In an emotional and unforgettable moment at their reunion show, Oasis paid tribute to Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away just days before.
The Manchester-based band, led by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, kicked off their much-anticipated tour at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on July 4, just one day after the devastating news of Jota’s death.
The tribute, which came at the end of their iconic hit “Live Forever,” captured the emotions of the 75,000-strong audience and made for an unforgettable evening.
The Tragic Passing of Diogo Jota
The tribute to Jota came in the wake of a devastating accident. Jota, along with his brother Andre Silver, died in a car crash in the Spanish city of Zamora. They were reportedly traveling in a Lamborghini when their vehicle veered off the road and caught fire, likely due to a tyre blowout during an overtaking maneuver.
The loss of the 27-year-old footballer, who was a key player for both Liverpool and the Portuguese national team, has deeply shaken his family, teammates, and fans alike.
On July 5, family and friends gathered in Jota’s hometown of Gondomar, near Porto, for his funeral after a private and public wake at the Capela da Ressurreicao. The footballer’s tragic death, just a day before the Oasis show, led to an outpouring of tributes from fans, with many taking to social media to express their sorrow.
Oasis’ Heartfelt Tribute
Oasis delivered a powerful tribute to Jota during their show, which marked their first performance together since their 2009 breakup. The band’s emotional moment occurred during the outro of “Live Forever,” a song that encapsulates the spirit of the band and its fans.
As the outro played, a tribute to Jota was displayed on the screen, with his Liverpool No. 20 shirt prominently featured. The crowd responded with a huge roar of applause, and one fan raised a Portugal flag in honor of the footballer, while two red flares were lit during the moment.
The tribute was especially poignant considering Jota’s connection to Liverpool and the deep admiration fans had for him. The performance was a testament to the strength of community, both in music and in sports.
Cast’s Tribute
The tribute to Jota wasn’t limited to Oasis alone. As part of the evening’s opening act, the indie rock band Cast, hailing from Liverpool, also honored the footballer.
Before performing their track “Walkaway,” frontman John Power dedicated the song to Jota, saying, “This one is for Diogo Jota. Take it easy, brother.” The gesture highlighted the tight-knit connection between the music and football communities, especially in light of Jota’s passing.
Oasis’ Set and the Crowd’s Energy
Despite the minimal interaction between the Gallagher brothers and the crowd, the energy in the stadium was electric. Oasis tore through their greatest hits, including “Morning Glory,” “Supersonic,” “Half the World Away,” and “Stand by Me.” Fans were ecstatic to see the band back together, and their reunion was marked by a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and celebration.
However, Liam Gallagher couldn’t resist poking fun at the ticket pricing controversy that had caused a stir ahead of the tour. Referring to the dynamic pricing policy, which saw ticket prices double based on demand, he cheekily asked the crowd, “Is it worth the £40,000 you paid for the ticket?”
The comment was a nod to the backlash the tour had received, with many fans expressing frustration over the high costs and the subsequent investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The Financial Impact of the Tour
As for the financial side of things, the reunion tour is set to be one of the most lucrative in rock history. Revenue from the tour is predicted to be anywhere between £400 million and £1 billion, with the Gallagher brothers expected to pocket around £50 million from the tour alone.
Despite the controversies surrounding ticket pricing, the reunion has clearly struck a chord with fans, and the financial success of the tour is undeniable.
Oasis’ tribute to Diogo Jota added a deeply emotional layer to their reunion show, marking an unforgettable night for fans. As the band kicks off what is set to be a monumental tour, their connection to the fans, the music, and now the football community remains strong.
The tribute was a beautiful moment that brought people together, reminding us all of the power of music and the shared grief and love that transcends both sports and art.
