Culture Clash: Oasis Vs The Mardi Gras!

United Kingdom | | 09 July 2002

They are both massive celebrations of National Pride, one for the gay community, the other for that sector of our population that likes to drink 12 pints in an eve and sing from the terraces in not quite perfect harmony. Accept them - they're a fact of life. It's probably genetic.

Both of these events happened in the same town on the same night. As disparate as they may have seemed at the time, the joyous revelers emerged with smiles on their faces and ultimately came together in a beautiful meeting of mud, which was to adorn the Capital's public transport network as a glorious tribute to our modern, cosmopolitan society. Right?

Let's take a closer look...

1) The Clientelle

Oasis are often referred to as the lowest common denominator in rock, for their rudimentary approach to chord structures, melody and, it would seem, life in general. Their fans are similarly unburdened with the complexities of a higher existence, and are noted for their contentment with life's simple pleasures like beer and three chord wonders. Just don't make eye contact.

Your average Mardi Gras punter simply doesn't exist. This is not a festival for the generic. The emphasis is on individual impact. Visually, we want bright colours or outrageous attire. These people are not afraid to stroll around Stratford Train Station in just a leather g-string. The on-site bars were remarkably empty, and beer was the least popular option, under wine and Red Square (vodka/ energy drink). Conversation is less to do with football, and more to do with the shade of mascara worn by Atomic Kitten's Jen. Give up a cigarette and you may get a kiss on the cheek instead of a thump. We did.

2) Artistic Glamour

When performing to an Oasis crowd, you will be looking out upon a sea of kagoul-style anoraks - most of which will be drab khaki green, brown or grey. Under such circumstances, it's perfectly acceptable to amble on-stage sporting the kind of beard and attire that our friend Ebbot Lundberg, pictured here, wore onstage with his band The Soundtrack of Our Lives, when supporting Oasis.

The Mardi Gras crowd, however, are a far more judgemental bunch. Consider the lovely Jenny here, from Atomic Kitten. Had she performed on the main stage with anything less than perfect white teeth, immaculately styled hair and eyebrows, baby-soft skin and designer garb, there would have been an uproar.