Expert comment: Oasis reunion tour estimated to contribute £940 million to the British economy

"The 2025 Oasis reunion tour has become more than just a series of concerts – it has caused a notable ripple effect on the UK economy. For fans, the opportunity to see one of the most iconic bands of the '90s perform live has been a long-awaited thrill. But beyond the music, the tour has generated significant economic activity, benefitting everything from local pubs to transport networks.

"Ticket prices for the Oasis reunion concerts have been eye-wateringly high, with fans paying anywhere from £150 to £350 for an average seat, and if you were chasing the golden view, resale prices soared up to £3,550. Yes, for that price, you could almost buy a Gallagher - or at least a decent second-hand car. Still, 900,000 fans said, “shut up and take my money,” pouring over £217 million into ticket sales alone.

"But that was only the beginning. Every city hosting an Oasis gig turned into a mini festival. Fans, many of whom travelled from outside the city hosting the shows, spent a considerable amount on food and drink, boosting revenue for nearby pubs and restaurants. On average, concertgoers spent £159 each on food and beverages, resulting in an estimated £219.3 million in hospitality expenditure across the tour. Some pubs near the venues reported it was their best weekend ever. Even the bar staff were singing along by the end of the night.

"For the hospitality industry, it was not just about drinks and meals. Hotels and Airbnb listings in concert cities saw a surge in demand. In places like Manchester and London, accommodation bookings increased significantly, with some locations experiencing up to 7,500% more searches during ticket sales. Overall, fans spent £166 million on travel and accommodation, making this a profitable event for the UK’s tourism and transport sectors.

"And of course, there was merch. From £40 t-shirts to £85 limited edition hoodies. You couldn’t move without seeing someone dressed head-to-toe in Oasis gear. All in, that added another £188 million to the tally.

"When you combine all of this, it’s clear that the tour has been a massive economic boom. The total economic contribution of the Oasis reunion tour is estimated to be around £940 million, with a significant £544.9 million remaining within local communities, supporting everything from retail to transport. For each concert, around £55 million in local economic activity has been generated, with London alone contributing £426.3 million.

"So yes - Oasis got back together, fans lost their voices, pubs ran out of beer, and the UK made a fortune. Not bad for a bunch of lads who just wanted to play Don’t Look Back in Anger one more time. The effects of this epic tour will be felt for a long time."