Oasis Begin 2 Nights at Knebworth

 

"The last great gathering before the birth of the Internet.". 

Noel Gallagher

These Gigs came at the zenith of the Bands Fame during the Britpop Era, symbolizing their dominance in the British Music scene before the release fo their 3rd album Be Here now in 1997. 

Over the 2 nights a total of 250k fans attended making it one of the largest ever outdoor UK concerts at the time. The demand was unprecedented, around 2.5 million people applied for tickets, roughly 4% of the UKs population applied for tickets distributed through a lottery system, and organisers estimated that Oasis could have sold out another 18 shows at the venue. Tickets cost £22.50 (let that sink in for a minute).

The Line-up featured a who's who of 90's British Music with the Charlatans, Manic Street Preachers, The Prodigy, Cast, The Chemical Brothers, Kula Shaker, Ocean Colour Scene, all behind the Bootleg Beatles who opened Day 1 with a 30 minute set at 2:00pm. Remember the ticket price ? £22.50. Production was massive, involving 3000 crew members, a custom-built stage, 11 speaker towers for optimal sound distribution, and the worlds largest video wall at the time for distant views. 

There was even a temporary radio station, Radio Supernova, broadcasting Oasis Tracks, support band music, and event updates within a 20 mile radius. 

Backstage was an extravagant affair with 7000 people on the guest list, free bars, barbeques, ice cream magicians and artists. Despite the high crowds only 10 arrests were reported over the weekend. 

Guest appearances included John Squire of the Stone Roses who joined for Champagne Supernova, and a cover of the Beatles I Am The Walrus, despite been ill with the flu.