WITH the announcement that Oasis is returning for their Live ’25 tour, do you remember the time the famous band came to Taunton?

Taunton is not often at the centre of a rock and roll explosion.

But for one day in September 1997, the county town was at the eye of the storm, providing an oasis for Oasis - at The Castle Hotel.

Fast forward to 2024, and tickets are almost available for Oasis’ live tour next year which features a variety of venues including Wembley Stadium and Manchester Heaton Park.

Oasis will be returning for the first gig since 2009, where the band performed a set that included an acoustic version of Wonderwall. (Image: PA Archive)Guests back in 1997 included the Gallagher brothers, who were in town as they got their UK tour underway with shows in Exeter.

The band, complete with an entourage, took up 17 rooms in the 36-bedroom Castle Hotel and took time out as they left to meet fans.

Around 20 loyal supporters waited most of the day to catch a glimpse of their idols, with Liam emerging to sign a few autographs at around 4.30 pm.

"Liam and Noel were both excellent," said one fan. "On Saturday night, they invited us into the bar at The Castle Hotel for free drinks, but their bodyguards would not let us in."

After Saturday's concert, the Oasis party relaxed in their rooms, watched Match of the Day and ordered take-out kebabs.

Andrew Grahame, general manager of The Castle Hotel at the time, said: "They really were the perfect guests and there were no late-night parties.

"Liam had an ear infection and wasn't drinking because he was on antibiotics.

"His wife, Patsy, was with him so he was very well behaved.

"They were very appreciative and thoroughly charming. Our staff do not bother famous guests, they are used to them.

"Only three months ago, we had Jamiroqui stopping here. Record companies talk to each other, and I expect the Oasis managers were told this was a comfortable place to stay."