Ages since their last new material - bar a rather obvious greatest hits collection - seemingly settled into early middle-aged domestic routine and challenged by a new generation of talented wannabes, it seemed to some that the House of Gallagher was moving steadily over the hill.
Heck, some even dared suggest the band were not the live force they once were and might struggle to fill the nation's arenas.
Well, what did they know. The current tour completely sold out in less than an hour and new album Dig Out Your Soul this week became the fastest seller of the year, with 100,000 copies shifted on the first day.
The band's return to Sheffield Arena last night - the venue where they played their first mega-gig, back in spring 1995 - had the feel of some sort of homecoming.
With no Manchester appearances on the current schedule - they must be saving something up - plenty of punters had passed over the Pennines to be here and the pre-gig atmosphere was more football derby than rock show.
After all, it isn't often that the hardcore have the chance to worship at the altar of the boys from Burnage.
Of course there's interest in the new stuff - Liam's I'm Outta Time sounds like a real favourite already, The Shock Of The Lightning packs a kick, and there are a few quirky choices to please the faithful (like The Masterplan, a long standing Noel favourite).
But we all know the stuff we really want to hear.
The eternal opening rush of Rock And Roll Star, Cigarettes And Alcohol, Morning Glory, Supersonic, Champagne Supernova and a chance to sing ourselves hoarse on Wonderwall and Don't Look Back In Anger - these are the songs that made the Oasis legend.
And if you really think this is the sound of a band past their prime, 12,000 fans in the Don Valley might just want to take you outside and have a quiet word.
Mike Russell.





READ MORE
Main news index
Your letters.
Features
Check out the very latest on South Yorkshire's roads - including live traffic cameras on Sheffield's commuter routes - with our Traffic section
Latest sport.