Sotheby's Auctions Portrait of Gallagher Brothers Ahead of Oasis Reunion Concerts

Sotheby's will auction a 1996 portrait of Liam and Noel Gallagher, the brothers who formed Oasis, ahead of the band's reunion tour. The painting, "Liam + Noel (Gallagher)" by Elizabeth Peyton, is estimated to be worth between £1.5 million and £2 million. Oasis debuted in 1994 and achieved international success with their second album "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" in 1995, selling 22 million copies worldwide. The band separated in 2009, but announced a reunion tour in August.

Sotheby's will auction a 1996 portrait of Liam and Noel Gallagher, the brothers who formed the iconic band Oasis, ahead of the band's reunion tour. The painting, titled "Liam + Noel (Gallagher)" by Elizabeth Peyton, is estimated to be worth between £1.5 million and £2 million. The auction is set to take place on June 24 in London [1].

Oasis, known for their Britpop hits, debuted in 1994 with their album "Definitely Maybe." They achieved international success with their second album, "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" released in 1995, which sold 22 million copies worldwide. The band separated in 2009 due to the volatile relationship between Liam and Noel Gallagher, but they announced a reunion tour in August 2024 [2].

The painting, based on a promotional photograph taken in 1995, captures a moment of intimacy and repose between the brothers. It is one of four paintings that Peyton made of the Gallagher brothers, with one of them in the permanent collection of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The painting being auctioned is expected to be a significant draw for collectors, given its historical and cultural significance [1].

The auction comes at a time when Oasis is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. The band's reunion tour, starting in Cardiff on July 4, has generated immense interest, with fans eager to witness the brothers performing together again. The tour is predicted to be the most popular and profitable in British music history, with fans expected to spend over £1 billion on tickets, accommodation, food, drink, outfits, and merchandise [1].

Antonia Gardner, head of Contemporary Evening Sale at Sotheby's, described the painting as a "beautiful circular moment" that "has come full circle." She noted that the painting was made on the eve of Oasis' historic 1996 Knebworth gigs and is now returning to the market on the eve of their reunion tour [1].

References:
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jun/13/noel-liam-gallagher-oasis-elizabeth-peyton-painting-auction
[2] https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025:newsml_L8N3SJ13F:0-portrait-of-gallagher-brothers-to-be-auctioned-before-oasis-reunion-gigs/