Oasis Fans
Maine Road, Manchester, 1996

Photographs by Jon Shard

Photographer Jon Shard was on his first assignment for the NME in the cold winter of 1995/96. Jon went along to Manchester City’s Maine Road to capture Oasis fans eager to part with £17.50 to secure a ticket for the band’s now seminal gigs that saw them perform at the peak of their powers.

Oasis played two sold-out shows on April 27th and 28th, 1996, to 80,000 fans, with support from Ocean Colour Scene and Manic Street Preachers. For many fans, it was a moment that defined their generation.

Jon remembers:

“This was my first ever commission for the NME in the winter of 1995/96. I was asked to capture the dedication of fans waiting in the freezing cold for the hottest ticket in town. Those were the days before online ticket sales dominated, and queuing in person had its charm. People were willing to stay out and brave the cold; it was a bit of an event itself, almost a rite of passage for fans.”

Oasis fan Leah Walker remembers the Sunday gig:

"The anticipation was immense, and when the day came, it didn't disappoint. My friends and I walked to Maine Road from the city centre; the area around the stadium, Rusholme and Moss Side was buzzing. It was fairly chaotic, and there were a few muggings of tickets, though all in all, it was an amazing day and night out. The gig was predominately made up of working-class kids like myself. From a fan perspective, I don't think Oasis played a better gig after Maine Road; it was the best gig ever! That era felt like such a positive time. I'm in my mid-40s now, and we have never had anything like that in music since."