Why Super Furry Animals Turned Down Oasis and U2 Support Slots: Inside Their First Interview in Nearly a Decade

Super Furry Animals open up about declining Oasis and U2 support gigs, share tour plans, and celebrate the 20th anniversary of ‘Love Kraft’.

If you’re a fan of ‘90s and 2000s alternative rock, you know Super Furry Animals as one of those magical bands who carved their own quirky path. So, imagine my excitement diving into their first interview since 2016, where they spill the beans on why they said no to supporting Oasis and U2—two colossal acts of the era. Plus, they share stories about scrapes with Bruce Springsteen’s drummer and their plans for a 20th-anniversary reissue of their fan-favorite album Love Kraft. Let’s unpack this nostalgic yet fresh chapter of their journey.

Saying No to The Big Leagues: Oasis, U2, and Glastonbury Pyramid Stage

Most bands would jump at the chance to open for legendary groups like Oasis or U2 or play Glastonbury’s iconic Pyramid Stage. But the Welsh five-piece, true to their independent spirit, took a different route.

Frontman Gruff Rhys revealed in a chat with Uncut that they turned down Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage spot during their Rings Around The World era (2001). The reason? Their sound guy was on holiday in France and just couldn’t make it work. Talk about bad timing!

As for Oasis, the band was invited to support them during the legendary 1996 Loch Lomond shows but declined because, humorously, they were billed below The Bootleg Beatles. “We were below The Bootleg Beatles on the bill,” Rhys said, which must have felt like a bit of a comedown for a band pushing their own creative edge.

The potential U2 tour didn’t materialize either, with Gruff explaining that “the flat fee they offered couldn’t cover our expenses.” It’s a stark reminder that even huge tours have their budget limits, and not every deal makes sense financially—especially for bands that pride themselves on artistic freedom.

Super Furry Animals in full flight during a Cardiff show, August 2025

A Brass Section Brouhaha with Bruce Springsteen’s Drummer

If you think band drama is confined to the stage, think again. Rhys recounted a memorable clash with Max Weinberg, Bruce Springsteen's drummer and bandleader on Late Night With David Letterman. The SFA crew asked Weinberg’s brass section to join them for a gig in New York, which didn’t sit well with the drummer.

“We weren’t trying to poach his brass section, but he flew into our dressing room … it was unpleasant,” says Rhys. It’s the kind of backstage tension that fans often miss but adds a bit of rock’n’roll spice to the story.

Celebrating Love Kraft: The 20th Anniversary Reissue

Fast forward to 2025, and Super Furry Animals are gearing up to mark two decades since the release of Love Kraft (2005), arguably one of their most beloved albums. The reissue drops on October 24 and comes packed with goodies: double vinyl, 2CDs with a 22-track bonus CD titled Kiss Me With Apocalypse, and digital formats.

What made Love Kraft stand out was the band’s democratic spirit—it was the first time every member contributed songs and lead vocals. According to Gruff, “it was just the band evolving” and didn’t feel forced at all. Fans who’ve followed their evolution will agree that this album felt like a natural maturation in their sound.

If you want to pre-order or pre-save the album, it’s available through official links from the band.

The ‘Supacabra’ 2026 UK and Ireland Tour: A Live Comeback

After a long hiatus from live shows since 2016, Super Furry Animals are hitting the road again with their 2026 Supacabra tour. Starting May 6 in Dublin at the 3Olympia Theatre, they’ll travel through Glasgow, Llandudno, Cardiff, Manchester, and finish off with back-to-back shows at London’s O2 Brixton Academy on May 22 and 23.

Here’s a quick look at their confirmed dates:

Super Furry Animals 2026 Tour Dates

• May 6 – Dublin, 3Olympia Theatre*
• May 8 – Glasgow, The Barrowlands*
• May 9 – Glasgow, The Barrowlands*
• May 14 – Llandudno, Venue Cymru*
• May 15 – Llandudno, Venue Cymru*
• May 16 – Cardiff, Utilita Arena**
• May 21 – Manchester, O2 Apollo*
• May 22 – London, O2 Brixton Academy***
• May 23 – London, O2 Brixton Academy****

*Supported by Getdown Services
**Supported by Getdown Services and Melin Melyn
***Supported by Honeyglaze
****Supported by The Bug Club

If you want to grab any remaining tickets, they’re still available through official ticket platforms.

A Glimpse at New Music: ‘Rock N’ Roll Flu’

Adding to the excitement, the band recently shared one of four previously unreleased tracks from the Love Kraft reissue titled “Rock N’ Roll Flu.” Featuring lead vocals from drummer Dafydd Ieuan, the track offers a fresh yet nostalgic vibe.

Tune in to the official visualizer for “Rock N’ Roll Flu” here:

Wrapping Up the Super Furry Animals Comeback

From politely declining headline support slots with Oasis and U2 to gearing up for a celebratory reissue and a fresh UK tour, Super Furry Animals continue to blend their unique artistry with practical decisions. Their story reminds us that sometimes the road less traveled keeps the music true to itself.

FAQ

• What were the main reasons Super Furry Animals turned down Oasis and U2?
  They felt the Oasis support was awkward since they were billed below The Bootleg Beatles, and the U2 offer's flat fee didn’t cover their expenses.
• Why did Super Furry Animals reject Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage?
  Their sound engineer was on holiday in France and couldn’t support the show technically.
• Is there a new release from Super Furry Animals?
  Yes, the 20th anniversary reissue of Love Kraft is coming out on October 24, including bonus material and digital formats.
• When is their next tour?
  The Supacabra UK and Ireland tour kicks off May 6, 2026, starting in Dublin and ending in London on May 23.
• Are there any new songs available from the band?
  Yes, they released “Rock N’ Roll Flu,” a previously unreleased track from the Love Kraft sessions.

If this article has reignited your love for the band or their iconic albums, why not bring a touch of that magic into your space? Shop your favorite album cover poster from our store and keep the vibe alive: Architeg Prints.