THE DREAMS WE HAD AS CHILDREN
Words and photos by Carmen Vidal
I want to share a simple joy with you, my friends: the joy of dreams coming true.
You see, when I was a girl—13 or 14— I discovered a band. A band that some might say (myself included) is the greatest band in the world: Oasis. This band defined my teen years and made me feel like somewhere out there, there was a place for me—a place where I belonged.
“While we’re living
The dreams we have as children fade away”
You see, I grew up being bullied and ostracized, and even though that eventually passed, it was Oasis—their anthemic lyrics, their powerful music, and the Gallagher brothers’ rock 'n' roll star attitude—that kept me aspiring to be just as creative as them, just as cool and confident, just as unapologetically myself.
They were more than a band to me; they were my passion. And that passion helped me cultivate confidence within myself, to dream big and imagine a hopeful future.
Years passed and—to no one’s surprise—the band split up. I grew up, and my life took turns I had never imagined. My passions changed. My dreams shifted from what I once considered fantastical to what seemed achievable. My childhood dreams faded away—not in a haze of sadness, but in a mist of practicality.
Now, as an adult, I see the life I created for myself, and I can honestly say I’m proud of it. I built a career that brings me satisfaction. I bought a house that keeps me safe and warm. I created a community that brings me joy. I started a zine that gives me purpose. All in all, a very happy, very accomplished life—more than many could ever dream of.
My dreams no longer included traveling to the UK to see Oasis live among ardent fans who shared my passion. I was grown, and I had made peace with letting that dream fade away, just like so many others I’d let go of over the years.
But on August 27, 2024, one announcement changed everything: my favorite band in the world was reuniting for a tour!
All my dreams came rushing back, filling my heart with something I hadn’t felt in a long time—something that reminded me of who I was, or more accurately, who I am at the core of my soul. I am someone guided by passion, unafraid to be cringe about what she loves. I am someone who sings with every breath of her soul, no matter who’s around. I am someone who will beg, steal, and borrow to make her dreams come true. It’s who I’ve always been, and the Live ’25 tour reminded me of that.
From staying up for 14 hours to get tickets to the Edinburgh show, to constantly checking airfare prices for months to find the most affordable option, to working my ass off all damn year so my sister and I could enjoy this trip guilt-free—I proved it again.
I am a force of nature, and when the opportunity arises, I will do anything to make my dreams come true.
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The day finally came. I traveled to London—the city I dreamed of visiting as a child. I went to museums and saw the works of masters I studied in college, art I never thought I’d see in person. I rode the "Tube" and napped in a park by the River Thames. I had fish and chips and a beer in a pub. I took a sleeper train through the English countryside and was reminded that, at one point in my life, this was all I could ever dream of.
I saw castles—real castles—and visited Loch Ness. I met a Highland cow and her calf. I learned so much about Scotland and its history, a country I never, ever thought I’d visit.
I saw my favorite band and sang their songs with my whole chest alongside 70,000 people singing just as loudly. I close my eyes and can still feel the cool breeze on my cheeks, the strum of Noel’s guitar vibrating in my chest, and Liam’s voice ringing in my ears. I was finally where I truly belonged, living my dream life—and it was as real as this moment right now.
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It was an unforgettable experience that reminded me how powerful dreams are. It reminded me that no dream is ever too far gone. I am not too naïve to believe that making my wildest dreams come true is possible—fuck practicality!
This experience taught me that dreams will always find their way back to you.
With this newfound certainty, only one question remains: what other dreams have I left behind? I know there are passions I’ve forgotten, begging me to be brave enough to come find them. This tour was more than music—it was me reaffirming my ability to manifest the life I want.
And I’m so excited to continue dreaming, to continue creating my dream life.