What’s a true mark of success? Some might say superyachts or private jets, but others would argue that true power can fit right in your pocket. The black Amex card is one such status symbol, a coveted asset that speaks volumes, and one few can refuse. Oasis, the legendary rock band of the 1990s, learned this lesson early on, particularly British musician and songwriter Noel Gallagher. At the height of Oasis’ success, Noel proudly flaunted his black Amex card, proving just how far he had come.
During an interview with talkSPORT, Noel, a key figure in the Britpop movement, casually remarked that his exclusive card with no spending limit could buy anything he wanted, from a Boeing 747 to a house, showing the world that success wasn’t just about fame, but also financial clout. He went on to say that he could literally go out and buy a home on a whim, and that he had many whims. The ‘Wonderwall’ hitmaker even flashed the card during the 2007 BRIT Awards, making a point to the head of the BRIT Awards, who was offended when the band, despite winning multiple awards, refused to play. The official had said, ‘This will ruin your career.’ Noel, being Noel, made his point with the exclusive Black card, stating, ‘You need to earn a ridiculous amount of money every year to get one.’ And we couldn’t agree more: when you have an invite-only card offered only to the highest spenders, you have certainly reached a pinnacle in life.
Interestingly, more than a decade later, Oasis, after their dramatic breakup, are set for a reunion concert series. The tour will kick off on July 4, 2025, with 17 dates across Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Dublin, plus two additional shows at London’s Wembley Stadium in September. Expected to be the biggest U.K. and Ireland concert launch ever, more than 10 million fans from 158 countries are vying for the few hundred thousand tickets, says Variety.
However, many fans were left frustrated by Ticketmaster’s ‘in-demand’ pricing, which skyrocketed ticket costs due to overwhelming demand. While the tickets sold out in no time, those with an Amex Centurion card can try their luck with their card’s concierge. After all, the coveted service is known for turning the impossible into the possible—who knows, they might help you get a spot on the tour along with private jet reservations.
A true treasure, the American Express Black Card-
The Amex Centurion Card, aka the Black Card, is an invite-only blessing bestowed upon the rich, and rarely so. Only 20,000 Centurion cardholders revel in its privileges worldwide, compared to the 141.2 million Amex cards issued. That’s just 0.0142%, which only puts the exclusivity in perspective. Sure, it gets you into private airport terminals, but for those who fly in lavish private jets, that’s hardly a selling point. What really helps is the Centurion Concierge, which, like a nimble assistant, handles everything from arranging private tours for families anywhere in the world to scoring hard-to-get concert tickets, as seen with Oasis’ upcoming concert.
The cardholders keep smiling after shelling out a one-time $10,000 initiation fee plus an annual $5,000 whether you use the card or not. Exquisite gifts like a Sofia Cashmere travel set, Bottega Veneta and Tom Ford card cases, or bottles of Dom Pérignon with Baccarat crystal flutes or Tiffany crystal ice buckets aren’t uncommon either. Interestingly, while Noel Gallagher couldn’t get enough of showing off his Amex card, the fact is that publicly commenting on it, posting about it on social media, or even just flashing it around is frowned upon.
