As I train and Tube myself across England to see the Oasis reunion tour, I think about how these musicians go to the shows. Yes, even rock stars have to deal with transportation woes or are progressively promoting non-auto modes of travel. From trains rides to on-foot scrambles, musicians heading to their own gigs sometimes find themselves just as vulnerable to traffic and transit chaos as the rest of us. And while their journeys are occasionally glamorous (private jets, backstage tunnels), they’re also reminders of how unpredictable and human mobility can be.
Noel Gallagher Takes a Train to His Own Concert
Noel Gallagher of Oasis (and the reason Parkicity’s Peter Richards is in England) recently took a train to their inaugural reunion shows in Cardiff, Wales. Gallagher was spotted arriving at the station alongside fans, opting for a no-frills, low-carbon journey that was faster than taking the tour bus. His decision to skip the tour bus underscored a growing trend of artists embracing public transport over private travel
Niall Horan Walks to His Toronto Show
In June 2024, Niall Horan of One Direction was stuck in Toronto traffic en route to his solo show at Scotiabank Arena. The gridlock was so bad, he ditched the car and walked the final stretch, luggage and all. Fans spotted him crossing streets in broad daylight, looking more like a tourist than a touring artist. And while the show went on (eventually), it was a textbook case of last-mile failure and a quiet endorsement of pedestrian infrastructure.
Tube Tales: Celebrities Riding London’s Jubilee Line
Some stars keep things decidedly ordinary by riding public transit to their shows at the O₂ Arena:
- James Blunt, in February 2025, quietly took the District and Jubilee Lines to his sold-out O₂ gig, wearing a cap and blending in perfectly.
- Jay-Z, joined by Chris Martin from Coldplay and Timbaland, took the Jubilee Line from Waterloo to North Greenwich ahead of his 2013 concert.
- Rihanna, Jonas Brothers, and Mel B have also been spotted on the Tube en route to the O₂.
Tour Emissions Tracking
Many artists actively promote greener travel:
- Radiohead and Coldplay have encouraged fans to use public transport for concerts.
- Coldplay also features a Tour Emissions update on their website, including fan incentives to travel via low‑carbon options.
Why Does This Matter?
There’s something disarming about famous artists encountering the same transit snags as everyone else. But it also speaks to broader truths:
- Traffic congestion doesn’t discriminate.
- Well-designed, reliable public transport is often faster than car travel in urban centres.
- The last mile matters – whether it’s a fan on foot or a headliner on the move.
For cities thinking about event mobility, wayfinding, walkability, and transport integration aren’t just for attendees — they’re for everyone involved in the show..