Oasis will not include Gary Glitter song reference in 2025 tour
Oasis has decided not to include the song Hello in their upcoming reunion tour, reportedly due to its association with convicted paedophile Gary Glitter. The track, which serves as the opener for the band’s iconic 1995 album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, is one of their most recognizable tunes. However, Glitter, whose real name is Paul Gadd, is credited as a writer on the song because of similarities to his 1973 hit Hello, Hello, I’m Back Again.
Reports from British newspaper The Sun suggest that the band made the decision to exclude the song from their setlist before rehearsals for their highly anticipated tour. An undisclosed source shared with the publication, “The lyrics of the song would obviously have been a good fit for the reunion tour, but the band has chosen to move past it. Given its associations with Glitter and his criminal convictions, it would be inappropriate to include it in the lineup.”
Gary Glitter was once a prominent figure in Britain’s pop music scene and a key player in the 1970s glam rock era. The energetic and distorted sound of glam rock is said to have influenced bands like Oasis. However, Glitter’s fall from grace came years after the release of (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? when he was convicted of possessing child pornography and later found guilty of multiple child sexual offenses in both the United Kingdom and Vietnam. Currently, he is serving a 16-year prison sentence for abusing three schoolgirls between 1975 and 1980.
Despite the song Hello’s musical significance and popularity, Oasis has made the conscious choice to distance themselves from it due to its connections to a disgraced figure like Gary Glitter. This decision reflects the band’s commitment to maintaining a positive and respectful image, especially in light of Glitter’s troubling history. As they prepare to embark on their reunion tour, Oasis continues to prioritize their values and integrity by carefully curating their setlist to align with their principles.
In conclusion, Oasis’ choice to exclude the song Hello from their reunion tour serves as a testament to their stance against supporting individuals with a history of criminal behavior, like Gary Glitter. While the track holds a special place in the band’s discography, they have opted to prioritize their moral compass and safeguard their reputation by refraining from performing it live. This decision underscores Oasis’ commitment to upholding their values and ensuring that their music resonates with fans in a positive and meaningful way.