Oasis rebukes Edinburgh Council over fan safety talk

Liam Gallagher criticized Edinburgh City Council after a safety briefing described Oasis fans as rowdy and intoxicated.

Oasis clash Edinburgh Council over fan comments

Liam Gallagher called City of Edinburgh Council a "bunch of snakes" during Oasis's first night at Murrayfield Stadium, reacting to a safety briefing that described fans as "rowdy" and "intoxicated". The FOI release tied to the briefing noted concerns that fans would be energetic and high-spirited with medium to high intoxication and that the crowd could include many middle-aged men taking up more space than audiences for other acts. The briefing involved the council, promoters DF Concerts, security firm G4S, Police Scotland, and transport providers. Gallagher told the thousands gathered that the council had not apologized for its remarks and complained that authorities were stifling the show. He also criticized Edinburgh festivals as a backdrop for those comments.

The incident shows how official safety talk can become a public spat. The FOI disclosure brought attention to language, class identity, and the economics of hosting a major show in the city. As fans queued and shops opened to sell merchandise, the episode highlighted the tension between celebrating culture and managing crowd risk in a city famous for both music and festivals.

The clash exposes how officials’ wording can shape a crowd’s image before a note is played. Framing fans as a potential problem risks turning a cultural moment into a political one. The reference to middle-aged men and space usage hints at underlying class assumptions that can inflame rather than inform public debate.

It also shows the high stakes around big events. When promoters frame attendance as economic leverage, questions arise about who benefits and who bears the risk. FOI transparency can inform the public, but it may also deepen divides between fans, city leaders, and festival organizers. The moment invites a broader look at how cities plan for spectacle while safeguarding public trust.

Highlights

The night ends with questions about how cities balance spectacle with safety.