What Happened at the Oasis Manchester Gig Wasn’t Just Disrespectful – It Was Disgusting
It should’ve been one of the most euphoric nights of the year. Oasis. Back together. Heaton Park. Manchester. Biblical scenes. But while Liam and Noel were belting out bangers like Don’t Look Back in Anger, some fans were busy creating a nightmare — for the very people the gig was supposed to accommodate.
Imagine this: you arrive early, navigate the queues, and finally make it into the accessible viewing area. You’re in a wheelchair, or maybe you’ve got a hidden disability that means standing for long periods is painful or dangerous. You’re positioned safely, ready to enjoy the show.
Then the band comes on, and suddenly… everyone around you stands up.
Crutches are dropped. Wheelchairs pushed back.
People start dancing like they’re at the front of the pit.
And just like that — your view is gone. And with it, your experience.
♿ “I Couldn’t See a Thing” – One Fan’s Heartbreaking Testimony
A disabled Oasis fan from Cheshire shared their experience with The Riff Report:
“I thought I was safe. I thought I’d finally be able to enjoy a gig without stress. But as soon as the music started, people stood up everywhere. I couldn’t see anything. It was humiliating. I left halfway through in tears.”
It’s difficult to read that and not feel fury rising in your throat. Because this isn’t an isolated incident — it’s happening at gigs and festivals across the UK.
And we need to talk about it.
🚨 Not All Disabilities Are Visible – But That’s Not What This Was
Let’s be very clear: many disabilities are invisible. Some people might stand briefly and still need access support. But when dozens of people suddenly abandon their wheelchairs and chairs, stand for the entire show, and block everyone behind them?
That’s not “invisible disability.”
That’s visible selfishness.
That’s blatant abuse of the system.
💰 Wait, It Gets Worse: Viagogo Selling Wheelchair Tickets for £634?
Yep. In one of the most jaw-dropping examples of access exploitation, resale platforms like Viagogo have been caught selling designated ‘wheelchair and companion’ seats for a staggering £634 for two people.
Let’s break this down:
- Companion tickets are meant to be free.
- These tickets are reserved for disabled people and their carers.
- And Viagogo is flogging them at profit — likely to buyers who don’t even need access.
It’s not just immoral. It’s downright predatory.
These companies aren’t just scalping fans. They’re scalping the disabled community. The fact this is allowed to happen under the nose of venue partners and gig organisers is frankly shameful.
🎪 Festival Access: It’s Broken and People Are Exploiting It
This Oasis incident is part of a wider access crisis in UK live music. Fans are reporting:
- Fake Nibus Card use (yep, there are Facebook groups sharing “tips” to get them).
- Abled fans claiming to be carers just to get closer views.
- Access wristbands being resold online.
- Standing-room parties on platforms meant for people who can’t stand.
Access areas are meant to be safe zones. Instead, they’re turning into battlegrounds where actual disabled fans are forced to fight for visibility at their own gig.
Let that sink in.
📣 What Can Be Done? Here’s What Needs to Change
We need change — and we need it fast. Here’s what festivals and venues should be doing:
- Stricter ID verification when issuing access wristbands.
- Stewards assigned to monitor access areas throughout the event.
- Clear signage and zero-tolerance policies for standing in accessible viewing areas.
- Educating fans that access abuse isn’t just unfair — it’s deeply damaging.
- Empowering disabled fans to report violations without fear of backlash.
- Ban resale of accessible tickets and prosecute where appropriate.
And fans? It’s on us too.
🧠 How to Be a Better Gig Buddy:
If you’re attending with someone using the accessible platform:
- ✅ Sit if others are sitting.
- ✅ Be aware of your surroundings.
- ✅ Don’t block someone’s view – especially not in a wheelchair.
- ✅ Use access only if you need it.
- ✅ Tell your mates to stop taking the mick.
And above all — remember that gigs should be a joy for everyone, not just the loudest or most able-bodied in the room.
💔 A Culture Shift Is Needed – Music Should Be for Everyone
We all love live music. It brings people together in ways nothing else can. But when disabled fans feel excluded, ignored or disrespected, it undermines everything these gigs stand for.
If music is meant to be unifying — if Oasis meant anything when they sang “we’re gonna live forever” — then we need to make sure everyone can live through these moments together.
Including those in wheelchairs.
Including those with invisible illnesses.
Including those who came for the same reason as the rest of us — to feel something.
✊ From The Riff Report:
We’re not here to point fingers at individual fans. But we are here to shout loud about the need for respect, reform, and real action.
🎟️ If you’ve experienced access abuse at a gig or festival — or if you’ve seen people misusing access passes, we want to hear from you.
📬 Drop us a message via https://theriffreport.co.uk/
📸 Send us your photos.
🗣️ Tell us your stories.
Together, let’s fix this mess.
⚠️ Disclaimer from The Riff Report:
We understand that not all disabilities are visible, and many fans attending with chronic pain, fatigue, neurodivergence, or mobility conditions may use access areas while still standing occasionally. This article is not intended to shame anyone with legitimate needs — rather, it aims to highlight and call out the clear abuse of systems meant to protect disabled fans.
If in doubt, assume compassion — but also support accountability.
Access at gigs should work for everyone who truly needs it.
