What’s the story? Glasgow Clyde brings Britpop back to the classroom
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A reunion which has been 15 years in the making is only weeks away, so two Oasis superfans at Glasgow Clyde College are helping the band to Live Forever, launching a masterclass to introduce the next generation of gig-goers to the group that defined a decade.
Following on from last year’s Taylor Swift class to help parents and plus ones delve into Swiftie fandom, the college is now helping younger fans attending with their parents to learn about one of the most successful bands in British musical history.
From the early days as The Rain to a chance discovery on the stage of Glasgow’s King Tuts, right through the seminal albums, rise of Cool Britannia, Battle of Britpop and the party coming to a dramatic end in a Parisian onstage bust-up plus everything in between, two self-confessed superfan lecturers are telling the story of Oasis for new fans.
The attitude, aesthetic and anthems which made Oasis a cultural phenomenon will be uncovered, showing why they were the biggest band in the world, showcasing key moments to look forward to in one of the most anticipated run of gigs in recent memory.
Hitting the upper echelons of fame in 1994, Oasis’s journey charts across more than 30 years, with a whole new wave of fans rushing to buy tickets when the reunion was announced. Many parents who were there the first time round are excited to share the moment with their children, as the band opens the next chapter.
The college also wants to spotlight the band’s cross generational appeal, open to everyone regardless of their age or interest. Noel’s daughter, Anaïs, famously said at the time of the announcement that if a, “19-year-old girl in a pink cowboy hat wants to be there, I will have my friendship bracelets ready.”
It is being taught by two members of our team who have devoted their lives to the band.
From blasting ‘What’s the Story Morning Glory ’ from a boombox in a friend’s Oasis-themed treehouse to surviving mosh pits, broken ribs, and even snagging a kiss from Liam at a Buchanan Street album signing, Amy Butler, Accounting Lecturer and E-Learning Development Officer (38), has lived and breathed the band since 1995. With over 20 gigs under her belt, Oasis tattoos on her body, and a son named Noel, she’s determined to show that Oasis is more than a band - it is a movement .
Christopher Kennedy, Curriculum Manager for the School of Business and Finance (50), has followed Oasis since their earliest days and has seen them live over 40 times, from Glastonbury and T in the Park’s King Tut’s Tent in 1994 to Wembley in 2000 . A diehard fan with encyclopaedic knowledge and deep roots in Britpop culture, Chris was hooked after hearing early sessions on Radio 1 and witnessing the band's rapid rise firsthand. His mission now is to pass on the energy, attitude, and cultural impact of Oasis to students who might only know them from Spotify playlists, ensuring that the spirit of 90s rebellion lives on.
The one-off course will take place at Glasgow Clyde College’s Langside Campus on 26 June from 6pm in the Innovation Centre and their presentation with audio commentary will be available to watch online.
Robert Anderson, Assistant Principal at Glasgow Clyde College said: “With the Oasis reunion now just weeks away, we wanted to create something that would help fans, especially younger ones attending with their parents, understand why this band still means so much to so many. This masterclass is about more than just the music; it’s about the attitude, the era, the energy, and the cultural moment that Oasis defined. For anyone heading to the gigs, it’s a chance to feel fully immersed, to know the backstory, and to connect with what made them the biggest band in the world.
“Last year’s Taylor Swift masterclass helped parents understand the world their kids were stepping into. This flips that idea. Now, it’s the younger generation getting a crash course in Oasis before experiencing the reunion with their mums and dads. At Glasgow Clyde College, we’re all about helping people prepare, learn, and create unforgettable memories together, and this felt like the perfect moment to do just that.”
Image shows L-R: Amy Butler and Chris Kennedy