A couple unknowingly acquired a legendary piece of Oasis real estate when they purchased an abandoned train station back in 2007.
Tim Collis and his husband Ryan Phelps bought a derelict Victorian master house and waiting room at Cromford Railway Station in Derbyshire, completely oblivious to the fact that it featured on the cover art for Oasis’ iconic 1995 single ‘Some Might Say’.
Despite being an Oasis fan, Collis said it was only after they spotted the artwork for the Number One single inside the Grade II-listed property that they realised how significant it was, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Following the news that Liam and Noel Gallagher would be reforming for their ‘OASIS LIVE ’25’ UK and Ireland reunion tour – in addition to North American that have just been announced – Collis said more fans have been making the pilgrimage to the site.
“The guy who was selling it to us never even mentioned it, but he must have known because he had the photo,” he said.
“We’ve had a lot of Oasis fans coming over the last couple of years and we’ve seen a big surge since the reunion was announced too. It’s gone berserk. It’s gone supersonic, pardon the pun.”
He added: “We’ve even had the artist who took the photo come here. Apparently it was a black and white photo which he coloured to make it more atmospheric.”
Collis added that many fans come to the holiday cottage to recreate the cover – which features Liam with a watering can and Noel waving from the bridge above the platform. “We warn our guests about it just so they don’t wonder what’s going on, but they are all fine about it,” he said. “Some want to borrow a wheelbarrow and we’re only too happy to help.”
However, the pair said they weren’t able to get reunion tickets, but said they “should get Liam and Noel back and do a swap and give them the cottage for the night in exchange for tickets”.
“They could come and stay and have a rock and roll party – that would be great,” Collis added. “Usually it costs £249 to stay for two nights but I think we could accommodate them if they wanted to revisit the scene of one of their biggest singles.”
The couple purchased the property back in 2007 for £390,000. They renovated the building for £140,000 and opened it as a holiday cottage in 2009.
The restoration and conservation efforts even brought King Charles to the property for a visit in 2011.
Michael Spencer Jones is the photographer behind the iconic single cover, which was shot in January 1995, who was also behind their ‘Definitely Maybe’ album art.
Last month, an Oasis superfan who was gifted a special ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?’ gold disc by Liam offered to return it in exchange for tickets to the band’s reunion tour.
In other news from Oasis, the band have confirmed that the controversial dynamic pricing structure will not be applied to North American reunion tour dates.