REVIEW: Oasis at Heaton Park, Manchester - a homecoming of epic proportions as Gallagher brothers make history yet again

Where were you when Oasis announced they were reuniting after 16 years apart?

It might seem a glib, perhaps trite question, but in a world dominated by war, politics and strife, confirmation Liam and Noel had buried the hatchet seemed to provide some momentary relief from the upheaval and uncertainty.

Just as the release of their debut album Definitely Maybe more than 30 years ago captured a moment in time - reigniting feelings of optimism and possibility - their return taps into something similar.

For many fans in the audience at Heaton Park tonight, they will have either been too young, or not even born, when Oasis crashed onto the British music scene.

But as they stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the older millennials and Gen X-ers, the sentiment, and the feeling is all the same - this is a very important moment in time.

'This is not a drill' is the message emblazoned across the huge screens before a montage of Oasis reunion rumours, newspaper headlines and finally, that confirmation last August light up the park.

"The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over."

"It's really happening," squeals a man in the crowd before pints of something that isn't Carling are launched over the barriers - and a flare further back - signals things are well and truly under way.

An adoring crowd lets out an almighty, lion-like roar as Manchester's favourite sons appear on stage - again arms aloft and their hands actually connecting this time. Maybe it's being on home turf that makes them feel that brotherly love a little more intensely.

"Manchester this is it, Manchester in the area," bellows Liam, the crowd absolutely transfixed.

Hello opens the show as expected, but as they saunter easily into Acquiesce