Cover photo by Studio 321
Oasis has reunited after 16 years and is currently hosting the 'Oasis Live '25 Tour,' which is being hailed as one of the largest tours in British history. However, behind the scenes, there is significant friction between the band and media outlets.
The conflict arose when the band demanded that professional photographers return the rights to their photos to the band one year after the photos were taken. As a result, major agencies like Getty Images and AP have completely refused to cover the tour.
A 'Usage Limit' Imposed on Press Photography
Traditionally, press photography has been used as a 'cultural archive,' allowing for indefinite use in past articles and retrospectives. The condition proposed by Oasis—returning copyright one year after the photos are taken—challenges this long-standing practice at its core.
In an era where AI-generated fake images are rampant, the value of press photography as a reliable primary source has never been higher. This restriction is seen as a direct challenge to the freedom of the press.
Where Do We Draw the Line Between Artists and the Press?
The Oasis tour incorporates media elements, such as projecting past newspaper articles before the live performances. However, at the same time, it imposes restrictions on press photographers, creating a contradiction.
Artists featured in news are both subjects of press coverage and individuals with publicity rights. The question of where to draw the line between documentation and publicity is now under scrutiny.
What Should We Protect Through Photography?
For events and live performances, it is crucial to confirm usage conditions and copyright ownership in advance. Photographers must also equip themselves with ways to protect their own creative expressions.
Whether it is for journalism or art, photography holds the power to 'document.' This is why the values of freedom of expression and the dignity of creation are worth protecting.
