Some might say that Oasis have gone over the hill, but the boys from Manchester are still as solid as ever. It was the biggest Brit band when we were only seniors in high school. Back then, an influx of Brit rock acts flooded the music scene, with Blur, Ocean Colour Scene, Bush, and Radiohead part of the neo-British invasion of the mid-90s. Among them, Oasis was the one that stood out for us. Their second album, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?, released about a decade ago, separated them from the pack.

We instantly became fans and no less than Oasis die-hards as we searched the internet (which had just landed on Philippine shores) for anything about the band—interviews, chords, and tablature. We bought their CDs, and even their singles, because the B-sides were songs we looked out for. To complete our fanhood, we formed our own tribute band—with me on lead a la Noel Gallagher—and played Oasis’s songs whenever and wherever we could.

In 2002, Oasis was slated to play in the Araneta Center in Quezon City. Our band had gone our separate ways after college because of work. Unknown to each other, we each bought our own concert tickets. But our dreams were foiled when Oasis cancelled their show because of imminent terrorist threats.

It took several more years before Southeast Asia would find itself on the band’s tour route. It seemed hopeless to anticipate their return to Manila, so after seeing their Asian tour schedule last December, I knew it would be a great opportunity for us friends to get together. Though Manila was not on the band’s agenda, Singapore seemed a near-enough destination. It would cost us a small fortune, and precious time at work. But we dropped everything and excused ourselves from work for a few days to fullfil a 10-year-old dream.

Roll with it!

Next thing we knew, we were on the way to the Singapore Indoor Stadium. We made a little wager on what their opening song would be. We speculated on their set list, knowing it was not possible to hear them play the old songs from their first two albums. Five other studio albums have already been released since we graduated from high school, and these seemed more likely choices for this concert.

We were on the verge of hyperventilation when we presented our tickets and made our way to the free-standing section. A sea of Caucacians was already at the foot of the stage, and we were made to stand further than we had wanted to. But it gave us a better view of the stage, way above a foreign audience that towered over us. On stage, the setup of tall cabinet speakers and aged tube amplifiers suggested the absence of an opening act. Like restless schoolboys, we squatted on the floor. The ticket said 8 pm, and it was already thirty minutes past eight. Any moment now, we thought, and Oasis will rock.

The crowd surged to its feet as soon as the house lights were turned off. The energetic techno-rocking beat of "F@ckn’ In The Bushes" blasted through the speakers and filled the arena. Noel Gallager entered stage left, waving at the packed stadium. As he grabbed his Epiphone, Andy Bell and Gem Archer emerged and held their axes. Zak Starkey sat behind the vintage drum kit, and a sessionist keyboard player took a seat behind the melotron and piano. Last to enter was Liam Gallagher, in his usual swagger, buttoned-up jacket, and aviator sunglasses, greeting the crowd as the band started playing the first few bars of "Turn Up The Sun.

Everyone began to sing along the chorus of this first track of their latest album: Come on, turn up the sun/ Turn it up for everyone." Several ladies on piggy-back bobbed their heads like there was no tomorrow when "Lyla" was played, while we slammed and shouted our hearts out from the back of the stadium.

Other songs they did from Don’t Believe The Truth included "Mucky Fingers," which was Noel’s ode to Bob Dylan and The Velvet Underground, and with Gem playing the harmonica; Liam’s "God Thinks I’m Abel," and the band’s second single, "The Importance of Being Idle."

What took us by surprise was their performance of classic Oasis tunes.

We couldn’t understand a single word Liam blurted in his thick Manchester accent, but as soon as Noel began the first few bends on his Les Paul (his third guitar for the night), we knew it had to be "Morning Glory."

After a rousing performance of that drug-inspired song, "Cigarettes and Alcohol" (from their debut album, Definitely Maybe) followed other songs on their set from that album included "Bring It On Down," "Rock’n’roll Star," and our personal anthem, "Live Forever." They also played B-side hits "Acquiesce" and "The Masterplan."

Oasis went on with their supersonically charged set with songs from their definitive (What’s The Story) Morning Glory album. Liam dedicated "Don’t Look Back In Anger" for the ladies as Noel took over the vocals. Their all-electric rendition of "Wonderwall" was full of grit and attitude, and we waved our cigarette lighters high to "Champagne Supernova."

They ended the night with a cover of The Who’s "My Generation." The lights were turned back on, and the current single "Let There Be Love" filtered through the sound system. The crowd was singing to the tune as they made way for the gates. We had hoped that Oasis would play this song, but it was evident that Liam’s voice was tired after a performance at Bangkok. The band was to hold another concert at Hong Kong to close their Asian leg.

We’ve come and left Singapore not any younger than we’d wish to be. But we rode a time machine. That night was a walk down memory lane, and we found ourselves back in time. Somehow, we managed to defy the restrictions of time. Though we’ve returned to the daily grind of adulthood, our rock ‘n’roll heroes have definitely made us stay young as if we could live forever.