Oasis
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Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and characters that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s. In this article, we introduce Oasis, the Manchester juggernaut whose anthems, attitude, and sibling rivalry propelled them to the pinnacle of Britpop and beyond.
Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and, of course, the music that defined a decade. It captured the restless energy of the country and signalled a wave of optimism across the UK that had been missing for years.
Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: who they were, where they came from, and what they made. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there, or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.
Overview
Originated in: Manchester, England
Active years: 1991–2009 / 2024–present
Associated genres: Rock, Britpop
Record labels: Creation / Epic / Columbia / Sony / Big Brother / Reprise
Members: Liam Gallagher – lead vocals / Noel Gallagher – lead guitar, vocals / Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs – rhythm guitar (1991–1999) / Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan – bass (1991–1999) / Tony McCarroll – drums (1991–1995) / Alan White – drums (1995–2004) / Gem Archer – rhythm guitar (1999–2009) / Andy Bell – bass (1999–2009)Formation and Early Years
Oasis formed in 1991 in Manchester, evolving from an earlier band called The Rain, which featured Paul Arthurs, Paul McGuigan, and Tony McCarroll.
Liam Gallagher joined as lead vocalist, and the band changed their name to Oasis, inspired by an Inspiral Carpets tour poster.
The pivotal moment came when Noel Gallagher joined as lead guitarist and sole songwriter, imposing a focused vision of success and transforming their sound.
Their early years were marked by relentless gigging, the release of the Live Demonstration tape, and their eventual signing to Creation Records in 1993 after impressing Alan McGee at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow.
Rise to Prominence
Oasis released their debut single, "Supersonic," in 1994, marking their arrival with an electrifying mix of rock ‘n’ roll swagger and anthemic energy.
Their debut album, Definitely Maybe (1994), became the fastest-selling debut album in UK history, featuring tracks like "Live Forever" and "Cigarettes & Alcohol."
The band quickly became a cultural phenomenon, defined by their raw sound, compelling personalities, and the intense media coverage of the Gallagher brothers.
Commercial Success and Albums
(What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (1995): The breakthrough album that solidified Oasis as the kings of Britpop, with timeless anthems like "Wonderwall" and "Don’t Look Back in Anger." It became the fifth best-selling UK album of all time.
Be Here Now (1997): A record-breaking release that sold 696,000 copies in its first week but faced a mixed critical reception over time.
Don’t Believe the Truth (2005): Marked a critical resurgence, featuring hits like "Lyla" and "The Importance of Being Idle," and heralded as their best work since Morning Glory.
The Reunion and New Chapter
After years of speculation, Oasis announced their reunion in 2024, ending a 15-year hiatus. The news of their Oasis Live '25 Tour sparked excitement worldwide.
Former members like Bonehead, Gem Archer, and Andy Bell are rumoured to rejoin the Gallagher brothers for the tour. While no new album has been confirmed, Liam Gallagher teased new material, calling it “some of Noel’s best work.”
The announcement coincided with the 30th-anniversary reissue of Definitely Maybe, which re-entered the charts alongside other Oasis classics, demonstrating their enduring influence.
Notable Facts
Record-Breaking Knebworth Shows: Oasis played to 250,000 fans over two nights in 1996, the largest audience for an outdoor concert in UK history.
Fastest-Selling Debut: Definitely Maybe shattered records, becoming the fastest-selling debut album in British history at the time.
Enduring Appeal: The 2024 reissue of Definitely Maybe topped charts again, showing the band’s timeless relevance.
Defining Lyric
"Lately, did you ever feel the pain?" — Live Forever
Discography
Definitely Maybe (1994)
(What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
Be Here Now (1997)
Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000)
Heathen Chemistry (2002)
Don’t Believe the Truth (2005)
Dig Out Your Soul (2008)
Essential Listening
"Wonderwall" (1995): The definitive Britpop anthem that remains beloved worldwide.
"Don’t Look Back in Anger" (1995): A singalong classic, uniting fans at gigs and festivals alike.
"Live Forever" (1994): A statement of defiance and hope, setting the tone for their meteoric rise.
Why You Should Be Listening to Oasis Now
Oasis embodied Britpop’s spirit with their anthemic songs, sharp confidence, and a legacy that continues to inspire new generations. As they prepare for their triumphant return, there’s no better time to revisit the band that defined a decade.
See you on down the road.
