Gem Archer has revealed that Oasis’ long-awaited reunion shows were initially set to be even more expansive, with the band trimming four songs from an early version of the setlist before settling on the final running order.
The Britpop giants returned to the stage this year for their Live ’25 tour, playing 41 shows worldwide and marking their first sustained live run together in years. Archer, a longtime collaborator who has played with Oasis, Beady Eye, and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, joined the band as one of three guitarists on stage, making him a key witness to how the reunion took shape behind the scenes.
Speaking to Guitar World, Archer said the band originally rehearsed a much longer show before tightening things up. “The boys had been sorting it out for ages. It got amended; we’d started with, I think, 27 songs, and it ended up being 23” he explained. The final setlist remained locked in throughout the tour, reflecting the Gallaghers’ preference for structure and consistency once decisions were made.
Archer also reflected on what it was like seeing Noel Gallagher and Liam Gallagher back together in a rehearsal room for the first time since the band’s acrimonious split in 2009. According to the guitarist, the atmosphere was professional rather than sentimental. “I hadn’t seen them together until the first day we all rehearsed,” he said. “Just looking over and seeing them like five feet apart; it really felt like we’d never split up. But of course I’ve got a guitar in my hand, we’ve got stuff to get on with, so that was it. It wasn’t all lovey-dovey… It was serious business we were getting down to.”
Despite the historic nature of the reunion, Archer struck a cautious note when discussing the band’s future beyond the Live ’25 dates. He suggested that nothing is guaranteed, even after such a successful run. “Anything could happen, which could include nothing,” he said, adding that any future plans would not be made lightly. Referencing the band’s chief songwriter, Archer noted: “Noel has said, ‘No rest for the immensely talented,’ so take that how you want.”
Those comments appear to align with Liam Gallagher’s recent public statements, which have poured cold water on speculation about further Oasis activity in the near term. The frontman has insisted that there are no plans for the band to tour again before 2027, shutting down rumours of 2026 dates, including talk of a return to Knebworth.
We’re not doing anything in 2026 sorry
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) December 6, 2025
Responding to fans online, Gallagher stated bluntly that there would be “nothing going on next year except the WC (World Cup)”, before dismissing Knebworth speculation with a firm “ITS NOT HAPPENING.” In typically irreverent fashion, he later joked that he has “snizzle to do until 2027,” suggesting fans will need patience before any further announcements.
For now, Archer’s comments underline just how carefully managed the Oasis reunion was — from refining a sprawling setlist down to 23 songs, to keeping expectations tightly controlled. While the door to future activity may not be completely closed, any next chapter for Oasis appears firmly on pause, with 2027 the earliest possible window for their return.
