Cardiff, a significant increase in foot traffic has been recorded in the week after the famous band's first concert in almost 16 years. The Oasis tour, which kicked off on July 3, 2025, at the Principality Stadium, saw a remarkable 61.9% rise in footfall on its opening night compared to the previous year. Overall, footfall in Cardiff increased by 25.1% year-on-year during this time period, highlighting the event's impact on both local businesses and the community. The Statistics were provided by the retail technology firm MRI Software, which noted that this influx of visitors was not solely due to the concert. The start of Wimbledon, alongside warmer weather, contributed positively to overall retail footfall across the UK, which grew by 1.5% in comparison to the prior week. Retail parks in the UK also demonstrated a strong performance, indicating a wider trend of improving retail conditions across various locations and activities. Music licensing company, Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), revealed that the chart's most-played Oasis song of this century is 'Don’t Look Back In Anger.' This data emerged as the band prepared for their reunion tour after an extended hiatus that began following their split in 2009. As the tour progresses, it’s predicted that similar spikes in engagement will occur at their subsequent concert locations, offering significant economic and cultural benefits. The public's excitement over the reunion tour has highlighted not only the band’s enduring popularity but also the influence of live music events in revitalizing local economies and increasing consumer spending. The anticipation surrounding the reunion has led to discussions about ticket pricing controversies, pushing organizations to investigate practices like dynamic pricing, which have drawn criticism for making tickets unaffordable for many fans. This mixture of cultural renaissance and economic viability reinforces the ongoing significance of rock music in contemporary society, proving that even after years apart, the legacy of bands like Oasis continues to shape the music landscape and community engagement in the UK.