The Definitive Timeline of Supersonic
Introduction
Released in April 1994, "Supersonic" was the introduction of Oasis to the wider music world and the catalyst for the Britpop movement’s rise. Written and recorded at speed, the single established the band's raw approach and Noel Gallagher’s direct songwriting style. Just as significant as the music was the timing: at a moment when UK guitar bands were fighting for cultural relevance, "Supersonic" charted a course for Oasis that would quickly turn them from Manchester outsiders into international figures. Its energetic debut, distinctive lyrics, and unpolished production not only set the tone for the album that followed, Definitely Maybe, but made "Supersonic" a constant in live setlists for decades. The song’s continued reissues, covers, and recognition by fans and media confirm its standing as one of the key singles of 1990s British music.
The Timeline
1991
The Real People released their self-titled album, which would become a key influence on the Manchester indie and Britpop scenes. Noel Gallagher credits The Real People with providing advice and direct guidance during Oasis’s early phase.
Oasis formed in Manchester under the name The Rain. The original lineup consisted of Liam Gallagher, Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan, and Tony McCarroll. Noel Gallagher later joined as chief songwriter and lead guitarist. The band’s musical development was rooted in the local Manchester sound and helped by ongoing interactions with The Real People.
June 1992
Oasis was scheduled to make their first television appearance on ITV’s Telethon, but the performance was never broadcast, keeping the band’s exposure limited to Manchester.
May 1993
After playing a now-notable set at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow, Oasis signed with Alan McGee of Creation Records.
Late 1993
Oasis spent time at Monnow Valley Studios in Wales, recording early versions of material for their debut album, Definitely Maybe. The front cover for the "Supersonic" single was shot at Monnow Valley Studios.
The band issued a promotional 12-inch of "Columbia". This was circulated for industry and radio use ahead of their official debut.
16 December 1993
Oasis performed at The Krazy House in Liverpool, supporting The Real People—a direct nod to their ongoing relationship with the band that heavily influenced them.
19 December 1993
"Supersonic" was written and recorded in a single day at The Pink Museum Studio (later The Motor Museum) in Liverpool. Creation Records had initially booked the session for "Bring It On Down" or "I Will Believe", but technical and performance issues led to a change of plan.
Noel Gallagher claims varying timelines for writing the song, stating "half an hour", "ten minutes", or as much as six hours including mixing. The rest of the band were reportedly eating Chinese takeaway during its composition.
Engineer Dave Scott recalls the entire recording and mixing session lasted 11 hours.
Liam Gallagher delivered his final vocal in one take.
Tony Griffiths of The Real People provided five layers of Beatles-inspired harmony backing vocals.
The final mix used was a monitor mix produced on the same day—this was never re-recorded.
The lyric "I know a girl called Elsa, she's into Alka-Seltzer" was inspired by Dave Scott’s Rottweiler, Elsa.
The total session cost was approximately £100.
"Supersonic" is noted as the only Oasis song constructed and written in studio, not brought in ready before the session.
9 March 1994
Oasis performed "Supersonic" live at Gleneagles Hotel. A recording of this performance was later issued as the B-side to the UK "Live Forever" single.
18 March 1994
The band made their first official television appearance performing "Supersonic" on Channel 4's The Word, three weeks before the single’s official UK release.
5 April 1994
"Supersonic" released in Ireland as Oasis’s debut single.
11 April 1994
Official release of "Supersonic" in the UK on Creation Records.
17 April 1994
"Supersonic" entered the UK Singles Chart at number 31 and peaked in its first week.
23 April 1994
"Supersonic" spent its peak week at number 31 on the UK Singles Chart.
30 April 1994
The single debuted at number three on the UK Independent Singles Chart and reached number 92 on the European Hot 100 Singles chart.
14 July 1994
Epic Records Japan released a CD extended play (EP) version of "Supersonic" exclusively for the Japanese market.
29 August 1994
"Supersonic" was included as the sixth track on Oasis's debut album, Definitely Maybe, released by Creation Records.
11 September 1994
US release of "Supersonic" issued by Epic Records.
1 October 1994
"Supersonic" debuted on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart at number 33 and entered the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart.
End of October 1994
"Supersonic" had logged 215 plays across 38 different American radio stations.
December 1994
The track became the most-played song on WENZ Cleveland radio station by the end of the year.
10 December 1994
Peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
24 December 1994
Reached number 38 on the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart.
14 January 1995
"Supersonic" remained on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart until this date, totalling 16 weeks.
February 1995
Japanese EP sales of "Supersonic" crossed 25,000 copies.
1 July 1995
The single re-entered the UK Independent Singles Chart, peaking at number two.
1995–1997
"Supersonic" remained on the UK Singles Chart for 60 weeks, including periods following the release of Oasis’s second album, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?.
2000
The single was reissued in the UK by Big Brother Recordings.
19 April 2014
Remastered 12-inch issue of "Supersonic" for Record Store Day released by Big Brother Recordings.
October 2016
"Supersonic" sales surpassed 240,000 copies in the UK, establishing it as the band’s 14th best-selling single.
12 April 2024
30th anniversary reissue of "Supersonic" released on CD and a limited edition, numbered and pearl-coloured 7-inch vinyl. The reissue reached number 42 on the UK Singles Chart.
2024
"Supersonic" certified double platinum by the British Phonographic Industry.
Music Videos
Two official music videos were produced: the original UK version was shot on the roof of a warehouse on Euston Road, London (now an Access Self Storage facility). The US market video was filmed during the band's first American tour following shows at Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles.
Legacy
"Supersonic" remained a fixture in Oasis's live setlists from its release until the band's final shows in 2009. The song was performed at nearly every major Oasis concert, including prominent festival appearances and headline sets, and its live delivery became synonymous with the band’s raw sound and attitude. A live version recorded at the Gleneagles Hotel on 9 March 1994 was issued as a B-side to "Live Forever."
The song’s influence extended to a new generation of artists. The Struts released a live cover of "Supersonic" in 2023. In 2024, American band Sponge also issued a cover version. At Rock en Seine 2009, Bloc Party performed the opening riff of "Supersonic" in recognition of Oasis’s split on the night of the festival.
"Supersonic" is frequently cited in retrospectives about Britpop and 1990s British indie music for its uncompromising energy and originality. The Real People’s involvement in its creation became a point of reference for artist collaborations in the era.
Q magazine placed "Supersonic" at number 20 in its 2005 list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks. NME ranked it number 25 among the 50 Greatest Indie Anthems Ever in 2007.
In August 2024, Paste ranked "Supersonic" fifth among the greatest Oasis songs. Rolling Stone placed it at number three in its own 2024 ranking. These later recognitions show the song's ongoing influence and relevance in popular and critical discourse.
By 2016, "Supersonic" had sold over 240,000 copies in the UK and by 2024 achieved double platinum status with the British Phonographic Industry. The 30th anniversary reissue returned the song to the UK Singles Chart, confirming its sustained popularity.
"Supersonic" has maintained a persistent cultural presence, referenced by other musicians, covered by diverse artists, and celebrated in media more than three decades after release. The song is widely regarded as a pivotal work that helped launch the Britpop movement and reaffirm Manchester’s status in British musical history.
