Playlist: What’s the Story Now? A Cure for Oasis Withdrawal
by John Taite, EVP, Global Brand Partnerships + Development
Oasis’s triumphant live tour roared around the world like a sneering second coming. Gallagher-mania may have landed in the US 30 years later than expected, but fans new and old sold out stadiums, sang every chorus and wished they could live forever among the cheers, tears and beers.
But now what? The parka jacket and bucket hat are back in storage, you’re wondering if the limited-edition football shirt was worth the overdraft and your ears are longing for more 90’s guitars raised on cigarettes and alcohol.
Research by Barclays estimated that UK consumer spending on Oasis Live ‘25 would exceed totals for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in 2024
Well, thankfully you’re in luck. There were boatloads of decent guitar bands during the Cool Britannia era. All you need is a streaming time machine and a trusted guide to ease your Oasis withdrawal.
Many American fans won’t have heard of the acts in this playlist, even though they were big names in the UK. They’re from a time before iPhones, social media or digital music distribution. Back then, only a handful of new British bands had their records released in the US, radio play was negligible and the hits were few and far between.
But that’s what will make this musical journey all the more rewarding. It’s a perfect time capsule that you only need curiosity to unlock:
These songs all share the same sonic DNA — roughed-up guitar heroes, singalong melodies and charismatic singers packing plenty of attitude. You’ll hear the Brit rock swagger of Primal Scream, Ocean Color Scene and the Stone Roses, the gutter-ball punk of Ash, Supergrass and Elastica, and the deft songwriting prowess of Paul Weller, Doves and The Verve. Last but not least, there’s a healthy dose of Pulp’s pop fun, the Stereophonics, Manic Street Preachers and the tragically underrated Bluetones.
We hope you enjoy this (definitely maybe) definitive guide. Turn it up loud and you’ll feel Mad For It again in no time.
Hit play above, or add our Oasis-inspired playlist to your library on Spotify.
Photo by Jurre Houtkamp on Unsplash