Oasis
Rock / Manchester
Oasis are an English rock band, formed in Manchester in 1991. Led by lead guitarist and lead songwriter Noel Gallagher and his younger brother, lead vocalist and songwriter Liam Gallagher, they are one of the most successful and prominent English groups to emerge during the 1990s Britpop movement, with over 50 million in album sales worldwide and 8 UK number-one singles. The Gallagher brothers are the only remaining original band members. The present line-up is completed by rhythm/lead guitarist Gem Archer and bass guitarist Andy Bell. Drummer Zak Starkey, the son of Beatles' drummer Ringo Starr, is a semi-official member.
Musically and lyrically, Oasis cite British Invasion bands such as The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones and The Kinks as their major influences. They also cite The Stone Roses, The Sex Pistols and T.Rex as other key influences.
With the success of their critically acclaimed debut album, Definitely Maybe, and its equally successful follow-up, (What's the Story) Morning Glory?; coupled with a rivalry with their contemporary Blur, Oasis attained fame in the mid-1990s, and became one of the leaders of the Britpop movement. The Gallagher brothers featured regularly in tabloid newspaper stories, and cultivated a reputation as both bad boys and a band of the people.
At the height of their fame, their 1997 third album, Be Here Now, reached #1 in the UK charts and also became the fastest-selling album in chart history, with almost half a million copies sold on the first day alone. The album, however, was poorly received by the critics and later disowned by Noel and resulted in an immediate fall in popularity. However, despite the loss of founding members and sustaining support from their loyal fan base, Oasis have managed to outlast many of their Britpop contemporaries, over a decade after they appeared on the scene.
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