Oasis at Irvine Beach remembered as band announce return
The Gallagher's played in front of 12,000 fans in 1995
Last updated 13th Sep 2024
A man who helped get Oasis to Irvine says the band's gig was the biggest music event the town has ever seen.
As the Gallagher brothers announced they are reuniting for a UK tour next year, Craig Smart explained his hand in getting the Manchester lads to Irvine Beach Park for two nights in 1995.
At the time, the band were fresh from releasing the fastest-selling debut album ever in Definitely Maybe, with their second, What’s The Story, Morning Glory set to be unleashed on an expectant public.
And, just a month after storming the crowds at Glastonbury, Liam, Noel, Bonehead and Guigsy took to the Ayrshire coast and played to 12,000 fans over the Friday and Saturday night shows.
Craig told Clyde 1 it was the first time future number one hit ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ was played live.
He said: “They were their first ever outdoor shows as far as I’m aware.
“12,000 people over two nights was an extraordinary thing for Irvine to host and remains to this day as the biggest gigs in Irvine.”
Tickets were like goldust and those unlucky enough not to get their hands on one set up impromptu listening parties on Irvine Moor, where the music was blown loudly and clearly by the wind from the harbour.
The landmark shows were all made possible by the late Willie Freckleton, who was known as ‘Mr Entertainment’ and had a knack for convincing big-name acts to rock up in his hometown.
It was he who convinced promoters Regular Music and CPL to bring Oasis to Irvine.
“That’s what Willie was great at – making these type of events happen,” Craig continued.
“Being able to convince promoters and the council that Irvine was the location for big concerts. His people skills were phenomenal – he would enthuse anyone he came in contact with. I think if it had been anyone else, promoters Regular Music and CPL would have gone elsewhere.”
The support acts for those July nights in 1995 were Cast, Ocean Colour Scene and The Verve, all bands who would go on to define the nineties Britpop era.
And Craig's only regret was that Noel didn’t keep to his on-stage promise, of bringing Oasis back to Irvine 12 months later.
He finished: “I know he said on stage ‘We’ll be back next year,’ but the next year they did those legendary Knebworth concerts.
“So that in itself, I think we got them at the right time.”