In August 1996, Oasis took to the stage at Knebworth House, performing two era-defining shows.
Here are 10 incredible facts about Oasis at Knebworth 1996 that prove why it’s still remembered today.
1. 2.6 Million Fans Wanted Tickets
Tickets went on sale on Saturday 11 May 1996, the same day Manchester United won the FA Cup Final.
An estimated 2.6 million people applied for tickets—5% of the UK population at the time.
2. They Could Have Played 14 Nights
Demand was so high that Oasis could have sold out Knebworth for two weeks straight.
In the end, they played just two nights: 10 and 11 August.
3. Tickets Sold for 15x Face Value
Tickets cost £22.50, a high price at the time.
On the day, some changed hands for 15 times that amount.
4. The Biggest Crowd Ever (At the Time)
Each night hosted 125,000 fans, making Knebworth 1996 the biggest UK concert in history until 2003.
5. A Star-Studded Guest List
Over 7,000 guests had backstage passes.
Famous names included Kate Moss, Jarvis Cocker, and Martine McCutcheon.
6. An All-Star Support Lineup
Saturday’s support acts:
The Prodigy, Manic Street Preachers, Ocean Colour Scene, The Chemical Brothers, and The Bootleg Beatles.
Sunday’s support:
The Charlatans, Kula Shaker, Cast, Manic Street Preachers, and Dreadzone.
Martin Duffy stood in for the late Rob Collins of The Charlatans.
7. The Setlist Was Pure Anthem
Both nights featured the same iconic setlist:
“Columbia,” “Wonderwall,” “Live Forever,” “Don’t Look Back In Anger,” and “Champagne Supernova.”
8. Two New Songs Debuted Live
Oasis played “It’s Gettin’ Better (Man!!)” and “My Big Mouth”, both later featured on Be Here Now.
- Intro tape: The Swamp Song
- Columbia
- Acquiesce
- Supersonic
- Hello
- Some Might Say
- Roll With It
- Slide Away
- Morning Glory
- Round Are Way
- Cigarettes And Alcohol
- Whatever
- Cast No Shadow
- Wonderwall
- The Masterplan
- Don’t Look Back In Anger
- My Big Mouth
- It’s Gettin’ Better (Man!!)
- Live Forever
Encore:
- Champagne Supernova
- I Am The Walrus
9. John Squire Guested on Guitar
John Squire from The Stone Roses joined the band on Champagne Supernova during the encore.
10. Noel and Liam Reflect on Knebworth
Years later, Noel Gallagher described life after Knebworth as a “comedown”.
Liam Gallagher, when asked what he remembered, said: “Not a lot, really. Nothing.”
Bonus Fact: Radio Supernova Was Born
Radio X’s John Kennedy hosted “Radio Supernova” on 106.6 FM for fans traveling to the gig.
It was an early version of XFM, now known as Radio X.
Source: Radio X
Photo: Getty