Blur bassist Alex James has expressed his admiration for Oasis’s triumphant Live ’25 reunion tour, stating that the Manchester band has “bloody smashed” it. As Oasis continues their Australian leg, having performed recently at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, James’s comments reflect a surprising warmth toward his former rivals from the iconic Britpop era of the 1990s.
In a recent interview with The Mirror, James conveyed his delight over Oasis’s success and the reconciliation between brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, a storyline that has captivated fans since their legendary rivalry. “So many bands end up totally hating each other, or dying, or hating what they do. It’s really great to see Noel and Liam finally reconciled – and bloody smashing it,” James said.
He reminisced about their rivalry during the peak of Britpop, calling it humorous rather than contentious. “I just thought it was funny at the time. I found the whole thing hilarious, to be honest. I have nothing but respect for Oasis. And the world would be a duller place without them, wouldn’t it?” This sentiment reflects a broader appreciation for the band’s cultural significance.
Ahead of their reunion tour earlier this year, James had already praised Oasis, calling the event “wonderful,” although he noted his intention not to attend their concerts, stating he “genuinely won’t be going.”
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In addition to commenting on Oasis, James took the opportunity to applaud Radiohead, who recently began their own tour in Madrid. He remarked, “It feels like all these bands have suddenly come of age, like a fine wine. And people at the gigs know every single word of every song – but the music of your teenage years never leaves you.”
Looking ahead, James is gearing up for his ‘Britpop Classical’ tour in 2026, where he plans to reinterpret Britpop hits with a full orchestra. The tour will feature notable collaborations with special guests, including Phil Daniels, Saffron of Republica, and Gary Stringer of Reef. This exciting project will kick off at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London on March 11, with additional performances planned across several major UK cities.
The tour will not only celebrate the legacy of Blur and Oasis but will also showcase hits from other Britpop icons like Pulp and Supergrass. Following the indoor shows, James has scheduled a series of outdoor summer performances in venues such as the Scarborough Open Air Theatre and Dreamland in Margate. Remaining tickets for the tour are available for purchase, promising fans an unforgettable experience filled with nostalgic anthems from a transformative era in music.
