Oasis in Irvine

On the 21st of July, 1995, rock band “Oasis” played a two-day event at the Irvine Beach Park, Ayrshire.

Consisting of brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, Paul “Guigsy” McGuigan and Tony McCarroll, “Oasis” released their first album ‘Definitely Maybe’ on 29^th August 1994 which sold over 86,000 copies in its first week and reached No. 1 on 4^th September 1994.  In April 1995 the group replaced drummer Tony McCarroll with Alan White.

When “Oasis” concert tickets for Friday 14^th July 1995 at the Irvine Beach Park, Ayrshire were released, they sold out within one day.  So, the band from Manchester decided to put on a second night which also sold out just as fast.  In total, 12,000 tickets were sold for the two-day event at a cost of £12.50 per ticket.  Billy Fagan of Kilwinning won two free tickets being given away by the Irvine Herald and Creation Records. 

A massive football pitch sized marquee from Taiwan was erected at the Irvine Beach Park for the event.  Friday 14^th July 1995 proved to be a wet, drizzly day, but it didn’t bother the fans as they gathered outside, for the doors opening at 6pm.  They were soon warmed up by the supporting acts, rock group “Smaller” who began playing at 6.30pm, followed by “The Verve” at 7.45pm.

When “Oasis” finally came on stage at 9pm, the crowds went wild.  The set list included songs from both Oasis’s singles and first album, as well as their upcoming second album “(What’s the story) Morning Glory” which was released in October 1995.  They began by singing ‘Acquiesce,’ followed by ‘Hello’, Live forever’, ‘Slide away’ and ‘Rock ‘n Roll Star’.  Fans were also treated to ‘Don’t look bank in anger’ which was played for the first time at Irvine, and “Roll with it” which was released as a single in August 1995.  The set also included two Beatles covers ‘Hey Jude’ and then ‘I am the Walrus’ which was the last song played.  Celebrities such as Rangers footballer Ally McCoist were spotted at the concerts.

On Saturday 15^th July which proved to be a warm sunny day, the supporting acts were ‘Ocean Colour Scene’ at 6.30pm followed by “Cast” at 7.45pm

Inside the marquee there was a licensed bar along with stalls selling soft drinks, hot food and snacks, and official merchandise.

Some local fans who were unable to obtain tickets, gathered on Irvine Moor where they could hear the music being played.