Excitement was palpable in Central District, a lively neighborhood and Manchester's shopping hotspot on Friday, July 11. It was just hours before the first of five Oasis concerts in the English city, which seemed to revolve around this event alone. Under a scorching sun, Liam and Noel Gallagher's faces were everywhere: Posters were plastered on buses, lampposts and shop windows, while their hits played in every pub and store.

Advertising slogans from car and clothing brands riffed on lyrics from "Rock'N'Roll Star" or" Live Forever." Most of all, the city buzzed with an extraordinary parade of T-shirts featuring the band, worn by a diverse crowd – fans of all generations, proud and happy to celebrate the return of their Britpop heroes.

That night at Heaton Park, Oasis played a real homecoming show. While Cardiff in Wales had been the first stop for the band's reunion on July 4 and 5, the Manchester concerts – in the Gallaghers' native city – were the crowning moment of their comeback. Here, the famously unruly brothers were considered demigods. While Manchester boasts a rich musical heritage, from New Order to The Smiths and The Stone Roses, none have climbed the ladder of success as high as its champion, Oasis.

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