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Oasis was a British rock band that emerged as the next big thing in the early 1990s. In England, that was true. Formed in Manchester in 1991, they became known for being at the forefront of the Britpop movement in the 1990s. The band was initially formed by Liam Gallagher (vocals), Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs (guitar), Paul “Guigsy” McGuigan (bass guitar), and Tony McCarroll (drums), soon joined by Liam’s older brother, Noel Gallagher (lead guitar and vocals), who became the band’s primary songwriter. Oasis released seven studio albums, with (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? being among the best-selling albums of all time. They are known for hits such as “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” and “Champagne Supernova.” The band’s history was marked by their massive success and well-publicized controversies, including internal conflicts, leading to their break-up in 2009. Despite this, Oasis left a lasting legacy on the British music scene and worldwide.
Liam Gallagher
Liam Gallagher was born in Manchester, England on September 21, 1972. He was the lead vocalist for Oasis, which he co-founded in 1991. Known for his distinctive singing voice, charismatic yet often controversial public persona, and on-stage bravado, Gallagher became one of the most recognizable figures of the Britpop movement in the 1990s. With Oasis, he contributed to the band’s explosive rise to fame and their reputation as one of the leading rock bands of their generation ofter unfairly compared to The Beatles, or at least I thought it was unfair.
As the frontman of Oasis, Liam’s powerful and emotive vocal style was a key element of the band’s sound, driving their most successful songs, including hits like “Wonderwall,” “Live Forever,” and “Champagne Supernova.” Despite the band’s internal conflicts, often involving disputes with his brother Noel Gallagher, Liam remained the band’s lead vocalist throughout its history until their split in 2009. Oasis’s success during Liam’s tenure included several multi-platinum albums and numerous awards, cementing their place in rock history.
Following the disbandment of Oasis, Liam Gallagher continued to make music. He initially formed Beady Eye in 2009 with former members of Oasis, releasing two albums, Different Gear, Still Speeding (2011) and BE (2013). After Beady Eye disbanded in 2014, Liam embarked on a successful solo career. His debut solo album, As You Were (2017), received critical acclaim and commercial success, followed by Why Me? Why Not. (2019) and C’mon You Know (2022). These works have allowed him to continue cultivating his musical identity and legacy, proving his enduring appeal and talent.
Beyond his musical career, Liam Gallagher is known for his distinct fashion sense, often headline-grabbing statements, and philanthropic efforts, including supporting various charitable causes over the years. Despite the controversies and tumultuous moments in his career, Gallagher’s impact on music and culture remains significant, with a dedicated fanbase and a lasting influence on rock and Britpop. His journey from a council estate in Manchester to international stardom is a testament to his talent, resilience, and unique place in the music world.
Noel Gallagher
Noel Gallagher, born on May 29, 1967, in Manchester, England, is a prominent musician and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist, principal songwriter, and occasional lead vocalist of the British rock band Oasis, which he joined in 1991. His brother, Liam Gallagher, was the band’s lead singer. Noel’s contributions to Oasis were fundamental, as he wrote the majority of the band’s hits, including “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” and “Champagne Supernova,” helping to define the sound and success of the band during the Britpop era.
Noel’s time with Oasis was marked by his melodic and lyrical compositions, which combined elements of British rock with his own unique storytelling and wry sense of humor. His songs often explored themes of love, longing, and the British working-class experience, resonating with a wide audience and earning critical acclaim. However, his tenure with the band was also known for its tumultuous relationship with his brother Liam, contributing to the band’s eventual breakup in 2009.
Following the dissolution of Oasis, Noel continued to make music, forming Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds in 2011. This solo project allowed him to further explore his musical interests and songwriting, leading to several successful albums, including the self-titled “Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds,” “Chasing Yesterday,” and “Who Built the Moon?” These works have continued to receive commercial success and critical praise, showcasing his evolution as a musician and his enduring impact on the music industry.
In addition to his successful career in music, Noel Gallagher is known for his wit, often making headlines for his candid interviews and public statements. He has remained a significant figure in the music world, not only for his contributions to Oasis but also for his ongoing solo work and collaborations. Noel’s legacy is not just as a member of one of the 1990s’ most iconic bands but also as a respected artist in his own right, continuing to influence and inspire with his distinctive approach to songwriting and music production.
Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs
Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, born on June 23, 1965, in Manchester, England, is known as a founding member and rhythm guitarist for Oasis. Arthurs was a critical part of the band’s classic lineup, contributing to their distinctive sound from the band’s formation in 1991 through his departure in 1999.
Arthurs played on several of Oasis’s most successful albums, including their debut “Definitely Maybe” (1994), the critically and commercially acclaimed “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” (1995), and “Be Here Now” (1997). His contributions to these albums helped Oasis become one of the leading figures in the Britpop movement, characterized by their melodic guitar-driven sound and the incorporation of classic British rock influences.
After leaving Oasis in 1999 during the recording of their fourth album, “Standing on the Shoulder of Giants” (2000), to spend more time with his family, Arthurs kept a relatively low profile. However, he continued to be involved in music, working on various projects and occasionally performing live. He has collaborated with different artists, including former bandmate Liam Gallagher and other musicians from the Manchester music scene.
Despite his departure from Oasis and the more reserved public persona, Arthurs’s contributions to the band’s early success have left a lasting impact. His work with Oasis during their formative years helped to shape the sound of Britpop and the broader British music landscape in the 1990s. Known for his solid and reliable rhythm guitar work and his role in one of the UK’s most iconic bands, “Bonehead” remains a respected figure in the world of rock music.
Paul “Guigsy” McGuigan
Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, born on June 23, 1965, in Manchester, England, is best known as a founding member and rhythm guitarist for the British rock band Oasis. Arthurs was a critical part of the band’s classic lineup, contributing to their distinctive sound from the band’s formation in 1991 through his departure in 1999. His rhythm guitar playing provided a solid foundation for many of Oasis’s biggest hits and was instrumental in creating the band’s signature anthemic sound.
Arthurs played on several of Oasis’s most successful albums, including their debut “Definitely Maybe” (1994), the critically and commercially acclaimed “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” (1995), and “Be Here Now” (1997). His contributions to these albums helped Oasis become one of the leading figures in the Britpop movement, characterized by their melodic guitar-driven sound and the incorporation of classic British rock influences.
After leaving Oasis in 1999 during the recording of their fourth album, “Standing on the Shoulder of Giants” (2000), to spend more time with his family, Arthurs kept a relatively low profile. However, he continued to be involved in music, working on various projects and occasionally performing live. He has collaborated with different artists, including former bandmate Liam Gallagher and other musicians from the Manchester music scene.
Despite his departure from Oasis and the more reserved public persona, Arthurs’s contributions to the band’s early success have left a lasting impact. His work with Oasis during their formative years helped to shape the sound of Britpop and the broader British music landscape in the 1990s. Known for his solid and reliable rhythm guitar work and his role in one of the UK’s most iconic bands, “Bonehead” remains a respected figure in the world of rock music.
Tony McCarroll
Tony McCarroll, born on June 4, 1971, in Levenshulme, Manchester, England, is primarily known as the original drummer for the British rock band Oasis. He was part of the band’s initial lineup that emerged from the Manchester music scene and was instrumental in the early development of their sound. McCarroll’s drumming is featured on Oasis’s debut album, “Definitely Maybe” (1994), a record that played a significant role in the Britpop movement and catapulted the band to international fame.
His tenure with Oasis was relatively brief yet impactful; McCarroll’s straightforward and energetic drumming style suited the band’s early raw and direct sound. “Definitely Maybe” includes some of Oasis’s most beloved tracks, such as “Live Forever” and “Supersonic,” and McCarroll’s contributions to these tracks helped to define the band’s sound during their formative years. Despite his role in this critically acclaimed album, McCarroll’s time with Oasis came to an end in 1995 due to internal conflicts within the band, particularly with the Gallagher brothers, and differing views on the musical direction of the group.
After parting ways with Oasis, McCarroll largely stayed out of the spotlight. His experiences and perspective on the band’s early years are documented in his autobiography, “Oasis: The Truth,” which provides an insight into the band’s rise to fame and the dynamics that led to his departure. The book is a valuable account from one of the key figures in the band’s early history, offering a firsthand look at the behind-the-scenes workings of one of the most important bands in British rock history.
Alan White
Alan White replaced Tony McCarroll in 1995 as the drummer and played on the band’s subsequent albums from “Morning Glory” to “Heathen Chemistry” (2002). White’s tenure with Oasis is marked by his contributions to some of the band’s most critically acclaimed works. He left the band in 2004 and has since played with various other artists.
Gem Archer
Gem Archer joined Oasis as a rhythm guitarist in 1999, following the departure of Bonehead. He contributed to the band’s later albums and became an essential part of their sound post-2000. After the band broke up, Archer joined Beady Eye and later played in Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.
Andy Bell
Andy Bell joined Oasis in 1999 as the bassist after the departure of Guigsy. He was previously the guitarist and songwriter for the band Ride. With Oasis, he contributed to their later albums and was part of the band until their breakup. Post-Oasis, Bell reunited with Ride and also played with Beady Eye.
Complete List Of All Oasis Band Members article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
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