Oasis

 

Past Members:
Guitar: Alan White
Drums: Paul “Guigsy” McGuigan
Bass: Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs
Tony McCarroll

 

The ever confident Oasis started life in a way that has shaped their whole career. Shirking the idea of self promotion they gigged relentlessly until on day they were spotted by Creation records boss Alan McGee AT THE King Tuts Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow and the rest, as they say is history. McGee signed them on the spot despite the fact they had never recorded a demo, he saw real potential and went for it. His instinct was confirmed with the success of their aggressive pop 1994 single ‘Supersonic’. Classic singles ‘Shakermaker’, Live Forever’ and ‘Cigarettes And Alcohol’ followed and the Brit Pop legend was born.

 

Taking their influences from British talent The Beatles, The Who and The Kinks as well as modern bands like The Stone Roses and The Las, Oasis combined reassurance in their abilities with a loyal growing fanbase.  1994 saw Oasis’ debut album ‘Definitely Maybe’ become the fastest selling debut in British history. (What’s The Story) Morning Glory, released in 1995 took things even further and singles like ‘Whatever’, ‘Wonderwall’ and ‘Some Might Say’ have gone on to stand the test of time.

 

At this time rivalry between Oasis and Blur was started to boil over, egged on by various members of the music press, culminating in the 1995 fight for the number one spot between Blur’s ‘Country House’ and Oasis’ ‘Roll With It’. Blur emerged the victors, but the battle was close and the slanging matches continued. 1997 saw the scene explode, as Brit Pop started to lose some of it sheen, hated by some, loved by the faithful the arrogant pomp of ‘Be Here Now’ split fans into factions, and ‘some might say’ the bands spark never recovered.

 

1998 Bside album Masterplan, offered a chance to look back, showcasing a wealth of songs that would put most other bands Asides to shame. Including songs like simple acoustic number ‘Talk Tonight’ alongside sweeping orchestral led ‘Acquiesce’ and ‘Half The World Away’, which became the theme to British sitcom The Royle Family.  Bonehead lost his mother and decided that it was time to leave, Guigsy wasn’t far behind. Following even more infighting between the already turbulent Gallagher brother the band took a break. At times brothers Noel and Liam had almost come to blows on stage, Liam had suffered from problems with drinking, both retreated to their mansions and it seemed it was all over.

 

They returned even more assured with ‘Standing On The Shoulder’s Of Giants’ in 2000 featuring loud mouth anthems ‘Go Let It Out’ and the intense ‘Gas Panic’ it was a clear leap forward. 2002’s ‘Heathen Chemistry’ was for some a considerable leap back with the rather lack lustre ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ and Liam’s attempt at song writing ‘Songbird’.

 

‘Don’t Believe The Truth’ saw a remarkable return to form and gave them back their missing spark, ‘Lyla’ and ‘Let There Be Love’ proved that the Brit pop casualties had definitely still got it and will probably be knocking out great records for some time to come.