Oasis fans called ‘rowdy’ and ‘middle-aged’ in Edinburgh gig briefing

Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher has hit out at the City of Edinburgh Council after the band’s fans were described as “rowdy”, “intoxicated” and “middle-aged men” who “take up more room” in a safety briefing.

The comments were made when a range of officials from the council, emergency services and concert promoters met last year to plan for the band’s sold-out reunion show at Murrayfield Stadium in August.

These were then published in the Scottish Sun newspaper, prompting Gallagher to say the local authority’s “attitude stinks” in a social media post.

The council’s culture convener, councillor Margaret Graham, said extensive planning was undertaken for all major events in the city – and “Oasis are no different”. She said no two events were the same, which was reflected in the council’s multi-agency approach.

Oasis will play three nights at Murrayfield on the weekend of 8 and 9 August, and on Tuesday 12 August, as part of their reunion tour.

It will mark the first time they will play in the city since 2009.

Details of the safety advisory group meeting from October last year were made available via a freedom of information request and have been seen by the BBC.

It involved the council, promoters DF Concerts, security firm G4S, Police Scotland, the Scottish Ambulance Service and transport providers including Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Trams and ScotRail.

A number of concerns were raised – including about fans of Oasis “on weekends as they are already rowdy”, as well as “the tone of the band”.

The council also cited fears that some performers at the city’s summer festivals were considering cancelling shows over the weekend.

It also noted the crowd, put at about 70,000, may feature a number of “middle-aged men,” stating they “take up more room” and suggested promoters to consider this when “working out occupancy”.

DF Concerts suggested the audience would be “energetic and high-spirited” with a “medium to high intoxication”.

In response, Gallagher said the council’s “attitude stinks” in a post on X, swearing and adding: “I’d love to see a picture of all the people on the Edinburgh council bet there’s some real stunning individuals.”

In the minutes of the meeting, he Scottish Rugby Union, which is hosting the gigs, said it was “confident” it could “replicate the success” of the run of shows put on by Taylor Swift at the venue last year.

About 73,000 fans attended on each night of the singer three Eras Tour performances at the stadium last June.

The stadium has also hosted the likes of Robbie Williams, Harry Styles and Bruce Springsteen in recent years.

Councillor Graham said the city was “proud” to host events year-round, providing “unparalleled entertainment” for residents and visitors.

She said: “As with any major event which takes place in the city, we prepare extensively alongside our partners to ensure the safety and best possible experience of everyone involved – and Oasis are no different.

“No two events are the same in terms of requirements or planning and our multi-agency approach reflects this appropriately.

“We’re also working closely with residents in the local area to make sure these concerts pass off as smoothly as possible.”

She added: “Over the past few years, we’ve hosted many similar events and managed to strike the right balance between communicating well with residents and fulfilling the needs of major events and I have no doubt we can do so once again.

“We always look to learn lessons from previous years to update and improve on our plans.”