Oasis (band) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oasis
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Oasis is a famous English rock band that started in Manchester, England, in 1991. The first members were Liam Gallagher (singer), Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs (guitar), Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan (bass), and Tony McCarroll (drums). Liam's older brother, Noel Gallagher, joined a few months later as the lead guitarist and a singer. Noel became the main songwriter and leader for the band's first four albums. Oasis is known as one of the most successful and important rock bands ever, especially during the Britpop music era.
Oasis signed with Creation Records in 1993. They released their first album, Definitely Maybe, in 1994. It quickly became the fastest-selling debut album in British history. The next year, they released (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995). This album featured new drummer Alan "Whitey" White. It came out during a friendly competition with another band, Blur, which the media called the "Battle of Britpop". (What's the Story) Morning Glory? was number one for ten weeks in Britain. It also became one of the best-selling albums of all time worldwide.
Founding members Arthurs and McGuigan left in 1999. They were replaced by Gem Archer (guitar) and Andy Bell (bass). Alan White left in 2004. Oasis released three more successful albums in the 2000s: Heathen Chemistry (2002), Don't Believe the Truth (2005), and Dig Out Your Soul (2008). The band broke up suddenly in 2009 after Noel Gallagher left. The remaining members formed a new band called Beady Eye. Both Gallagher brothers also started successful solo careers.
Oasis reformed in 2024 and announced the Oasis Live '25 Tour. They embarked on this tour in 2025. The band currently includes Liam and Noel Gallagher, Bonehead, Archer, and Bell. As of 2026, Oasis has sold over 100 million records worldwide. This makes them one of the best-selling music artists ever. They have had eight UK number-one singles and eight UK number-one albums. In 2026, Oasis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Contents
- The Story of Oasis
- 1991–1993: How the Band Started
- 1993–1994: First Album Success with Definitely Maybe
- 1995–1996: (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, Global Fame, and Peak Popularity
- 1996–1999: Be Here Now and The Masterplan
- 1999–2001: New Members and Standing on the Shoulder of Giants
- 2001–2003: Heathen Chemistry
- 2003–2007: Alan White Leaves and Don't Believe the Truth
- 2007–2009: Dig Out Your Soul
- 2009–2024: The Band's Break and Later Projects
- 2024–Present: Reunion, Tour, and Hall of Fame
- Oasis's Music Style and Influences
- Oasis's Lasting Impact
- Band Members
- Discography
- Concert Tours
- Awards and Nominations
- See also
The Story of Oasis
1991–1993: How the Band Started
In 1990, Paul McGuigan, Paul Arthurs, Tony McCarroll, and singer Chris Hutton formed a band called the Rain. Arthurs invited Liam Gallagher to join as the new singer. Liam suggested changing the band's name to Oasis. He got the idea from a poster listing the Oasis Leisure Centre as a concert venue. Oasis played their first show on 14 August 1991 in Manchester. Noel Gallagher, who was working for another band, watched them play and was impressed.
Noel then joined the group. He said he would be the main songwriter and leader. He also wanted the band to aim for big success. Arthurs remembered that Noel brought many new song ideas. Under Noel's guidance, the band created a simple but powerful rock sound. Their music was described as "pretty much unstoppable."
1993–1994: First Album Success with Definitely Maybe
After playing many live shows and recording a demo tape, Oasis was noticed. In May 1993, Alan McGee, co-owner of Creation Records, saw them perform. Oasis traveled to Glasgow for a gig at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut club. They were not on the list to play, but they managed to get on stage. McGee was very impressed and offered them a record deal.
After some time, Oasis signed a worldwide contract with Sony. Sony then licensed their music to Creation in the UK. Their first single, "Supersonic", came out in April 1994. It reached number 31 on the charts. Their next single, "Shakermaker", led to a legal issue over borrowed melodies. Oasis paid some money in damages. "Live Forever" was their third single and their first to reach the top ten.
Oasis released their first album, Definitely Maybe, on 29 August 1994. It quickly became the fastest-selling debut album in UK history. The band's busy schedule and disagreements caused some problems. During a show in Los Angeles in September 1994, Liam had a difficult performance and a disagreement with Noel. Upset, Noel temporarily left the band. He was convinced to return, and the tour continued.
1995–1996: (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, Global Fame, and Peak Popularity
In April 1995, "Some Might Say" became Oasis's first number-one single in the UK. Around this time, Tony McCarroll left the band. He mentioned a "personality clash" with the brothers. Alan White replaced him. White made his first appearance with Oasis on a Top of the Pops performance.
Oasis began recording their second album in May. During this time, the British media highlighted a competition between Oasis and another Britpop band, Blur. This was called the "Battle of Britpop". On 14 August 1995, both bands released singles on the same day. Blur's "Country House" sold more copies than Oasis's "Roll with It" that week. Noel Gallagher later apologized for some strong comments he made about Blur.
McGuigan took a short break from the band in September 1995 due to stress. He was replaced by Scott McLeod for a short time. McLeod left during a US tour. McGuigan was then convinced to rejoin the band.
Oasis's second album, (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, was a huge success worldwide. It sold over four million copies and became one of the best-selling albums in UK chart history. By 2008, it had sold 22 million copies globally. The album included hit singles like "Wonderwall" and "Don't Look Back in Anger". "Wonderwall" reached number two, and "Don't Look Back in Anger" reached number one. In November 1995, Oasis played two big indoor concerts in London.
In April 1996, Oasis played their first outdoor headline concerts at Maine Road football stadium in Manchester. In August, they performed for 80,000 people at Balloch Country Park in Scotland. They then played two shows at Knebworth for 125,000 people each night. These were record-breaking numbers for outdoor concerts in the UK.
Oasis was scheduled to record an MTV Unplugged show. However, Liam pulled out due to a sore throat. He watched the show from a balcony. Four days later, the group went on a US tour, but Liam refused to go. Noel sang lead vocals for some shows. Liam rejoined the tour on 30 August. On 4 September 1996, Oasis performed at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards in New York City. Liam showed his frustration during the performance. Noel later flew home without the band, leading to rumors of a split. The brothers soon resolved their differences and finished the tour.
1996–1999: Be Here Now and The Masterplan
Oasis spent late 1996 and early 1997 recording their third album. The brothers had disagreements during the recording sessions. Be Here Now was released in August 1997. It was highly anticipated and received a lot of media attention. The album sold 424,000 copies on its first day. First-week sales reached 696,000, making it the fastest-selling album in British history at the time.
Noel Gallagher later expressed some regret about the album's writing process. He felt it did not match the quality of the band's first two albums. After the Be Here Now Tour ended in early 1998, the band kept a low profile. Later that year, Oasis released The Masterplan. This was a collection of fourteen B-sides. Noel said these B-sides contained "a lot more inspired music" than Be Here Now.
1999–2001: New Members and Standing on the Shoulder of Giants
In early 1999, the band started working on their fourth album. In August, founding member Paul Arthurs left the band. Noel said Arthurs wanted to spend more time with his family. However, Noel later said it was due to disagreements over band rules during recording. Two weeks later, bassist Paul McGuigan also left. The Gallagher brothers held a press conference. They assured everyone that "the future of Oasis is secure."
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After recording, the band looked for new members. Colin "Gem" Archer, formerly of Heavy Stereo, joined as the new guitarist. Finding a new bassist took more time. Andy Bell, a former guitarist, joined as their new bassist. Bell had never played bass before. He had to learn quickly for a US tour in December 1999.
Creation Records closed, so Oasis formed their own label, Big Brother. This label released all of Oasis's future records in the UK and Ireland. Oasis's fourth album, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, came out in February 2000. It reached number one on the British charts. The album featured a new Oasis logo and included a song written by Liam Gallagher. The songs also had more experimental sounds.
The band went on a world tour to support the album. While touring in Barcelona in 2000, Oasis had to cancel a show due to tendinitis in Alan White's arm. After a disagreement between the brothers, Noel said he was quitting overseas touring. Oasis was supposed to finish the tour without him. Noel eventually returned for the Irish and British shows. These included two big concerts at Wembley Stadium. A live album, Familiar to Millions, was released later that year.
2001–2003: Heathen Chemistry
Throughout 2001, Oasis worked on their fifth album and played live shows. These included the Tour of Brotherly Love with the Black Crowes. The album, Heathen Chemistry, was Oasis's first with new members Andy Bell and Gem Archer. It was released in July 2002. The album reached number one in the UK. Critics gave it mixed reviews.
Four singles were released from the album: "The Hindu Times", "Stop Crying Your Heart Out", "Little by Little/She Is Love" (all by Noel), and "Songbird" (by Liam). This was the first single not written by Noel. The album combined the band's experimental sounds with a more basic rock style. All members, except White, wrote songs for Heathen Chemistry.
After the album's release, the band went on a world tour. This tour also had some challenges. In August 2002, Noel, Bell, and touring keyboardist Jay Darlington were in a car accident in Indianapolis. No one was seriously hurt, but some shows were cancelled. In December 2002, part of the band's European tour was postponed. This happened after Liam Gallagher and Alan White were involved in an incident at a Munich nightclub. The band finished their tour in March 2003.
2003–2007: Alan White Leaves and Don't Believe the Truth
Oasis began recording a sixth album in late 2003. It was planned for a September 2004 release. However, long-time drummer Alan White left the band. His brother said White felt unhappy in the band. White was replaced by Zak Starkey, the Who's drummer and son of the Beatles' drummer, Ringo Starr. Starkey played on recordings and toured with the band, but he was not an official member.
A few days later, Oasis, with Starkey, headlined the Glastonbury Festival for the second time. They played many of their greatest hits and two new songs. The performance received mixed reviews.
The band's sixth album was recorded in Los Angeles from October to December. Dave Sardy took over as the main producer. In May 2005, after three years and several recording sessions, the band released Don't Believe the Truth. This album was a team effort, with songs written by different band members. It was praised by fans and critics as one of their best albums since Morning Glory. It produced two UK number-one singles: "Lyla" and "The Importance of Being Idle". Don't Believe the Truth also reached number one on the UK album charts. By 2013, it had sold over six million copies worldwide.
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In May 2005, the band started a large world tour. It began on 10 May 2005 in London and ended on 31 March 2006 in Mexico City. Oasis played more shows than they had in over a decade. They visited 26 countries and performed 113 shows for over 3.2 million people. The tour was very successful. It included sold-out shows at New York's Madison Square Garden and LA's Hollywood Bowl. A documentary film about the tour, Lord Don't Slow Me Down, was released in October 2007.
Oasis released a compilation album called Stop the Clocks in 2006. It featured songs the band considered their "definitive" hits. The band received the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music in February 2007. They played several of their famous songs at the ceremony. Oasis released their first digital-only song, "Lord Don't Slow Me Down", in October 2007. It reached number ten in the UK singles chart.
2007–2009: Dig Out Your Soul
Oasis's popularity grew after Don't Believe the Truth. In February 2008, a poll by Q magazine and HMV named two Oasis albums as the greatest British albums of the last fifty years. These were Definitely Maybe and (What's The Story) Morning Glory?. Two other Oasis albums, Don't Believe The Truth and Be Here Now, also made the list.
Oasis recorded new music between July and September 2007. They took a break for two months because Noel's son was born. The band returned to the studio in November 2007 and finished recording in March 2008. Dave Sardy produced the album.
In May 2008, Zak Starkey left the band after recording Dig Out Your Soul, their seventh album. Chris Sharrock replaced him for the tour, but he was not an official member. Oasis remained a four-piece band. The first single from the album was "The Shock of the Lightning", written by Noel Gallagher. Dig Out Your Soul was released on 6 October and reached number one in the UK. The band started an 18-month tour. On 7 September 2008, during a concert in Toronto, a fan ran on stage and had an incident with Noel. Noel suffered minor injuries, and some shows were cancelled. In June 2008, the band signed a new three-album deal with Sony BMG.
On 25 February 2009, Oasis won the NME Award for Best British Band. On 4 June 2009, Oasis played the first of three concerts at Manchester's Heaton Park. Due to a generator problem, the band declared the gig a free concert. This delighted the 70,000 ticket holders. The next two shows were very successful.
2009–2024: The Band's Break and Later Projects
Oasis played their last show of this period on 22 August 2009 at the V Festival in Weston-under-Lizard, England. The next day, Liam had laryngitis, which forced Oasis to cancel a show.
The band was scheduled to perform on 28 August 2009 at the Rock en Seine festival near Paris. However, the show was cancelled. Reports mentioned a disagreement between the brothers. Two hours later, Noel posted a statement on the band's website: "It is with some sadness and great relief... I quit Oasis tonight. People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer." The split happened near the end of a world tour. Noel later said that if he had finished the tour and taken a break, he might have forgotten about the disagreement.
Liam and the other members of Oasis continued as Beady Eye. They released two albums before breaking up in 2014. Liam then started a solo career. Bonehead sometimes joined him on tour. Noel formed his own project, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, and released four albums. Chris Sharrock and Gem Archer later joined Noel's band. Andy Bell reunited with his former band Ride.
On 16 February 2010, Oasis won Best British Album of the Last 30 Years for (What's the Story) Morning Glory? at the 2010 Brit Awards. Liam collected the award alone. He thanked Bonehead, McGuigan, and Alan White, but not Noel. He then threw his microphone and the award into the crowd. Time Flies... 1994–2009, a collection of singles, was released on 14 June 2010. It became the band's final album to reach number one in the UK. A remastered version of Definitely Maybe was released on 19 May 2014.
A documentary called Oasis: Supersonic was released on 26 October 2016. It told the story of Oasis from their start to their peak fame in 1996. Another concert documentary film was released in September 2021. This celebrated the 25th anniversary of Oasis's Knebworth Park concerts. A new demo song, "Don't Stop...", was rediscovered during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was released on 3 May 2020. The song quickly gained over a million views online.
2024–Present: Reunion, Tour, and Hall of Fame
By early 2023, both Gallagher brothers showed interest in reuniting the band. During Liam's Definitely Maybe 30th anniversary tour in 2024, Liam reserved a seat for Noel at every show. On 27 August 2024, almost 15 years after their 2009 split, Oasis announced their reunion. They performed in the UK and Ireland in July and August 2025. The band stated: "The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over. Come see. It was not televised." The band also added American, Australian, and Asian dates to their 2025 touring schedule.
In the first announcement, only the Gallagher brothers appeared in photos. Later, it was revealed that three former members also rejoined the band. These were Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs (guitar), Gem Archer (guitar), and Andy Bell (bass). Other touring musicians were also announced. These included drummer Joey Waronker and keyboardist Christian Madden.
On 30 August 2024, after the reunion news, Oasis released the 30th anniversary edition of Definitely Maybe. A week later, the album charted at number 1 in the UK. This was 30 years after its original release. Other Oasis albums also re-entered the charts. Their single "Live Forever" charted at number 8, higher than its original position in 1994.
Liam Gallagher has hinted at new music on X (formerly Twitter). On 7 September 2024, he said a new Oasis album was "already finished". He later claimed he was joking. On 13 May [2025], the band's management declared they had no plans for new music. They stated their reunion was the "last time around". This meant it was the last chance to see the band. Liam, however, disputed these claims on X. He said he and Noel were solely responsible for making decisions about the band's future.
On 20 June [2025], the band launched a collaboration with German clothing brand Adidas. This was for a clothing line called "Original Forever". On 4 July 2025, the band performed their first show in 16 years. This was part of their Oasis Live '25 Tour at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. On 2 August, during a show at Wembley Stadium, a fan died after falling. The band expressed their "shock and sadness" and offered condolences. On 22 August, Big Brother Recordings released the box set Complete Studio Album Collection. This included all seven original albums and The Masterplan.
In October 2025, Arthurs announced he was leaving the Asian and Australian legs of the tour. He needed treatment for prostate cancer. Mike Moore filled in for Arthurs during those dates. In November 2025, Liam Gallagher said Oasis needed to "sit down and discuss" if the band would continue after the 2025 tour. He added that he would personally "tour till the day we die". However, the decision rested with the entire band.
On 23 November, Oasis played the final show of their 2025 tour in São Paulo, Brazil. This leg of the tour included a tribute to late bassist Gary "Mani" Mounfield.
In 2026, after two previous nominations, Oasis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their induction ceremony is scheduled for 14 November in Los Angeles. All eight official members were listed as inductees. Liam Gallagher confirmed on X that he and Noel would attend the ceremony.
Oasis's Music Style and Influences
Oasis is known as a rock band. Their music has been described as Britpop, indie rock, alternative rock, and pop rock. They were greatly influenced by the Beatles. This influence was often called an "obsession" by the media. The band was also inspired by other 1960s British groups. These included the Kinks, the Rolling Stones, and the Who.
Another big influence, especially early on, was 1970s British punk rock. This included the Sex Pistols and the Damned. Members of Oasis have also mentioned AC/DC, David Bowie, Nirvana, the Smiths, and Neil Young as inspirations.
Noel Gallagher's songwriting is known for being confident and respectful of past music. Liam Gallagher's singing style is often described as cool and a bit defiant. Oasis songs often had loud sounds and strong vocals. These Britpop songs were different from the smoother pop tunes of their rivals, Blur. Especially in their early years, Oasis's music and lyrics reflected the working-class backgrounds of Liam and Noel. The brothers were known for their rebellious attitudes and disagreements. These traits kept the media interested throughout their career.
Oasis's Lasting Impact
Oasis remains very important in British music and culture. They are seen as one of the biggest and most praised bands of the 1990s. In 2025, Neil McCormick, a music critic, called them "the greatest rock band of the modern age". Jeff Mezydlo wrote that Oasis was known for the strong relationship between Liam and Noel. He said that when they were focused, Oasis was hard to beat. Even with tension, the band made some of the best music of the 1990s.
The band is recognized as a leader of Britpop. This music style became very important in Britain. Oasis's high record sales, concerts, and brotherly disagreements were a big part of 1990s UK pop culture. This era was called Cool Britannia. The brothers' rivalry was often in newspapers. Many bands and artists have said Oasis influenced them. These include Arctic Monkeys, the Killers, Maroon 5, and Kasabian.
The band's success also helped local businesses. Pete Caban, a music store owner in Perth, Scotland, said the mid-90s to early 2000s were his best years. He called it "The Oasis period" because everyone wanted to buy a guitar.
In 2023, an unofficial music project called AISIS used Artificial intelligence (AI) vocals. This project created an album of Oasis-style songs. It used AI to make audio deepfakes of Liam Gallagher's voice. Liam himself approved of the album, saying he "sounded mega".
Oasis first received a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in February 2024. Liam Gallagher felt the organization was not truly authentic to rock music. After two more nominations in 2025 and 2026, it was announced on 13 April 2026 that Oasis would be inducted. All eight official members were listed as inductees.
Cultural and Academic Importance
Music expert Andy Bennett says Oasis was "the sonic voice of Northern pride". This was during a time when culture was becoming more centralized. Their use of regional accents, song themes, and public image connected with young people. This was especially true in industrial cities. The band's fashion, like parkas and trainers, helped create a subcultural identity. This identity is now studied in fashion sociology.
Experts have also looked at how the band members presented themselves. Neil Nehring suggests that Liam Gallagher's performance style mixed rebellion and thoughtfulness. This showed a new kind of modern masculinity. Noel Gallagher's songwriting has also been studied. Researchers note his use of powerful choruses and nostalgic lyrics. These helped create shared memories for listeners.
Historian Keith Gildart believes Oasis spoke for working-class youth in Britain. Their music showed everyday life and hopes. This created a deep cultural connection. It gave the band lasting value for a generation that grew up during big social and economic changes. Their albums, especially (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, are often mentioned in studies about emotions and music.
Band Members
Current Members
- Liam Gallagher – lead vocals, percussion (1991–2009, 2024–present); acoustic guitar (2001–2002, 2007–2008)
- Noel Gallagher – lead guitar, backing and lead vocals (1991–2009, 2024–present); rhythm guitar (1995, 1999–2009); keyboards (1995–2001, 2007–2008); bass (1993–1994, 1995, 1999)
- Bonehead (Paul Arthurs) – rhythm guitar (1991–1999, 2024–present); lead guitar (1991); keyboards (1993–1995); piano (1994–1997), bass (1995)
- Gem Archer – rhythm and lead guitar (1999–2009, 2024–present); backing vocals (2002–2005); keyboards (2002–2008); piano (2000–2009); bass (2003–2008); harmonica (2005–2008)
- Andy Bell – bass (1999–2009, 2024–present); rhythm guitar (2003–2008); keyboards (2007–2008)
Touring Members
- Christian Madden – keyboards (2025–present)
- Joey Waronker – drums, percussion (2025–present)
- Steve Hamilton – saxophone (2025–present)
- Joe Auckland – trumpet (2025–present)
- Alastair White – trombone (2025–present)
Former Members
- Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan – bass (1991–1999)
- Tony McCarroll – drums (1991–1995)
- Alan "Whitey" White – drums, percussion (1995–2004)
Discography
- Studio albums
- 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)
Concert Tours
- Definitely Maybe Tour (1994–1995)
- (What's the Story) Morning Glory? Tour (1995–1996)
- Be Here Now Tour (1997–1998)
- Standing on the Shoulder of Giants Tour (1999–2001)
- The Tour of Brotherly Love (2001)
- 10 Years of Noise and Confusion Tour (2001)
- Heathen Chemistry Tour (2002–2003)
- Don't Believe the Truth Tour (2005–2006)
- Dig Out Your Soul Tour (2008–2009)
- Oasis Live '25 Tour (2025)
Awards and Nominations
- Brit Awards: 7 wins from 17 nominations. This includes Outstanding Contribution to Music and Best Album of the Last 30 Years for "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?".
- Grammy Awards: 3 nominations. These include Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group and Best Rock Song.
- NME Awards: 17 wins from 26 nominations.
- Q Awards: 9 wins from 19 nominations.
- MTV Europe Music Awards: 4 wins from 4 nominations.
- Ivor Novello Awards: 2 wins from 3 nominations.
Oasis has also been recognized by other award bodies. These include the MTV Japan Awards, UK Video Music Awards, and the Mercury Prize.
See also
In Spanish: Oasis (banda) para niños
- List of best-selling music artists
