Introduction
In the pantheon of British rock, few bands have left as indelible a mark as Oasis. Born from the gritty streets of Manchester, this iconic group not only dominated the 1990s music scene but also became the flag-bearers of the Britpop movement—a cultural phenomenon that revitalised British music and swagger. Their story is one of meteoric rise, sibling rivalry, and songs that have become anthems for generations.
Oasis emerged at a time when British music was in dire need of a fresh identity, and they delivered it with a mixture of bravado, timeless melodies, and a working-class ethos that resonated with millions. Their debut album, Definitely Maybe(1994), didn’t just make a splash—it was a tsunami, smashing records as the fastest-selling debut in UK history at the time. Tracks like “Supersonic” and “Live Forever” captured the raw energy and defiance of youth, marking the arrival of a band that was both a commercial juggernaut and a cultural force.
But Oasis wasn’t just about the music. They were a phenomenon—driven by the combustible chemistry between brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, whose public spats and contrasting personas only added to the band’s allure. The Gallaghers’ rivalry, as infamous as it was entertaining, became a key part of the Oasis mythos, embodying the volatility and passion that characterised their music.
Oasis’s journey was one of soaring highs and turbulent lows. While their initial success was unmatched, the pressures of fame, internal conflict, and the ever-changing music landscape eventually led to their decline. Yet, even as they disbanded in 2009, the legacy of Oasis endured, influencing countless bands and remaining a touchstone in British cultural history.
In the beginning…
The story of Oasis begins long before their rise to fame, rooted in the tough, working-class environs of Manchester—a city with a rich musical heritage that had already given birth to the likes of The Smiths, Joy Division, and the Madchester scene. At the heart of Oasis were the Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, whose tempestuous relationship would become as legendary as their music.
Liam Gallagher, the younger of the two, was born on 21 September 1972, and Noel on 29 May 1967, to Irish parents Thomas and Peggy Gallagher. The brothers grew up in the Burnage area of Manchester, where life was far from easy. Their father was abusive, leading their mother to leave him, taking the boys with her. This turbulent upbringing would later be reflected in the raw emotion and defiance that characterised much of their music.
Music didn’t come naturally to either brother at first. While Noel found solace in playing the guitar during his teenage years, Liam was more interested in football and fashion. However, the city’s vibrant music scene, particularly the success of bands like The Stone Roses and The Inspiral Carpets, began to have an influence on them. Noel, in particular, was heavily inspired by the anthemic quality of these bands, as well as the timeless songwriting of The Beatles—a band whose impact on Oasis cannot be overstated.
In 1991, after a brief stint working as a roadie for The Inspiral Carpets, Noel returned to Manchester to find that his younger brother had joined a local band called The Rain. Despite Liam’s limited musical experience, he had a natural charisma and a voice that, though unrefined, was full of potential. The Rain consisted of Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs on guitar, Paul “Guigsy” McGuigan on bass, Tony McCarroll on drums, and Liam as the frontman. While they had the raw energy of a rock band, they lacked the direction and songwriting talent to stand out.
Noel, with his ambition and a growing collection of original songs, saw an opportunity. After attending one of their early gigs, he agreed to join the band on the condition that he would become the leader and principal songwriter. With Noel onboard, The Rain transformed into Oasis, a name suggested by Liam after seeing it on a tour poster for The Inspiral Carpets.
The addition of Noel was the turning point for the band. His influence was immediate, bringing a clear sense of purpose and direction. Noel’s songwriting prowess, combined with Liam’s distinctive voice and the band’s gritty, no-nonsense attitude, set them apart from the countless other bands emerging from Manchester at the time. They quickly began to develop their sound—a fusion of rock ‘n’ roll, punk attitude, and melodic hooks, all tinged with a Mancunian swagger.
Their early gigs in and around Manchester caught the attention of the local music scene, and it wasn’t long before they were offered their first big break. In May 1993, at a gig at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow, they were spotted by Alan McGee, the head of Creation Records. Impressed by their raw energy and potential, McGee signed Oasis on the spot, setting the stage for their meteoric rise.
The origins of Oasis are a testament to the power of ambition, talent, and a bit of sibling rivalry. From the tough streets of Manchester to the brink of superstardom, the early years of Oasis laid the foundation for a band that would go on to define a generation. Their formation wasn’t just the beginning of a music career; it was the birth of a cultural phenomenon that would soon take the world by storm.
Breakthrough with Definitely Maybe (1994)
Oasis’s debut album, Definitely Maybe, wasn’t just a breakthrough—it was a seismic event in British music, signalling the arrival of a band that would dominate the decade. Released on 29 August 1994, the album became the fastest-selling debut in British history, a record it held until the release of Arctic Monkeys’ Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not in 2006. But numbers alone don’t capture the full story. Definitely Maybe was a cultural milestone, a defiant statement from a band determined to break through the noise of the early 1990s and make their mark.
The album was recorded between December 1993 and April 1994, a period marked by intense sessions that reflected both the band’s inexperience and their burning ambition. The initial recordings didn’t meet the high standards Noel Gallagher had set, leading to a series of re-recordings and remixes. Despite these challenges, the finished product was a triumph—a raw, energetic burst of rock ‘n’ roll that perfectly captured the zeitgeist of the time.
Definitely Maybe opens with “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star,” a track that immediately set the tone for the album—and indeed, for Oasis’s career. It’s an audacious anthem of self-belief, embodying the working-class dreams and aspirations that were central to the band’s identity. Liam Gallagher’s snarling vocals, combined with Noel’s punchy guitar riffs, created a powerful declaration of intent: Oasis were here to conquer.
The album’s second track, “Shakermaker,” continued in a similar vein, blending catchy melodies with a laid-back, almost psychedelic vibe. However, it was the third track, “Live Forever,” that truly showcased Noel Gallagher’s songwriting genius. “Live Forever” was a direct response to the nihilism of grunge, particularly Kurt Cobain’s lyrics in Nirvana’s “I Hate Myself and Want to Die.” In contrast, “Live Forever” was a song of hope and resilience, with its anthemic chorus and optimistic message resonating deeply with fans. It remains one of Oasis’s most beloved tracks, symbolising the band’s desire to transcend their circumstances and achieve greatness.
Another standout track, “Supersonic,” was written and recorded in a single day, encapsulating the spontaneity and confidence that defined the band. The song’s lyrics, though often nonsensical, struck a chord with listeners, and its infectious riff made it an instant classic. Similarly, “Cigarettes & Alcohol,” with its unashamed celebration of hedonism, became an anthem for disaffected youth, capturing the spirit of a generation seeking escape in music and excess.
Critically, Definitely Maybe was met with widespread acclaim. Reviewers praised its raw energy, the strength of its songwriting, and the sheer ambition behind the project. It was hailed as a breath of fresh air in a music scene that had been dominated by the introspective and often gloomy tones of grunge. In Britain, Oasis were seen as the new torchbearers of rock ‘n’ roll, bringing back the swagger and confidence that had been missing from the charts.
Commercially, the album was an unprecedented success. It debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and quickly went multi-platinum. The singles “Supersonic,” “Shakermaker,” “Live Forever,” and “Cigarettes & Alcohol” all performed well on the charts, with “Live Forever” reaching the top ten, a clear indicator of the band’s growing popularity.
Definitely Maybe wasn’t just an album; it was a manifesto. It announced Oasis as a band that wasn’t content with mere success—they were aiming for immortality.
The ‘Britpop’ Movement
Oasis’s emergence in the early 1990s coincided with a broader cultural shift in British music, known as the Britpop movement. This was a time when British bands were reclaiming the spotlight from the American grunge scene, embracing a sound and style that was distinctly British. Alongside bands like Blur, Pulp, and Suede, Oasis became a central figure in this movement, not just contributing to its success but defining much of its character.
Britpop was as much about attitude as it was about music. It celebrated British identity, drawing heavily from the sounds of the 1960s—particularly The Beatles, The Kinks, and The Who—while also reflecting the realities of working-class life in the UK. The lyrics often touched on everyday experiences, with themes of aspiration, frustration, and pride running through the music. It was a reaction against the darker, more introspective tones of grunge, offering instead a more upbeat, anthemic, and sometimes irreverent approach to rock.
Oasis embodied this spirit perfectly. Their songs were full of references to British culture, from the iconic imagery in “Live Forever” to the title of “Cigarettes & Alcohol.” Their music was a celebration of working-class life, imbued with a sense of optimism and defiance that resonated with many. Oasis didn’t just contribute to Britpop; they were its standard-bearers, representing a new wave of British music that was confident, brash, and unapologetically proud of its roots.
However, it was the rivalry between Oasis and Blur that came to define the Britpop era, culminating in what became known as the “Battle of Britpop.” While both bands were at the forefront of the movement, their styles, attitudes, and backgrounds were markedly different. Blur, hailing from the South of England and led by Damon Albarn, were often seen as more art school and middle-class, with their music reflecting a more ironic, observational take on British life. Oasis, on the other hand, with their roots in Manchester, presented themselves as the voice of the working class, with a more straightforward, raw approach.
The rivalry between the two bands reached its peak in August 1995, when Oasis and Blur released singles on the same day—Oasis with “Roll With It” and Blur with “Country House.” The media, always keen for a good story, seized on the competition, dubbing it the “Battle of Britpop.” It became a national event, with both bands’ fan bases passionately backing their favourites. In the end, Blur’s “Country House” won the chart battle, reaching number one while “Roll With It” settled for number two.
While Blur may have won that battle, the war for Britpop supremacy was arguably won by Oasis. Their subsequent album, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, released just a few months later, would go on to become one of the best-selling albums in British history, catapulting Oasis to a level of fame that Blur never quite matched. The rivalry, though often exaggerated by the media, was more than just a competition for chart positions; it was a clash of cultures, attitudes, and visions of what British music could be.
(What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
If Definitely Maybe was the album that put Oasis on the map, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? was the one that made them global superstars. Released on 2 October 1995, this second album didn’t just surpass the success of its predecessor—it redefined what was possible for British rock bands in the 1990s. Morning Glory became one of the best-selling albums of all time, and its impact was nothing short of monumental.
Recorded at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, Wales, the album was a result of the band’s growing confidence and ambition. The success of Definitely Maybe had given Oasis a larger budget and more time in the studio, and they used it to craft a record that was bigger, bolder, and more polished than anything they had done before. Noel Gallagher’s songwriting had matured, with a focus on creating anthems that would resonate across the world. The album also marked a shift in their sound, with more emphasis on melody and layered production, while still retaining the raw energy that had made them famous.
The album opens with “Hello,” a brash and confident track that immediately sets the tone. It’s followed by “Roll With It,” which, despite losing out to Blur in the “Battle of Britpop,” became an enduring anthem of resilience and defiance. But it’s the third track, “Wonderwall,” that truly cemented Oasis’s place in music history. Written by Noel and sung by Liam with an emotive, almost vulnerable delivery, “Wonderwall” became the band’s signature song. Its melancholic melody and lyrics of yearning struck a chord with listeners everywhere, and it remains one of the most recognisable songs in popular music.
The album’s other standout tracks include “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” another Noel-penned anthem that became a staple of the band’s live performances. Sung by Noel himself, the song’s soaring chorus and optimistic message turned it into a massive hit, and it’s often regarded as one of the greatest British rock songs of all time. “Champagne Supernova,” the album’s epic closer, stretched over seven minutes and featured a psychedelic soundscape that showcased the band’s ability to blend rock with more experimental influences. With lyrics that were as enigmatic as they were evocative, “Champagne Supernova” became a fan favourite and a fitting end to the album.
Critically, Morning Glory was initially met with mixed reviews, with some critics questioning the band’s move towards a more mainstream sound. However, these reservations were quickly overshadowed by the album’s massive commercial success. It debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and stayed there for 10 weeks, eventually becoming the UK’s fifth best-selling album of all time. In the United States, where British bands often struggled to break through, Morning Glory was a revelation, reaching number four on the Billboard 200 and selling millions of copies.
The album’s success propelled Oasis to new heights of fame. They were no longer just the kings of Britpop; they were global rock stars, capable of filling stadiums and dominating airwaves around the world. Their music videos were on constant rotation on MTV, and their songs became the soundtrack to the lives of a generation.
The impact of Morning Glory extended far beyond its chart performance. It became a cultural touchstone, embodying the optimism and excess of the mid-1990s. The album’s songs were ubiquitous, played everywhere from pubs to stadiums, and they resonated with a wide audience, from die-hard rock fans to casual listeners. “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger” in particular became anthems of unity and resilience, often sung by crowds at public events and gatherings.
Morning Glory also solidified the band’s place in rock history. It earned Oasis numerous awards, including the BRIT Award for Best British Album in 1996, and it continues to be regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time. Its influence can be seen in countless bands that followed, and its songs remain fixtures on radio playlists and in live performances.
The Gallagher Brothers’ Feud
The story of Oasis is as much about the music as it is about the volatile relationship between Liam and Noel Gallagher. The brothers’ dynamic—equal parts creative synergy and destructive conflict—became the stuff of rock legend, fuelling their music and, ultimately, contributing to the band’s downfall. While their sibling rivalry added a layer of intrigue and drama to Oasis’s public persona, it also revealed the deep-rooted tensions that would eventually tear the band apart.
From the outset, the Gallagher brothers were a study in contrasts. Liam, the younger of the two, was the archetypal rock star—brash, charismatic, and blessed with a voice that could convey both sneering arrogance and raw vulnerability. Noel, on the other hand, was the band’s driving force, a meticulous songwriter with a sharp wit and a clear vision of what he wanted Oasis to achieve. This combination of Liam’s magnetic stage presence and Noel’s songwriting genius was key to Oasis’s success, but it also sowed the seeds of their conflict.
The tension between the brothers was apparent even during the early days of the band. While Noel’s leadership was unquestioned due to his songwriting, Liam’s unpredictable behaviour often put him at odds with his older brother. Their arguments were notorious, ranging from petty squabbles to full-blown physical altercations. These incidents, often played out in public, became as much a part of the Oasis mythos as their music.
One of the earliest and most famous examples of their feud occurred during the recording of their debut album, Definitely Maybe. At the time, Noel’s perfectionism clashed with Liam’s more carefree approach, leading to numerous arguments in the studio. While these tensions were kept largely under control by their shared goal of making the band a success, they never truly went away.
As Oasis’s fame grew, so did the intensity of the brothers’ clashes. The pressures of international stardom, coupled with the relentless touring schedule and the temptations of rock star excess, exacerbated the already fragile relationship between Liam and Noel. Their spats became headline news, with tabloids eager to document every detail of their increasingly fractious relationship.
One of the most infamous incidents took place in 1995, just as Oasis was on the cusp of global domination. During a performance at a showcase gig in Los Angeles, Liam, apparently intoxicated, changed the lyrics to several songs to mock Noel, and even spat beer at him during the set. This led to Noel walking off stage, leaving the band in disarray. The incident was a stark illustration of how their personal animosity was beginning to spill over into their professional lives.
The tensions reached a peak during the recording of their third album, Be Here Now (1997). While the album was highly anticipated and initially well-received, the recording sessions were marred by the brothers’ constant fighting and excessive drug use. By this point, their relationship had deteriorated to such an extent that they were barely speaking, communicating only when absolutely necessary. The album’s bloated production and lack of critical focus were seen by many as a reflection of the band’s internal turmoil.
In 2000, during the recording of Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, another major bust-up occurred. The argument was so severe that it led to the departure of long-time members Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs and Paul “Guigsy” McGuigan, both of whom had grown weary of the Gallagher brothers’ incessant fighting. This marked a turning point for the band, as it signalled the end of the classic Oasis lineup.
Despite these challenges, Oasis continued to release albums and tour, but the Gallagher brothers’ relationship remained strained. Their arguments were often over creative control, with Noel feeling that Liam’s erratic behaviour was damaging the band’s reputation, while Liam resented Noel’s authoritarian approach. These tensions came to a head in 2009, just before a scheduled performance at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris. Backstage, a heated argument between the brothers ended with Noel quitting the band, stating that he could no longer work with Liam.
Noel’s departure effectively marked the end of Oasis. While the band had survived many crises before, this split felt final. The brothers’ relationship had reached a point of no return, and with Noel gone, the heart of Oasis was lost. Liam attempted to continue the band under the name Beady Eye, but it was clear that without Noel’s songwriting, the magic was gone.
The Gallagher brothers’ feud is a central part of the Oasis narrative. It was a relationship
Challenges and Decline (Late 1990s – 2000s)
Following the massive success of (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, Oasis found themselves at the peak of their powers. They were not just a band but a cultural phenomenon, and their third album, Be Here Now (1997), was one of the most anticipated releases of the decade. However, the late 1990s and early 2000s would prove to be a challenging period for the band, as the pressures of fame, creative struggles, and internal turmoil began to take their toll.
Be Here Now was released on 21 August 1997 amidst a media frenzy. The album’s lead-up was characterised by intense speculation and hype, driven in part by the band’s astronomical rise and in part by the British press’s eagerness to crown Oasis as the greatest band of their generation. The album’s release was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart and selling over 420,000 copies in its first week—a record at the time. Songs like “D’You Know What I Mean?” and “Stand By Me” received heavy airplay, and the album initially garnered positive reviews.
However, as the dust settled, Be Here Now began to reveal its flaws. The album’s production was criticised for being overly indulgent, with many tracks running to excessive lengths, drowning in layers of guitars and effects. Critics and fans alike started to view the album as a symbol of the band’s excesses—a far cry from the raw energy and simplicity of Definitely Maybe. While Noel Gallagher later admitted that the album was bloated and self-indulgent, Be Here Now still had its moments of brilliance, but it failed to live up to the impossibly high expectations set by its predecessors.
The aftermath of Be Here Now marked the beginning of Oasis’s decline. The band was exhausted from years of relentless touring and the pressures of being at the top. The Gallaghers’ relationship, already strained, became increasingly volatile, and the band’s creative output began to suffer. The music scene was also changing, with the Britpop movement waning and new genres like electronic music and post-Britpop taking centre stage. Oasis, once the leaders of the pack, now seemed out of step with the times.
The next album, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000), reflected this shift. It was a darker, more introspective record, influenced by Noel’s disillusionment with fame and his struggles with substance abuse. The album’s sound was more experimental, incorporating elements of psychedelia and electronic music, a departure from the straightforward rock anthems of their earlier work. While songs like “Go Let It Out” and “Where Did It All Go Wrong?” found some success, the album received mixed reviews. Many critics praised Noel’s willingness to experiment but lamented the lack of the infectious energy that had defined their earlier albums.
The years that followed saw Oasis struggling to recapture their former glory. Albums like Heathen Chemistry (2002) and Don’t Believe the Truth (2005) contained flashes of brilliance, but they failed to match the impact of the band’s earlier work. Singles like “The Hindu Times” and “Lyla” did well on the charts, but the albums lacked the consistency and cultural significance that had made Definitely Maybe and Morning Glory so iconic.
By the time Oasis released their seventh studio album, Dig Out Your Soul (2008), they were a band running on fumes. The album was a return to a more psychedelic, experimental sound, with tracks like “The Shock of the Lightning” and “I’m Outta Time” receiving positive reviews. However, while it was a critical improvement over some of their previous efforts, it was clear that Oasis was no longer the unstoppable force they had once been. The music, while solid, lacked the spark that had made them superstars.
The late 1990s and 2000s were a difficult time for Oasis. They went from being the biggest band in the world to a group struggling to maintain their relevance and cohesion. The pressures of fame, internal conflicts, and changes in the music landscape all contributed to their decline. While they continued to produce music that resonated with fans, the magic of their early years seemed increasingly distant, setting the stage for the band’s eventual breakup.
Breakup and Legacy
By the late 2000s, the fractures within Oasis had become too deep to ignore. Years of simmering tensions between Liam and Noel Gallagher, exacerbated by the pressures of maintaining their status as one of the world’s biggest bands, finally reached a breaking point. The band’s final days were marked by increasingly volatile behaviour, culminating in an explosive confrontation that led to their breakup in 2009.
The end came on 28 August 2009, just before Oasis was due to take the stage at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris. Backstage, a heated argument between the Gallagher brothers escalated into violence, with Liam reportedly smashing one of Noel’s guitars. This incident was the last straw for Noel, who had endured years of public and private feuds with his brother. He walked out, announcing his departure from the band in a statement later that evening, citing his inability to work with Liam any longer. “It’s with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight,” he wrote. “People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.”
Noel’s departure effectively marked the end of Oasis. The band, which had once been a symbol of unity and working-class pride, had been torn apart by the very forces that had driven their success: ambition, rivalry, and the intense bond between two brothers who were as much rivals as they were collaborators. Without Noel, the chief songwriter and creative force, Oasis could not continue in any meaningful form. Liam attempted to carry on under the name Beady Eye with the remaining members, but it was clear that the magic of Oasis was lost.
Despite the acrimonious breakup, the legacy of Oasis has only grown stronger in the years since their split. Their influence on the British music scene—and indeed on rock music globally—remains profound. Oasis inspired a generation of bands, both in the UK and abroad, with their blend of anthemic rock, heartfelt lyrics, and unfiltered attitude. Their music continues to resonate, with songs like “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” and “Champagne Supernova” still receiving regular airplay and featuring in countless film soundtracks, commercials, and public events.
The impact of Oasis extends beyond their music. They were a cultural phenomenon, capturing the spirit of the 1990s with their swagger, confidence, and unapologetic embrace of working-class identity. In a decade marked by rapid change and the rise of globalisation, Oasis provided a soundtrack for those who felt left behind by the mainstream. Their defiance, humour, and sense of possibility were embodied in their music, making them heroes to millions of fans around the world.
Oasis’s legacy is also reflected in the continued popularity of their albums, particularly Definitely Maybe and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, which are regularly cited among the greatest albums of all time. These records have transcended the era in which they were created, becoming timeless collections of songs that speak to universal themes of love, loss, hope, and defiance. They continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans, many of whom weren’t even born when the albums were first released.
In the years since the breakup, both Liam and Noel have pursued successful solo careers. Noel’s High Flying Birds and Liam’s solo albums have been well-received, each brother maintaining a strong connection to their Oasis roots while also exploring new musical directions. However, the shadow of Oasis looms large over their solo work, with fans and media alike constantly speculating about a potential reunion.
Despite the ongoing speculation, both brothers repeatedly dismissed the idea of reuniting Oasis, citing their irreconcilable differences. Yet the demand for a reunion remained high, a testament to the enduring appeal of the band.
Life After Oasis
The dissolution of Oasis in 2009 marked the end of an era, but it was far from the end for its key members, particularly the Gallagher brothers. Both Liam and Noel embarked on solo careers that have allowed them to continue making music on their own terms while also keeping the legacy of Oasis alive in different ways. Their post-Oasis journeys have been marked by new successes, ongoing feuds, and a continued influence on the music industry.
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
After leaving Oasis, Noel Gallagher quickly established himself as a solo artist with his band, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Formed in 2010, the band allowed Noel to step out of the shadow of Oasis and explore a broader range of musical influences, from psychedelia to electronic music, all while maintaining his distinctive songwriting style.
The band’s self-titled debut album, released in 2011, was a commercial and critical success, topping the UK Albums Chart and spawning hits like “The Death of You and Me” and “AKA… What a Life!” The album was praised for its mature, refined sound and demonstrated that Noel could thrive outside the framework of Oasis. Critics noted the absence of the raw rock energy that defined much of Oasis’s work, but they also appreciated Noel’s willingness to experiment and expand his musical horizons.
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds continued to build on this success with subsequent albums like Chasing Yesterday(2015), Who Built the Moon? (2017), and Council Skies (2023). Each album showcased Noel’s evolution as an artist, blending his knack for catchy melodies with more eclectic and adventurous production choices. His work has earned him a new generation of fans, while also retaining the loyalty of long-time Oasis devotees.
Liam Gallagher’s Solo Career
Liam Gallagher’s post-Oasis journey was initially more turbulent. After the breakup, he formed Beady Eye with the remaining members of Oasis, including Gem Archer, Andy Bell, and Chris Sharrock. Beady Eye released two albums—Different Gear, Still Speeding (2011) and BE (2013)—but the band never quite escaped the shadow of Oasis. While both albums received some critical acclaim, they failed to capture the widespread attention and commercial success that had defined Liam’s earlier career. By 2014, Beady Eye had disbanded, leaving Liam’s future in music uncertain.
However, Liam’s fortunes changed with the launch of his solo career. In 2017, he released his debut solo album, As You Were, which was met with widespread acclaim. The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and was praised for its return to the anthemic, no-nonsense rock that had made Oasis famous. Tracks like “Wall of Glass” and “For What It’s Worth” showcased Liam’s distinctive voice and re-established him as a major force in British music. The album’s success marked a triumphant comeback for Liam, who had been written off by some after the demise of Beady Eye.
Liam followed up with Why Me? Why Not. (2019) and C’mon You Know (2022), both of which continued his streak of success. His solo work has been characterised by a return to the classic rock sound, with influences from the Beatles and 1970s rock, and it has resonated deeply with both old fans and a new generation. Liam’s solo albums have been accompanied by a string of sold-out tours and headline performances at major festivals, solidifying his status as one of Britain’s most beloved rock stars.
Liam’s public persona has remained as bold and outspoken as ever, often taking to social media to share his thoughts on everything from music to football. His ongoing feud with Noel has also played out in public, with both brothers regularly taking jabs at each other in interviews and on social media, much to the delight of fans and tabloids alike.
The Reunion (2024)
The long-awaited Oasis reunion was finally been confirmed in August 2024, marking one of the most significant moments in modern music history. After years of speculation, Liam and Noel Gallagher officially announced that they will reunite for a massive tour in 2025, timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of their landmark albums Definitely Maybe and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?. This reunion not only promises to revive the legendary Britpop band’s legacy but also to deliver a series of live performances that are already being hailed as “once in a generation” events.
Tour Details and Anticipation
The reunion tour, titled “Live Forever,” will kick off in July 2025, with a series of 14 stadium shows across the UK and Ireland. The tour will include multiple dates at iconic venues such as Manchester’s Heaton Park, London’s Wembley Stadium, Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, and Dublin’s Croke Park. Each of these shows is expected to be a major event, with tickets already in high demand and some shows selling out within minutes of going on sale .
The excitement surrounding the reunion has been amplified by the fact that this will be Oasis’s first tour since their acrimonious split in 2009. For many fans, this tour represents not just a chance to see the band live again, but also an opportunity to experience the music that defined a generation in a new, technologically enhanced concert setting. Modern production techniques will allow the band to create an even more immersive and visually stunning show than was possible during their original run .
Challenges and Hopes
Despite the overwhelming enthusiasm, some experts have cautioned that the Gallagher brothers’ volatile relationship could still pose a risk to the reunion’s success. With nearly a year to go before the first scheduled performance, there is always the possibility that tensions could resurface, potentially threatening the tour. However, others believe that the large-scale nature of the tour, with its vast venues and separate spaces for each band member, might help to keep the peace between the brothers .
Cultural Impact
The reunion is more than just a series of concerts; it’s a cultural event that is expected to have a significant impact on the UK music scene and beyond. Industry insiders have noted that the tour will not only boost local economies but also reinforce Oasis’s enduring influence on music and popular culture. This comeback is being compared to other legendary reunions, such as those of The Police and Led Zeppelin, but with the added drama of the Gallagher brothers’ infamous feud, making it one of the most anticipated musical events in recent history .
In summary, the Oasis 2024 reunion represents a historic moment for both the band and their fans. With a world tour set to captivate audiences, the Gallagher brothers are poised to reclaim their place at the top of the rock world, reminding everyone why Oasis remains one of the greatest bands of all time.
Conclusion
Oasis’s journey is one of extraordinary highs and turbulent lows. From their beginnings in Manchester in the early 1990s, they didn’t just form a band—they became a cultural phenomenon, the voice of a generation seeking something raw and real. With albums like Definitely Maybe and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, they defined British rock, creating anthems that still resonate today.
At the core of their success was the volatile chemistry between brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher. Their sibling rivalry, while often destructive, fueled their greatest musical triumphs, giving Oasis its unique edge. However, this same tension ultimately led to their downfall, as the pressures of fame and personal conflicts became too much to bear.
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw Oasis struggle to sustain their early success, with albums like Be Here Now and Standing on the Shoulder of Giants reflecting both their evolution and internal strife. Despite continuing to produce memorable music, the magic of their early years seemed to wane, leading to their breakup in 2009.
Yet, Oasis’s legacy has only grown stronger since their split. Their influence on rock is undeniable, inspiring countless bands and captivating new generations. Songs like “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger” have become cultural touchstones, and both Gallagher brothers have enjoyed successful solo careers, keeping the spirit of Oasis alive.
The 2024 reunion, long considered impossible, reminded the world of Oasis’s enduring power. It was more than just concerts; it was a cultural moment that re-established the band as a force in music. Whether this marks a new chapter or a final farewell, it reinforces Oasis’s status as one of the greatest bands in rock history. Their story, marked by ambition, conflict, and transformative music, remains a testament to the enduring power of rock ‘n’ roll.
