Teen Sentenced for Planning Southport-Inspired Bomb Attack at Oasis Cardiff Show

An 18-year-old’s chilling plan to bomb an Oasis reunion concert echoes a dark moment in recent UK history.

A Disturbing Plot Unveiled

When I first came across the news of an 18-year-old sentenced for plotting a bomb attack at an Oasis concert, it sent a shiver down my spine. As a fan of both pop culture and music heritage, the idea that such a legendary band’s reunion show could be targeted was almost unimaginable. Yet, McKenzie Morgan from Cwmbran, Torfaen, had a sinister plan that was inspired by tragedy.

Morgan has been sentenced to 14 months in a young offenders’ institute after pleading guilty to possessing an al-Qaeda training manual. This wasn’t just some reckless teenage fantasy—his intent was alarmingly clear and rooted in a violent ideology.

Oasis, the Britpop legends known for their anthems, performing live. CREDIT: Big Brother Recordings

The Horrific Inspiration: Southport Attack

Morgan’s plan was notably influenced by the fatal attack at a children’s Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport in 2024. The tragedy, carried out by Axel Rudakubana, left a dark mark on the nation’s consciousness. It’s hard to forget how that senseless act shook communities, especially since it targeted a joyful gathering filled with kids.

The teen openly admitted wanting to carry out a “Rudakubana-style attack,” focusing his sights on the opening night of Oasis’s much-anticipated reunion tour. This event took place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on July 4—a date that should have been about celebration and music.

The crowd at Cardiff Stadium. CREDIT: Jordan Pettitt/PA Images via Getty Images

The Plot Thickens: Dangerous Preparations

According to prosecutors, Morgan reportedly tried to make ricin—a highly lethal toxin—and even sent a photo of a large knife for sale to a friend, casually asking, “would this work?” It’s deeply unsettling how detached the planning felt, as if it was just another item on a checklist.

His arrest came after a concerned individual saw alarming content on Snapchat and alerted the police. Initially, Morgan was released on bail, but a closer look into his phone revealed banned al-Qaeda documents, detailed instructions on knife attacks, and images of Rudakubana. The evidence painted a chilling picture of a young man ensnared by violent extremism.

Legal Proceedings and Sentence

Morgan was rearrested on June 19, 2025, charged, and appeared in court two days later. During questioning, he admitted to searching for, saving, and reading the al-Qaeda training manual. He pled guilty to a single charge of possessing a terrorist manual, which the Crown Prosecution Service declared as “likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.”

This sentence, 14 months in a young offenders’ institute, might seem short for some, but it reflects the complexities of youth, ideology, and the law’s approach to terrorism-related offenses in young adults.

Remembering the Southport Attack’s Victims

Axel Rudakubana’s attack was brutal, injuring 10 people, including eight children, and leaving a community scarred by grief. The severity of his crime was reflected in the minimum 52-year prison sentence he received in early 2025.

This connection between Rudakubana’s violence and Morgan’s attempted mimicry reminds us how dark influences can ripple through society, shaping dangerous intentions in vulnerable minds.

Reflecting on the Music and the Moment

Oasis’s reunion tour symbolized something bigger—a celebration of iconic Britpop, nostalgia, and community. The thought that this joyous occasion was nearly marred by violence is a stark reminder of the challenges facing public gatherings today.

Music has always been a unifier, a source of hope and expression. When it becomes a target, it’s not just about the event—it’s an attack on shared culture and memories.

“Morgan planned to bomb the opening night of Oasis’ long-awaited reunion tour... and said he wanted to carry out a ‘Rudakubana-style attack’.” – Prosecutor Corinne Bramwell

FAQ

• What was McKenzie Morgan convicted for?
  Morgan was convicted for possession of an al-Qaeda training manual, which he admitted to having with intent related to terrorism.
• What inspired Morgan’s plan?
  His plan was inspired by the fatal 2024 attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport by Axel Rudakubana.
• Where was the planned attack supposed to take place?
  At the opening night of Oasis’ reunion tour at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on July 4.
• How was Morgan caught?
  Police were alerted by an individual who saw concerning content on Snapchat, leading to Morgan’s arrest and further investigation.
• What was the sentence given to Morgan?
  He was sentenced to 14 months in a young offenders’ institute.

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