Thirty years ago, Oasis took to the stage at Knebworth Park for two historic concerts that would become defining moments of the Britpop era. On 10 and 11 August 1996, more than 250,000 fans gathered over two days to see the band at the peak of their success, making Knebworth one of the most iconic live events in British music history.
To mark the 30th anniversary of these legendary performances, Rockarchive is proud to launch five new prints by acclaimed photographer Jill Furmanovsky. Having documented Oasis throughout their rise to fame, Jill captured the band both on and off stage, creating an intimate visual record of their ascent and the cultural phenomenon surrounding them. This new collection brings together five photographs that capture the energy, scale and significance of Oasis at Knebworth — two concerts that remain a defining chapter in the story of British music.
Liam & Noel Gallagher embracing, Knebworth, 1996 by Jill Furmanovsky
This lighthearted backstage photograph captures a playful moment between Noel & Liam Gallagher at Knebworth Park prior to Oasis's historic performances. Jill Furmanovsky recalled the atmosphere around the band, “They were always laughing. Bonehead is one of the funniest men alive. The Gallaghers have both got a fantastic sense of humour. Guigs too. He doesn't say much but when he does, it's hilarious.”
Noel Gallagher & John Squire, NEC, 1996 by Jill Furmanovsky
This photograph captures a meeting of two of Manchester's most influential guitarists - Noel Gallagher & John Squire - shot at the NEC in July 1996. John Squire would join Oasis on stage at their legendary Knebworth gigs the following month, playing guitar on Champagne Supernova and I Am the Walrus during the encore. Taken just weeks before those monumental performances, Jill Furmanovsky's photograph documents the historic collaboration before it reached the Knebworth stage.
Oasis, NEC, 1996 by Jill Furmanovsky
Oasis together at the NEC during preparations for their upcoming Knebworth shows. Rather than a formal band portrait, Jill Furmanovsky's image shows them relaxed and interacting backstage. The calm before the storm, this image gives a glimpse of Oasis away from the stage and the thousands of adoring fans who would soon surround them.
Liam Gallagher, NEC, 1996 by Jill Furmanovsky
A rare photograph of Liam Gallagher playing guitar. This was shot by Jill Furmanovsky at the NEC in 1996 during the rehearsals for Oasis's Knebworth Park gigs.
Knebworth crowd, 1996 by Jill Furmanovsky
Looking out at the 125,000 crowd from the Knebworth stage, this photo captures the enormity of Oasis' landmark gigs. When Noel Gallagher first walked out on the 10th August he grabbed the mic and shouted "This is history. This is history, right here right now!" This photograph proves he was right.
You can find all these prints and the rest of Jill Furmanovsky's incredible Oasis archive, plus work from other leading photographers here.
