Oasis & Argentina, a History

Noel Gallagher (Oasis era)

In multiple interviews during the late 1990s and early 2000s, Noel Gallagher repeatedly identified Argentina as one of the most intense places Oasis ever played.

In interviews with NME and Q Magazine (1998–2002), Noel described Argentine crowds as exceptionally vocal and emotionally invested, frequently noting that audiences sang entire songs unprompted.

In later retrospective interviews (including BBC Radio and Q), Noel stated that South American crowds — Argentina in particular — treated Oasis songs as collective property rather than performances.
(Paraphrased summary; consistent across multiple interviews)

Noel has also explicitly contrasted Argentina with more reserved audiences, saying that Buenos Aires crowds reminded him of Manchester crowds at their peak.
Source: NME / Q Magazine archive interviews (1998–2002)

Liam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher has been even more direct when discussing Argentina.

In press interviews conducted during Oasis tours and later solo cycles, Liam repeatedly referred to Argentine fans as among the loudest and most committed audiences the band encountered.

Speaking to UK music press during the late Oasis years, Liam said Argentina was a place where the band never had to “win people over” — the crowd arrived already fully engaged.

Oasis Live at Luna Park; Buenos Aires, Argentina / March 18, 1998 ... — Oasis Live at Luna Park Argentina March 18th 1998

The Maradona Meeting — Documented, Photographed, Reported

Inside Oasis brothers Noel & Liam Gallagher's tense meeting ...

Speaking to Noisey in 2017, Liam recalled: "We were going 'Who the f*****g hell's that?' We found out it was Maradona. He'd gone upstairs with a load of f*****g madheads, and a load of women of the night."

The interpreter then led them to an exclusive VIP area where Maradona was hanging out. Liam described the atmosphere as tense, with about 30 people in attendance and not much in the way of friendly vibes.

"Let's take a quick picture with him and get the f*** off," Liam said. The encounter then rapidly turned dark as, after Maradona had spoken with the pair, he then gave them a warning they would never forget, with their interpreter saying: "He told me to tell you that if you leave with any of his b*****s, he'll shoot you."‌

Liam, who met Maradona again in 2012, said: "A proper RNR footballer, no f****r will ever come near. Met Maradona not once but twice and he was the real f*****g deal scary but beautiful."

Noel, posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, said: "Buenos Aires '97. What a life. What a legend. (He was under house arrest at the time!!)."