Oasis (band)

Oasis (band)
Raph_PH · CC BY 4.0 · source
Name	Oasis
Caption	Oasis performing at Knebworth Festival in 1996
Origin	Manchester, England
Genre	Rock, Britpop
Years active	1991–2009
Label	Creation Records, Epic Records, Columbia Records, Big Brother Recordings
Associated acts	Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Beady Eye, The Rain
Website	oasisinet.com

Oasis (band). Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991, who became one of the most prominent acts in the Britpop movement of the 1990s. Founded by guitarist and principal songwriter Noel Gallagher and fronted by his brother, vocalist Liam Gallagher, the group's classic lineup also included guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, bassist Paul McGuigan, and drummer Tony McCarroll. Renowned for their anthemic guitar rock, chart rivalry with Blur, and tumultuous internal dynamics, Oasis achieved global success with albums like Definitely Maybe and (What's the Story) Morning Glory? before disbanding in 2009.

History

The band evolved from an earlier Manchester group called The Rain, with the Gallagher brothers solidifying the lineup in 1991. After attracting the attention of Creation Records founder Alan McGee following a performance at Glasgow's King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, they released their record-breaking debut album Definitely Maybe in 1994. The mid-1990s saw them reach superstardom with the global phenomenon (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, leading to historic concerts at Maine Road and the Knebworth Festival. Internal strife, including the departures of Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs and Paul McGuigan in 1999, marked their later years, though they continued to release albums like Heathen Chemistry and headline major events such as Glastonbury Festival and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Following a backstage altercation before a 2009 show at Rock en Seine in Paris, Noel Gallagher announced his departure, leading to the band's dissolution.

Musical style and influences

Oasis's music is fundamentally rooted in guitar rock, characterized by loud, distorted guitars, simple chord progressions, and direct, melodic songwriting. Their sound was heavily indebted to 1960s British Invasion acts, most notably The Beatles, whose influence is evident in their vocal harmonies and melodic structures. Other key inspirations included the glam rock of T. Rex, the punk energy of The Sex Pistols, and the Madchester scene. While often seen as the archetypal Britpop band, their later work incorporated elements from psychedelic music and experimented with more expansive production, drawing comparisons to artists like The Chemical Brothers and The Verve.

Band members

* Liam Gallagher – lead vocals, tambourine (1991–2009) * Noel Gallagher – lead guitar, backing and lead vocals, chief songwriter (1991–2009) * Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs – rhythm guitar, keyboards (1991–1999) * Paul McGuigan – bass guitar (1991–1999) * Tony McCarroll – drums, percussion (1991–1995) * Alan White – drums, percussion (1995–2004) * Gem Archer – rhythm and lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (1999–2009) * Andy Bell – bass guitar, rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (1999–2009) * Zak Starkey – drums, percussion (2004–2008) * Chris Sharrock – drums, percussion (2008–2009)

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)

Legacy and cultural impact

Oasis left an indelible mark on British popular culture, defining the sound and attitude of the 1990s Britpop era alongside rivals like Blur and Pulp. Their albums Definitely Maybe and (What's the Story) Morning Glory? are frequently cited among the greatest British records of all time by publications like NME and Q. The band's influence extends to numerous subsequent artists, including The Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, and The Killers. The post-Oasis careers of the Gallagher brothers, with Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Liam Gallagher's solo work, continue to command significant commercial success and critical attention, sustaining their legacy in 21st-century music.

Category:English rock musical groups Category:Britpop musical groups Category:Musical groups from Manchester