ON THIS DAY: LISTEN - Classic Oasis anthem given world premiere at Sheffield Arena
Seen by many as the moment the Manchester band had arrived in the big time, the gig also became legendary for being the first time one of the most classic and recognisable songs of the 20th Century was ever heard - just days after Noel Gallagher wrote it.
After the first 12 songs of the set, the band left the stage, leaving Noel on his own armed with only an acoustic guitar, a microphone, and a stool. After playing B-side ‘Take Me Away’ Noel told the 12,000 strong crowd: “I’m gonna play a brand new one - I only wrote it on Tuesday!
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“No one’s heard this before. I haven’t got a title for it yet either.”
Months later the song - which was eventually titled ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ - would find its way onto Oasis’ second album What’s the Story? (Morning Glory)’ and was released as a single in early 1996 going straight to Number 1 in the singles charts and selling just under a million copies.
The Sheffield Arena show of 1995 was also notable for being the last Oasis gig with original drummer Tony McCaroll. He left not long after to be replaced with Alan White.
Towards the end of 1995 the band played more arena shows at Earls Court in London and in 1996 they played stadium gigs at Maine Road, following by two enormous concerts to a total of 250,000 at Knebworth.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdOasis split in 2009 having released seven studio albums, scoring eight Number 1 singles, and selling a total of 70 million records worldwide.
During their career the band played in Sheffield a total of nine times.
Were YOU at Sheffield Arena watching Oasis on 22nd April 1995? Use our Comments section below to share your memories of that famous night.