Happy Mondays star Bez believes the Oasis reunion has "given us a push as well".

The Britpop legends returned to the stage last year for their first tour in 16 years, and the 62-year-old dancer and DJ, who was a prominent figure in Manchester's Madchester scene, says the Gallagher brothers' comeback has brought renewed attention to the city's music scene.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, he said: "We're lucky enough to be part of that Manchester scene which, at the time, grew so big it was unbelievable.

"We've got that legendary status from that time, and of course Oasis coming back last year helped all things Manchester again, so I think that's given us a push as well."

Reflecting on attending the Oasis Live '25 tour last year, Bez added: "It's absolutely incredible, the phenomenon of Oasis.

"I was actually blown away by it all, both to see them at Heaton Park and to see hordes of young people all running around. It was just an incredible moment."

The renewed excitement surrounding the band is set to continue after the Live Forever rockers recently announced their Oasis Live '27 tour.

Demand has been enormous, with additional dates added to the schedule.

The tour will include a six-night residency at Knebworth, setting a new record for the most shows performed at the estate and surpassing Robbie Williams' three-night run in 2003.

Frontman Liam Gallagher recently sent Oasis fans into a frenzy after seemingly hinting that the band could be working on a new album.

The singer, who frequently sparks speculation with cryptic social media posts, replied to a fan on X who claimed Oasis had "SEVEN great albums", writing: "8 including the new 1, I mean happy birthday. (sic)"

The comment comes as Gallagher continues to fuel hopes of new music following the Oasis Live ’27 tour. Responding to another fan on X, he said: "Listen if all goes well with the tour I guess next step is to have a chat about new music. Can’t see us touring again unless we have new music."

Fans have spent years calling for new material, particularly after Gallagher previously admitted that the pressure to match the band's '90s catalogue would be "too much". When one fan pleaded for another album, he responded: "NO I’m just not prepared for the criticism if it doesn’t sell 100 million copies in the 1st hour… let’s just do some gigs and be happy thank you (sic)."

Oasis' legacy continues to loom large, with songs such as Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back in Anger and Champagne Supernova helping define an era. Gallagher has repeatedly acknowledged the enormous expectations surrounding any new material, even joking that the band would "split up again" if they attempted another album.

The group's last studio album, Dig Out Your Soul, was released in 2008, a year before Oasis broke up following a backstage altercation between Gallagher and his brother Noel Gallagher.