Nearly three decades after it first captured the spirit of a generation, Umbro is bringing back one of its most iconic pieces: the 1996 Drill Top, famously worn by Liam Gallagher during an Oasis’ gig at Maine Road.
In April 1996, at the peak of Oasis’ meteoric rise, Liam Gallagher took the stage at Manchester City’s then-home ground wearing a simple yet striking Umbro Drill Top. That moment not only immortalised the garment but also symbolised the deepening bond between music, football, and youth culture. Now, with Oasis recently reuniting for a series of gigs this summer, the timing of this reissue couldn’t be more perfect.
The 1990s were a defining era for British football culture, with Euro ’96 playing a pivotal role in shaping the decade’s fandom. Football fever swept the nation, with England’s stirring campaign on home soil stirring a renewed sense of pride and cultural identity. At the same time, the Gallagher brothers, both ardent Manchester City fans, were redefining British music with their raw, swaggering sound. The image of Liam in his Umbro Drill Top at Maine Road fused football fashion with rock ‘n’ roll attitude, setting a blueprint for generations to come.
Umbro’s influence in that period was immense. Their kits adorned the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and the England national team, making Umbro a household name not just on the pitch but on the terraces and in the streets. The Drill Top became a staple for young football fans growing up during that era—symbolising authenticity, pride, and a love for the beautiful game.
Now, Umbro has gone back to its roots, meticulously recreating the 1996 Drill Top stitch-for-stitch. Crafted from 100% cotton drill and garment-washed for that lived-in feel, the reissue stays true to the relaxed, boxy silhouette of the original. The ribbed collar and cuffs retain their distinctive shape, while the contrast V-neck and forearm inserts preserve the top’s unmistakable ‘90s aesthetic. Details such as cut-and-sew seams, twin-needle stitching for durability, and the iconic stacked Diamond embroidery alongside the Pro Training patch round out the authentic design.
Helene Hope, Head of Global Brand Marketing at Umbro, reflected on the top’s significance:
“The appearance of the Umbro Drill Top on the stage at Maine Road in 1996 was truly iconic. There aren’t many moments in time that can lay claim to shifting the culture of football in such a seismic way. That’s why, after almost 30 years, we’re so pleased to be able to bring the Drill Top back, faithfully recreating the original for fans of both football and music to enjoy once more.”
To complement the reissue, Umbro is launching a full capsule collection including Drill Pants, a T-Shirt, Shorts, and a Bucket Hat—each styled in the unmistakable colour palette that evokes that unforgettable moment in football and music history.
The Umbro Drill Top and accompanying capsule collection are available now at prodirectsport.com/lifestyle.
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