Oasis, Knebworth Park, 10th August 1996 by Jill Furmanovsky
Over a quarter of a million people witnessed Oasis play Knebworth Park on the 10th & 11th of August, in the summer of 1996 - a band at the peak of their powers performing to a sea of adoring fans.
This week the film 'Oasis: Knebworth 1996' is released which documents the story of that weekend and the special relationship between Oasis and their fans that made it possible. Told through the eyes of the fans, it contains never-before-seen footage and interviews from these landmarks gigs.
The film follows hot on the heels of Jill Furmanovsky and Daniel Rachel's book Oasis: Knebworth: Two Night That Will Live Forever. The Sunday Times bestseller contains hundreds of breathtaking Oasis photographs and provides an unprecedented look behind the scenes; the rehearsals & warm-up gigs, the build-up, backstage and even on-stage for the incredible concerts themselves.
To mark the occasion Rockarchive have put together a selection of our favourite Jill Furmanovsky Oasis Knebworth prints and never-before-seen images from that magical summer.
Rehearsals, NEC Birmingham, July 1996
Oasis, NEC Birmingham, July 1996 by Jill Furmanovsky
Jill Furmanovsky recalls, "For me, as a chronicler of their career, the band rehearsals at the NEC were a chance to get in close from every angle, without getting in anyone's way, and to get some new press shots". Jill's unique access to Noel Gallagher, Liam Gallagher, and the whole band during this period resulted in an extraordinary set of pictures.
Noel Gallagher, NEC Birmingham, July 1996 by Jill Furmanovsky
Noel Gallagher captured at the NEC with his signature Epiphone Sheraton 'Union Jack' guitar.
Liam Gallagher, NEC Birmingham, July 1996 by Jill Furmanovsky
Jill Furmanovsky recalls, "Liam has no vanity - he never asked to see any pictures, which is extraordinary. On the other hand, he knew how to generate charismatic images, often playing against his exceptional good looks, which was just entrancing".
Press Call, 9th August 1996
Liam Gallagher, Knebworth Park, 9th August 1996 by Jill Furmanovsky
On Friday 9 August, Oasis arrived on site to meet the world's media. At 3pm, as journalists, photographers and filmmakers jostled for space behind the improvised banner, the band, as Johnny Hopkins remembers, 'ran and linked arms in the air like they's won the World Cup.' Grouped in a huddle at the foot of the stage, they soon collapsed into a pile with an unfortunate Bonehead crushed at the bottom. (Extract from the book Oasis: Knebworth: Two Nights that will Live Forever')
Noel Gallagher, Knebworth Park, 9th August 1996 by Jill Furmanovsky
Taking in the scale of the venue during the soundcheck. Noel Gallagher said, "You wanna see the size of this place. It's huge! We're gonna do this huge, big gig, on this huge, big field".
Liam Gallagher, Knebworth Park, 9th August 1996 by Jill Furmanovsky
Jill Furmanovsky recalls, "A thirty-second shoot with Liam between songs". This image was taken during the soundcheck, the day before the gigs. A print of the shot features in our special anniversary triple print and book set.
The Gigs, 10th & 11th August 1996
Oasis, Knebworth Park, 11th August 1996 by Jill Furmanovsky
Noel Gallagher recalls, "To wear your woman's white cable knit sweater in front of a crowd of 125,000 takes some guts but Liam wore it with a swagger and pulled it off. This was a tremendous show that I and everyone who was there will never forget."
Oasis, Knebworth Park, 10th August 1996 by Jill Furmanovsky
Liam Gallagher, Knebworth Park, 11th August 1996 by Jill Furmanovsky
"Knebworth was just ridiculous. I still can't get my head around it even to this day. It was beyond special, and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for coming. You wrere amazing. Greatest rock'n'roll gig of all time? I would agree." Liam Gallagher (GQ Magazine).
We agree too! And to celebrate have released a special book and triple print set. Click here to find out. Alternatively view our exclusive collection of Oasis prints
Oasis Knebworth Book & Triple Print Set
