Oasis Tribute Concert Unites Bangkok in Wake of Devastating Earthquake (English Version)

Originally published on RTE.ie (April 1, 2025)

Words by Mike Finnegan

In the harrowing hours following Bangkok’s most devastating earthquake to date—a shocking disaster that tore through Thailand’s capital city from the 7.7 magnitude earthquake’s epicenter in neighbouring Myanmar—high-rises across the city were reduced to rubble or evacuated due to structural damage threatening collapse from imminent aftershocks. The bustling city of Bangkok sat in a state of fearful paralysis; its globally celebrated spirit seemingly lost among the growing list of missing souls of the day.

Jula Dolsuklert, co-founder of one of Bangkok’s most beloved live music institutions, Decommune, knew what his community needed to heal from a day laden with fear and anxiety: a night of live rock and roll catharsis

While the majority of the sprawling city boarded up their doors, Decommune kept theirs wide open for the small army of impassioned musicians navigating Bangkok’s cracked and chaotic streets, determined to uplift spirits with the music of Oasis, Queen, and The Arctic Monkeys.

‘At first, I was concerned about the safety, because everywhere in Bangkok was at risk. But we had the structure of the building checked, and everything was okay,’ Decommune’s Jula Dolsuklert said. ‘People were already stressed enough, so we decided the party must go on! That’s just Rock ‘n’ Roll!’

While the majority of the sprawling city boarded up their doors, Decommune kept theirs wide open for the small army of impassioned musicians navigating Bangkok’s cracked and chaotic streets, determined to uplift spirits with the music of Oasis, Queen, and The Arctic Monkeys.

‘At first, I was concerned about the safety, because everywhere in Bangkok was at risk. But we had the structure of the building checked, and everything was okay,’ Decommune’s Jula Dolsuklert said. ‘People were already stressed enough, so we decided the party must go on! That’s just Rock ‘n’ Roll!’

While my taxi cruised down the eerily empty four-lane highway towards the venue, occasionally diverting down side streets, avoiding strips of upended infrastructure, I watched the pale, expressionless faces of hundreds of passengers stuck in stand-still traffic in the opposite lanes, anxiously attempting to go somewhere, anywhere, far away. Their eyes had the same frantic-yet-paralytic gaze I witnessed as a boy in New York following the 9/11 attacks; a collective look of widespread panic I hoped to never see again.

As Decommune was only 10-15 minutes away from the Chatuchak building collapse, Bangkok’s deadliest event of the day, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived.

Would anyone even turn up?

Was it worth the risk to enter the very heart of the city’s destruction?

As I paced down the long corridor leading to Decommune’s event space, the escalating second-guesses pinballing around my mind were slowly drowned out by the growing sounds of cheers, laughter, and familiar guitar riffs pouring through the speakers with palpable passion.

Every ounce of hope and faith in the immense power of live music was reaffirmed the moment I entered the venue and gazed over the sea of grinning faces. On stage, Oasis tribute band, RunBabyRun, were pouring their souls into a stirring rendition of ‘Acquiesce’, reviving the city’s spirit with every poignantly apt line: 

(Acquiesce - Oasis)

Arm-in-arm, or thrown towards the sky, the packed crowd belted every lyric right back at the dedicated band, and to the strangers beside them, and most importantly, to their hurting city beyond. Once again, the music of Oasis has helped soothe and inspire a city thrown into chaos and tragedy; uniting frightened masses through energetic, life-affirming Rock ‘n’ Roll.

‘The recent earthquake didn’t just cause physical devastation; it left a deep emotional impact on everyone affected. The fear it brought was something entirely new for our country—we never imagined something like this could actually happen.’ RunBabyRun Bassist Oat Chatrapol Fakyen reflected. ‘In that moment, it wasn’t just the audience that needed healing—we did too. Music allowed us to release our emotions, and the crowd did the same. Together, we shared something powerful. That’s the beauty and magic of music—it connects, heals, and uplifts us all.’

Lead singer, James Sekson Seegasetkoon added, ‘In times of crisis, people need something to hold on to—something that helps them push through. Music has always been that remedy, a source of healing for the soul. When the world feels heavy, live music brings people together, reminding them they’re not alone. Singing together, sharing emotions—it’s a way to find strength in each other and turn pain into something powerful.’

Following RunBabyRun’s electrifying Oasis tribute, Big Joe and Voodoo Boy channeled the spirit of Freddie Mercury and Queen with a set of classics, engaging with the rejuvenated crowd. Arctic Monkeys tribute, Medium Rare, stepped up next with a confidence-inducing set to cap-off the night, completing an inspiring rock trifecta that propped up their crestfallen people.

As one of the longest days in Bangkok’s recent history came to an end, and Decommune called it a night, not a single frown could be spotted leaving the venue as they headed back towards the uncertainty of tomorrow. Between Decommune’s courage to keep their doors open, the dedication displayed by the night’s musicians, and RunBabyRun’s thoughtful execution of Oasis’ uplifting music—the communal power of live music had worked its magic. Those who took part in the restorative night will undoubtedly stand a little bit taller in the daunting days to come.

‘The spirit of rock and roll never fades, and Oasis is proof of that. Their music carries an undeniable energy—lyrics filled with meaning, melodies that inspire, and a sound that never fails to uplift. Their music doesn’t just entertain; it empowers and heals.’

Through this seemingly small endeavor, something truly monumental was achieved. It became evident that Bangkok’s resilient spirit would prevail through the darkness of tragedy and chaos— guided by the light that shines behind her eyes.