The short version
- Emily Eavis confirmed Oasis will not headline Glastonbury in 2027, ending fan speculation fueled by the band's tour schedule.
- Liam Gallagher previously stated on social media that a performance at the festival was not happening, aligning with organizer comments.
- The band is focusing on a separate stadium tour across multiple continents following their lucrative 2025 reunion.
Speculation regarding the potential return of Oasis to the Glastonbury Festival stage has been formally dismissed by both festival leadership and the band itself. Emily Eavis, co-organizer of the Worthy Farm event, addressed rumors directly on social media after fans noted a gap in the group’s 2027 touring calendar that coincided with the festival dates. The confirmation ends weeks of conjecture among attendees who had hoped the reunited rock act would headline the Pyramid Stage for the first time since their last appearance there in 2004.
The confusion stemmed from Oasis announcing a series of concerts across the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe, and the United States for the summer of 2027. The schedule includes performances at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium on the Friday and Saturday of the Glastonbury weekend. Because no gig was listed for Sunday, some observers assumed the brothers might be saving their energy for a headline set at the festival. However, Eavis clarified that this assumption was incorrect, effectively closing the door on any surprise appearance by the Gallagher brothers at next year’s event.
Liam Gallagher had previously signaled that such a performance was unlikely. In response to fan sites identifying Oasis as bookmakers’ favorites to headline, he posted a message on X stating that it was not happening and urging fans to calm down. His comments aligned with Eavis’s recent statements, creating a unified front against the rumors. The band’s management has emphasized that their current focus is on their dedicated stadium tour rather than festival circuits.
The 2027 tour represents the next phase of Oasis’s comeback following their highly successful reunion in 2025. That earlier run of shows generated an estimated £300 million, cementing their status as one of the most lucrative acts in recent music history. The band announced that these new dates would not be televised, distinguishing them from the previous tour which was documented in a concert film titled Don’t Look Back in Anger. This strategic shift suggests a preference for intimate, ticketed stadium experiences over broader broadcast exposure.
Logistical and financial factors likely influenced the decision to skip Glastonbury. Eavis has been transparent in the past about the festival’s payment structure, noting that headliners receive significantly less compensation than they would at standalone stadium shows. Given the band’s recent financial success, the economic incentive to headline a festival may be diminished. Additionally, the physical demands of performing three nights in a row are considerable, particularly for artists in their fifties. The Gallagher brothers did not perform consecutive nights during their 2025 reunion tour, suggesting that a Glastonbury headline slot would require an unsustainable level of exertion.
Oasis has a long history with the Glastonbury Festival, having first appeared in 1994 on the NME Stage, now known as the Woodsies Stage. They went on to headline the Pyramid Stage in 1995 and 2004, with the latter performance marking their final appearance at the festival before their split. Both Liam and Noel Gallagher have performed at Worthy Farm as solo artists during their years apart, but a joint return appears unlikely for the foreseeable future. The band’s legacy at the festival is well-established, making their absence in 2027 a notable omission for fans expecting a nostalgic headline set.
The confirmation that Oasis will not headline leaves the lineup for 2027 partially open, though Eavis has stated that three headliners have already been booked. She recently dismissed rumors that Madonna would be among them, clarifying that while the lineup is coming together well, specific names remain under wraps. Other artists frequently mentioned in betting markets and fan discussions include Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran, and Rihanna. Swift was originally scheduled to headline the 50th anniversary festival in 2020, but the event was canceled due to the pandemic, leaving her debut at Worthy Farm pending.
As the festival approaches, attention will shift to the confirmed acts and the remaining mystery slots. Eavis indicated that she would not discuss the lineup further, maintaining an air of anticipation for the official announcement. The exclusion of Oasis allows organizers to focus on other potential headliners who may fit the festival’s diverse programming. Fans will need to look elsewhere for their fix of classic rock anthems, as the Gallagher brothers remain committed to their stadium tour schedule across multiple continents.
The broader implications of this decision reflect the changing dynamics of live music in the post-pandemic era. Major acts are increasingly prioritizing high-revenue stadium tours over festival appearances, where fees and logistical constraints may not align with their commercial goals. Glastonbury continues to adapt to these shifts, balancing legacy artists with emerging talent. The 2027 lineup will likely reflect this balance, offering a mix of established stars and newer voices to appeal to a wide audience.
For now, the focus remains on the upcoming tour dates and the eventual reveal of the Glastonbury headliners. Fans who were hoping for an Oasis performance will need to adjust their expectations and perhaps consider attending one of the band’s stadium shows instead. The festival organizers have assured attendees that the event is shaping up well, with excitement building around the confirmed acts. As the summer approaches, the music industry will watch closely to see how Glastonbury fills its remaining slots and whether any other surprise announcements emerge.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Oasis will not headline Glastonbury 2027, organiser Emily Eavis confirms
