“Don’t Look Back in Anger” is a song by Oasis, released in February 1996 as the fifth single from their second studio album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?. It became one of the band’s most iconic anthems, featuring a blend of Britpop, rock, and classic rock influences, with a strong resemblance to the sound of The Beatles.
This song is notable for being the first Oasis single with Noel Gallagher on lead vocals, who had previously only sung lead on B-sides, instead of his brother Liam. Lyrically, it’s open to interpretation, but it carries themes of nostalgia, regret, and hope, encouraging listeners to move forward without bitterness. The famous opening lines, “Slip inside the eye of your mind”, reflect Noel’s abstract yet poetic songwriting style.
The song features a soaring chorus, piano-driven verses, and a climactic guitar solo, drawing comparisons to John Lennon’s “Imagine” due to its similar piano progression. The music video, filmed in a grand English manor, features the band performing in a surreal, almost dreamlike setting, reinforcing the song’s nostalgic feel.
“Don’t Look Back in Anger” was a major commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and becoming one of Oasis’s signature songs. Over time, it has grown into a cultural anthem, particularly in Britain, often played at major events and memorials, symbolizing unity and resilience—most notably after the 2017 Manchester Arena attack.
The music video for “Don’t Look Back in Anger” was directed by British director Nigel Dick and was filmed at 1145 Arden Road in Pasadena, California. It features Patrick Macnee, the actor who played John Steed in the 60s TV series The Avengers.