Back in the late 1990s, Oasis was at the height of their fame, and their third album, Be Here Now, was one of the most eagerly anticipated releases in music history.

Fans across the world queued for hours to grab their copies on release day, and for some, the memories of that day have stuck with them ever since.

For one fan in particular, it was an especially unforgettable moment – Michael Elmes from Wroughton was the first person to buy the album in his town, proudly holding up his copy outside HMV on August 21, 1997. He even received a special certificate from the store for being the first in line.

This nostalgic snapshot of ‘90s Britpop glory has stirred up memories among Oasis fans.

Jenny Bowley recalled her own experience of pre-ordering the album from Sound Knowledge in Marlborough, and rushing straight home to immerse herself in it.

Like so many others, the excitement of the day had her hooked on Oasis.

Another fan, Stephen Musty-Jackson, reminisced about getting the bus from college just to grab his copy of the band’s third album.

For many fans, Be Here Now was more than just music – it was an event, a cultural moment that still resonates with them.

Some replies took a more humorous tone. Marc Adair joked, “Best of luck getting hold of him… he’s probably still in the queue on the phone lines!”

And John Taylor added some classic British dry wit, suggesting Michael might still be disappointed with the album, which had a polarizing reception at the time.

Among the responses, there were even hints about Michael’s whereabouts.

Craig Preston suggested heading to a Swindon home game, noting that with “20 odd regulars,” Michael would be easy to spot.

Meanwhile, Paul Hill offered a heartfelt connection, remembering Michael from school and adding a personal touch: “I was very good friends with his brother, David Elmes. Their father still farms Costow Farm on Wharf Road.”

The thread of comments continued to fill up with personal anecdotes and quips, with some fans reminiscing about other indie bands like Blur and Pulp, highlighting the rivalry that defined the Britpop era.

Robert DG shared his preference for Blur and Pulp but acknowledged the massive impact Oasis had. Meanwhile, Anthony Jones shared a unique memory from the Falkland Islands, where a friend had a copy of Be Here Now sent down, and they “listened to it non-stop!”

As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that the release of Be Here Now was a shared moment of connection for so many. Fans like Ralph Austin vividly recalled it being their 16th birthday on that very day, heading up to the shop to buy their copy.

Despite the mixed reviews and initial disappointment that followed the album’s release (it was famously criticized for its bloated sound and overproduction), for the fans who waited outside record stores and listened to the album on repeat, Be Here Now holds a special place in their hearts.

It’s a symbol of a time when physical music releases were still an event, and queuing outside record stores was a rite of passage for music lovers.

As Oasis remains one of the most beloved bands in British music history, these memories of Be Here Now resurface with nostalgia and humor.

As we look forward to a potential Oasis reunion, these stories remind us of the timeless power of music and how it brings people together, generation after generation.