Effigies of Noel and Liam Gallagher on full Reason for the burnt at the stake as fallout from Oasis ticket sale takes a fiery turn

 

In a surprising twist to the annual Bonfire Night festivities in Edenbridge, Kent, effigies of Liam and Noel Gallagher, the iconic brothers from the band Oasis, were set ablaze. This event, which commemorates the thwarted Gunpowder Plot of 1605, took a contemporary turn, reflecting public discontent with ticketing practices in the music industry.

A Tradition of Symbolic Burnings

Every November, the Edenbridge Bonfire Society engages in the time-honored tradition of burning effigies, often targeting figures of political or public scorn. Past bonfire victims have included a range of controversial

politicians, from Boris Johnson to Donald Trump, as well as high-profile celebrities like Wayne Rooney and Harvey Weinstein. This year, however, the focus shifted to the Gallagher brothers, ignited by the outrage surrounding the ticket sales for Oasis’s potential reunion shows.

Ticketing Turmoil

The decision to include the Gallaghers in this year’s festivities was a direct response to the uproar over the recent ticket sales, marred by dynamic pricing strategies and technical issues that frustrated many fans. The Edenbridge Bonfire Society articulated their motivations clearly on social media, explaining their desire to broaden the scope of their event beyond politics.

“We wanted to appeal to a wider audience,” they stated, referencing the widespread dissatisfaction among Oasis fans. The controversy surrounding Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing model—where ticket prices fluctuate based on demand—had drawn significant ire, leading the Society to lampoon both the ticketing giant and the band.

A Symbolic Protest

The Gallaghers were described as mere “puppets” in this narrative, used to highlight the broader issue of ticket pricing and the perceived exploitation by large corporations. The Edenbridge Bonfire Society opted for a playful yet pointed approach, opting to depict Ticketmaster with a “money-emoji,” signaling a collective sentiment against corporate greed that resonates with many music fans across generations.

The reaction from the Gallagher brothers has been measured, with their management distancing them from the controversial ticketing practices, emphasizing that while dynamic pricing can help combat scalping, it often leaves fans feeling frustrated.

Cultural Commentary

The burning of the Gallagher effigies serves not only as a dramatic spectacle but also as a commentary on the intersection of celebrity culture, consumer rights, and the music industry. In a time when fans are increasingly vocal about their experiences, such events reflect a cultural moment where collective dissatisfaction is voiced through traditional forms of protest.

Edenbridge’s decision to include celebrities in their bonfire night festivities illustrates a broader trend where public figures—once untouchable—are increasingly held accountable for their roles in contentious societal issues. This year’s bonfire not only commemorated history but also ignited discussions about fairness and transparency in the ticketing world.

As the flames consumed the effigies of Liam and Noel Gallagher, the message was clear: in the world of music, even the most beloved figures are not immune to the flames of public criticism when they symbolize larger systemic issues. The Edenbridge Bonfire Society’s celebration, steeped in tradition, morphed into a poignant reminder of the complexities of fandom in the modern age.