Oasis (band) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Oasis
Liam and Noel Gallagher performing in 2005
Background information
Also known as	The Rain (1990)
Origin	Manchester, England
Genres	Rock Britpop
Years active	1991–2009 2024–present
Labels	Creation Epic Columbia Sony Big Brother Reprise
Members	Paul Arthurs Liam Gallagher Noel Gallagher Gem Archer Andy Bell
Past members	Paul McGuigan Tony McCarroll Alan White

Oasis is a famous English rock band. They formed in Manchester, England, in 1991. The first members were Liam Gallagher (singer), Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs (guitar), Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan (bass), and Tony McCarroll (drums). A few months later, Liam asked his older brother Noel Gallagher (lead guitar, vocals) to join. Noel became the main leader and songwriter for their first four albums. Oasis is known as one of the most important and successful bands of the Britpop music style.

Oasis signed with Creation Records in 1993. Their first album, Definitely Maybe (1994), was a huge hit. 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 a new drummer, Alan "Whitey" White. During this time, Oasis had a well-known rivalry with another band, Blur, which the media called the "Battle of Britpop". (What's the Story) Morning Glory? was number one in the UK for ten weeks. It also became one of the best-selling albums ever worldwide. The Gallagher brothers were often in newspapers because of their disagreements. In 1996, Oasis played two huge concerts at Knebworth. Each show had 125,000 fans, setting a record for outdoor concerts in the UK at the time. In 1997, their third album, Be Here Now, was released. It sold very quickly but later received mixed reviews.

Founding members Arthurs and McGuigan left the band in 1999. This happened while they were recording their fourth album, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000). Gem Archer joined on guitar, and Andy Bell joined on bass. Alan White left in 2004. He was replaced by Zak Starkey and later by Chris Sharrock. Oasis released three more 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 when Noel Gallagher left. The other members formed a new band called Beady Eye, which ended in 2014. Both Gallagher brothers have had successful solo careers since then. Oasis reformed in 2024 and is performing worldwide in 2025 as part of the Oasis Live '25 Tour. The band now includes the Gallagher brothers, Arthurs, Archer, and Bell.

As of 2024, Oasis has sold over 75 million records around the world. This makes them one of the best-selling music artists of all time. They have had eight number-one singles and eight number-one albums in the UK. They also earned three Platinum albums in the US. Oasis won many awards, including 17 NME Awards, nine Q Awards, four MTV Europe Music Awards, and six Brit Awards. One Brit Award was for their amazing contribution to music in 2007. Another was for "Best Album of the Last 30 Years" for (What's the Story) Morning Glory?. They were also nominated for two Grammy Awards.

Band History

How Oasis Started (1991–1993)

In 1990, a band called the Rain formed with Paul McGuigan, Paul Arthurs, Tony McCarroll, and singer Chris Hutton. Arthurs invited Liam Gallagher to try out as a new singer. Liam suggested changing the band name to Oasis. He got the idea from a poster in his childhood bedroom that listed the Oasis Leisure Centre as a concert venue.

Oasis played their first show on August 14, 1991, at the Boardwalk club in Manchester. Noel Gallagher, who worked for another band, watched them play and was impressed. Noel then joined Oasis. He said he would be the main songwriter and leader. He also wanted the band to work hard for success. Arthurs remembered that Noel had many songs already written. Under Noel's guidance, the band created a simple but powerful rock sound.

Breaking Through with Definitely Maybe (1993–1994)

After playing live shows and recording a demo tape, Oasis was noticed by Alan McGee, who owned Creation Records. This happened in May 1993 at a club in Glasgow. Oasis was not supposed to play, but they managed to get on stage. They impressed McGee, who offered them a record deal. They later signed a worldwide deal with Sony, which then licensed their music to Creation in the UK.

Their first single, "Supersonic", came out in April 1994. It reached number 31 in the UK charts. Their third single, "Live Forever", was their first song to reach the top ten. Oasis's first album, Definitely Maybe, was released on August 29, 1994. It went straight to number one in the UK. At the time, it was the fastest-selling debut album in the UK.

The band's busy schedule and disagreements caused problems. During a show in Los Angeles in September 1994, Liam had a difficult performance. Noel temporarily left the band and flew to San Francisco. He was convinced to return, and the tour continued. Oasis then released two more singles from Definitely Maybe: "Cigarettes & Alcohol" and the Christmas song "Whatever". "Whatever" reached number three in the UK charts.

Global Success with (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995–1996)

In April 1995, "Some Might Say" became Oasis's first number-one single in the UK. Around this time, drummer Tony McCarroll left the band. Noel said Tony would not have been able to play the new songs. Alan White replaced him. White's first performance with Oasis was on the TV show Top of the Pops.

Alan White became Oasis's drummer in 1995 and stayed until 2004.

Oasis started recording their second album in May 1995. The British media created a big rivalry between Oasis and Blur. On August 14, 1995, both bands released singles on the same day. This event was called the ""Battle of Britpop". Blur's song sold more copies that week.

Paul McGuigan left the band briefly in 1995 but rejoined the same year. He stayed until 1999.

Paul McGuigan briefly left Oasis in September 1995. He said he was very tired. He was replaced by Scott McLeod, who left quickly 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 had two more hit singles: "Wonderwall" (number two) and "Don't Look Back in Anger" (number one). It also included "Champagne Supernova", which was very popular. In November 1995, Oasis played two big indoor concerts in London. Noel Gallagher played a special guitar with a Union Jack flag design during the tour.

Noel Gallagher played a special guitar with a Union Jack flag during the (What's the Story) Morning Glory? tour.

In April 1996, Oasis played their first outdoor headline concerts at Maine Road football stadium in Manchester. Highlights from these shows were released on a video called ...There and Then. In August, Oasis played two massive concerts at Knebworth House. They sold out both shows in minutes. Each night, 125,000 people attended. This was a record for an outdoor concert in the UK.

A view of the 125,000 people at one of Oasis's Knebworth concerts in August 1996.

Oasis was supposed to record an MTV Unplugged show, but Liam pulled out due to a sore throat. Noel sang instead. A few days later, Liam refused to go on a US tour. The band continued with Noel singing. Liam rejoined later. At the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards, Liam made gestures at Noel and caused a scene. This led to media talk about the band splitting up. However, the brothers soon made up and finished the tour.

Be Here Now and The Masterplan (1996–1999)

Oasis spent late 1996 and early 1997 recording their third album, Be Here Now. There were many disagreements between the Gallagher brothers during this time. The album was released in August 1997. It was highly anticipated and received a lot of media attention. It became the fastest-selling album in British history, selling 696,000 copies in its first week. However, Noel Gallagher later said he was not happy with how the album turned out.

After the Be Here Now Tour ended in early 1998, the band kept a low profile. Later that year, Oasis released The Masterplan. This album was a collection of B-sides (songs released on the flip side of singles). Noel said these B-sides had more inspired music than Be Here Now.

New Members and Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (1999–2001)

In early 1999, Oasis started working on their fourth album. In August, founding member Paul Arthurs left the band. He said he wanted to spend more time with his family. Two weeks later, bassist Paul McGuigan also left. The Gallagher brothers told reporters that Oasis would continue.

Colin "Gem" Archer joined Oasis in 1999.

Andy Bell joined Oasis in 1999.

Colin "Gem" Archer joined as the new guitarist. Finding a new bassist took more time. Andy Bell joined as the new bassist, even though he had never played bass before. He had to learn quickly for a US tour in December 1999.

Oasis then formed their own record label, Big Brother. This label released all their future music in the UK and Ireland. Oasis's fourth album, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, was released in February 2000. It reached number one in the UK. The album had a new "Oasis" logo and included a song written by Liam Gallagher for the first time. The songs also had more experimental sounds.

The band went on a world tour to support the album. During a tour stop in Barcelona in 2000, Oasis had to cancel a show. After a disagreement between the brothers, Noel said he was quitting touring overseas. Noel eventually returned for the Irish and British parts of the tour. This included two big shows at Wembley Stadium. A live album from one of these shows, Familiar to Millions, was released later in 2000.

Heathen Chemistry (2001–2003)

Oasis performing in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 2002

In 2001, Oasis worked on their fifth album, Heathen Chemistry. This was their first album with new members Andy Bell and Gem Archer. It was released in July 2002. The album reached number one in the UK. Four singles were released from it. "The Hindu Times", "Stop Crying Your Heart Out", and "Little by Little/She Is Love" were written by Noel. "Songbird" was written by Liam, making it the first single not written by Noel. The album mixed their experimental sounds with a more basic rock style. All members, except Alan White, wrote songs for this album.

After the album's release, the band went on a world tour. In August 2002, Noel, Bell, and touring keyboardist Jay Darlington were in a car accident in Indianapolis. They were not seriously hurt, but some shows were cancelled. In December 2002, part of their European tour was postponed. This happened after an incident involving Liam Gallagher and Alan White in a Munich nightclub. Liam was later fined for the incident. The band finished their tour in March 2003.

Alan White Leaves and Don't Believe the Truth (2003–2007)

Oasis started recording their sixth album in late 2003. Long-time drummer Alan White left the band. He was replaced by Zak Starkey, the son of the Beatles' drummer, Ringo Starr. Starkey played on the album and toured with the band, but he was not an official member.

A few days later, Oasis headlined the Glastonbury Festival for the second time. They played many of their hit songs and two new ones. The performance received mixed reviews.

The band's sixth album, Don't Believe the Truth, was finally released in May 2005. This album was a team effort, with songs written by different band members. It was the first album in ten years without Alan White on drums. Fans and critics generally thought it was their best album 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 in the UK album charts. By 2013, it had sold over six million copies worldwide.

The Gallagher brothers during an Oasis concert in September 2005.

Noel Gallagher performing in 2005.

In May 2005, the band started a big world tour. They played over 100 shows in 26 countries for more than 3.2 million people. The tour was very successful. A film about the tour, Lord Don't Slow Me Down, was released in October 2007.

Oasis released a collection of their "definitive" songs called Stop the Clocks in 2006. In February 2007, they received a Brit Award for their outstanding contribution to music. They played some of their most famous songs at the ceremony.

Dig Out Your Soul (2007–2009)

Noel Gallagher playing live in Montreal in 2008.

Oasis's popularity grew after Don't Believe the Truth. In February 2008, a poll by Q magazine named Definitely Maybe and (What's The Story) Morning Glory? as the top two British albums of the last fifty years.

The band recorded their seventh album, Dig Out Your Soul, between July 2007 and March 2008. In May 2008, Zak Starkey left the band. Chris Sharrock replaced him for the tour, but he was not an official member. The first single from the album was "The Shock of the Lightning". Dig Out Your Soul was released on October 6, 2008. It went to number one in the UK. The band started an 18-month tour. In September 2008, Noel was injured during a concert in Toronto when an audience member came on stage. Several shows had to be cancelled while he recovered.

In February 2009, Oasis won the NME Award for Best British Band. In June 2009, Oasis played three concerts at Manchester's Heaton Park. One show had power problems, and the band declared it a free concert for the 70,000 ticket holders.

Band Split and Aftermath (2009–2024)

Oasis performing in Hong Kong in April 2009 during the Dig Out Your Soul Tour.

Oasis played their last show of this period on August 22, 2009, at the V Festival in England. The next day, Liam had to cancel a show due to illness. On August 28, 2009, Oasis was scheduled to perform at a festival near Paris. However, the show was cancelled. Reports said there was a disagreement between the brothers.

Two hours later, Noel announced on the band's website that he was leaving Oasis. He said he could not work with Liam any longer. The split happened near the end of a world tour.

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. Noel formed his own project, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, and has released four albums.

In February 2010, Oasis won the Brit Award for Best British Album of the Last 30 Years for (What's the Story) Morning Glory?. Liam collected the award alone. Time Flies... 1994–2009, a collection of singles, was released in June 2010. It became their last album to reach number one in the UK.

Liam Gallagher and Paul Arthurs at the Berlin premiere of the 2016 documentary Oasis: Supersonic.

A documentary film called Oasis: Supersonic was released in October 2016. It told the story of Oasis from their start to their peak fame in 1996. Another concert film was released in September 2021. This celebrated the 25th anniversary of their Knebworth concerts. A new demo song, "Don't Stop...", was found and released in May 2020.

Reunion and Future (2024–Present)

Oasis performing in July 2025.

By early 2023, both Gallagher brothers showed interest in getting the band back together. On August 27, 2024, almost 15 years after their split, Oasis announced they had reformed. They would perform in the UK and Ireland in July and August 2025. They later added dates in America, Australia, and Asia. The original announcement only showed photos of the Gallagher brothers. However, it was later confirmed that three former members would rejoin: Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, Gem Archer, and Andy Bell. Zak Starkey also revealed that Joey Waronker would be the new drummer for the reunion tour.

On August 30, 2024, after the reunion news, Oasis released a 30th-anniversary edition of Definitely Maybe. A week later, the album reached number one in the UK charts again. 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 about new music on social media. However, the band's management has stated there are no plans for new music. They said the reunion tour would be the "last time around." Liam has disagreed with these claims, saying he and Noel make the decisions for the band's future. This leaves the band's future plans uncertain.

On June 20, 2025, the band launched a clothing line with the brand Adidas. On July 4, 2025, Oasis performed their first show in 16 years. This was part of their Oasis Live '25 Tour at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

Music Style and Influences

Oasis is mainly known as a rock band. They are also described as Britpop, indie rock, alternative rock, and pop rock. Oasis was greatly influenced by the Beatles. They were also inspired by other British bands from the 1960s, like the Kinks, the Rolling Stones, and the Who. Early in their career, they were also influenced by 1970s British punk rock bands such as the Sex Pistols and the Jam.

Noel Gallagher's songwriting is known for being confident and respectful of past music. Liam Gallagher's singing style is described as cool and a bit sneering. Oasis songs often have loud sounds and strong vocals. Their Britpop songs were different from the more polished pop tunes of their rivals, Blur. Especially in their early days, Oasis's music and lyrics reflected the working-class backgrounds of Liam and Noel. The brothers were known for their rebellious attitudes and their sibling rivalry. These traits made them very interesting to the media throughout their career.

Legal Issues Over Songwriting

Noel Gallagher and Oasis have faced legal action for plagiarism three times. First, Neil Innes sued, saying Oasis's song "Whatever" was too similar to his song. Innes was given songwriting credit and royalties. Noel said he didn't mean to copy the song. Second, Coca-Cola sued Oasis. They said the song "Shakermaker" copied parts of "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing". Oasis had to pay damages. Third, a bonus song called "Step Out" was removed from early copies of (What's the Story) Morning Glory?. It was said to be similar to a Stevie Wonder song. Later releases of "Step Out" credited Stevie Wonder as a co-writer.

The 2003 song "Life Got Cold" by the band Girls Aloud sounded similar to Oasis's "Wonderwall". Noel Gallagher is now credited as a co-songwriter for "Life Got Cold".

Legacy and Influence

Even though Oasis broke up in 2009, they are still very important in British music and culture. They are seen as one of the biggest bands of the 1990s. Oasis helped lead the Britpop movement, which became a major part of British music. With their record sales, huge concerts, and well-known disagreements, Oasis was a big part of 1990s UK pop culture. This era was called Cool Britannia. Many bands and artists have said Oasis influenced them, including Arctic Monkeys, the Killers, Coldplay, and Drake.

The band's success also helped local businesses. For example, a music store owner in Scotland said the "Oasis period" made many people want to buy guitars.

In 2007, Oasis was featured in the BBC/VH1 series Seven Ages of Rock. This episode was about British indie rock.

In 2023, an unofficial music project called AISIS used AI to create songs that sounded like Oasis. The project became very popular. Liam Gallagher himself said he liked the AI-generated voice.

Oasis was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in February 2024. Liam Gallagher has said he feels the organization is not truly about rock music.

Cultural Impact

Music experts say Oasis was the voice of Northern England's pride. Their use of regional accents and lyrics about everyday life connected with young people. The band's fashion style, like parkas and mod haircuts, also created a strong identity.

Researchers have studied how the band members presented themselves on stage. Liam Gallagher's style mixed rebellion with thoughtful moments. Noel Gallagher's songwriting has been studied for its powerful choruses and nostalgic lyrics.

Historians believe Oasis spoke for working-class youth in Britain after industries changed. Their music showed the realities and hopes of that time. This helped the band stay popular and important for a generation. Their albums, especially (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, are often mentioned in studies about music's emotional impact.

Band Members

Current Members

• Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs – rhythm guitar (1991–1999, 2024–present); lead guitar (1991); keyboards (1993–1995, 2024–present); bass (1995)
• 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), drums (2001–2008)
• Gem Archer – rhythm and lead guitar (1999–2009, 2024–present); backing vocals (2000, 2002–2005); keyboards (2002–2008); harmonica (2005–2008), bass (2003–2008)
• Andy Bell – bass (1999–2009, 2024–present); rhythm guitar (2003–2008); keyboards (2007–2008)

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)

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: 6 wins from 18 nominations. This includes awards for Outstanding Contribution to Music and Best Album of the Last 30 Years for "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?".
• Grammy Awards: 2 nominations.
• 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 won awards from other groups, like the MTV Japan Awards and UK Video Music Awards.

See also

In Spanish: Oasis (banda) para niños

• List of best-selling music artists