The much talked about Oasis reunion tour hit North America Sunday, Aug. 24 at Rogers Stadium in Toronto, Canada, marking the band’s first appearance on the continent in more than 16 years.
The band thrilled the sold-out crowd of 55,000 and proved the doubters wrong. From the stage Sunday night, singer Liam Gallagher shared the story of his encounter with a Canadian fan who wasn’t so sure that his fellow countrymen would embrace the band and each other like fans had during the group’s earlier tour dates in Europe.
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“I bumped into a geezer today about half seven in the morning called Hugo. He comes up to me and says, Mr. Gallagher,’ and I said, ‘No need for that. It’s Liam,’” Gallagher said from the stage, according to a statement released by the band. “He says, ‘Good luck tonight trying to get these Canadians doing the Poznan.’”
What Is the Poznan?
The Poznan is a synchronized fan dance that’s been adapted by Oasis fans in which they turn their backs to the stage, put their arms around each other, and jump in unison. It originated with fans of the Lech Poznan football club, who did the dance during the team’s match against Manchester City in 2010. Fans of Manchester City, in the hometown of Oasis, soon adopted it, as did Oasis fans, who have taken to doing the dance during the song “Cigarettes & Alcohol,” according toThe Manc.
How Did Liam Gallagher Respond to the Canadian Fan?
The fan continued to explain to Liam about how he doubted Canadian fans would be as energetic as their European counterparts.
“He says, ‘Cause they’re all a little bit shy. They’re a little bit scared and stuff. They all smoke pot now. They’re all f—ing out of their heads.’
“He says, ‘Good luck with doing that shit tonight.’”
Liam responded, “So what, are we going to prove them wrong then or what? You don’t want to be the first one letting this side down.”
How Did the Fans in Toronto Respond?
Before playing “Cigarettes & Alcohol,” Liam told the crowd, “You lot turn around. Put your arms around each other. Give each other a cuddle and just jump up and down. It’s very easy.”
The crowd in Toronto got the hint and responded with a proper Poznan, leaving Liam to exclaim, “We showed Hugo. We showed ‘em.”
Although a few songs later it began to rain, fans were still thrilled to see that band, with some sharing their experience in the comments of the band’s official Instagram account.
“Wouldn’t stand in the rain for anyone else!! Canada loves you!!!” wrote one fan.
“A day tattooed in my soul. I’ll never forget the moments we lived,” another fan wrote.
“Thank you, that show was epic. Been waiting 25+ years to see you. I belted out those songs in my room, in high school, crying my eyes out and feeling so alive. You’re MY Wonderwall….❤️❤️❤️❤️,” a third fan posted.
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