10 Bands To Fill The Oasis Void

Who can take over the Gallaghers' mantle as Britain's biggest band?...

Although the demise of Oasis was as expected as the clamour for a kebab after a night on the piss, their disbandment has left a huge hole. Like them or not an output of seven studio albums, two live albums, one B-sides collection and a Best of made them the biggest current British band up until the 29th of August that is (Rolling Stones exempt on account of them being around too long for debate). And before anyone starts, U2 can go back to their charity-bowl begging tax haven.

‘What’s The Story’ sold nearly 4.5million copies over here alone - third in the all-time list behind Queen Greatest Hits and Sgt. Pepper’s. 'Be Here Now' too is still the fastest-selling album in British history. Admittedly line-up changes to rival the Sugababes gap-year programme and some dross ('Little James' for one) followed but name another band’s B-side that 80,000 people know every word to? Know what I mean?

And so to the point of this semi-ramble, with impending solo careers beckoning for the brothers, a re-union doesn’t look likely. Therefore, by default, who is now the biggest band in Britain? Ruling out Blur and The Verve as they have re-formed and honorary Brits Kings of Leon (see ‘Fans’ for reference), here is a run down of all the contenders (and pretenders) to the Oasis throne.

NB: Kaiser Chiefs and Razorlight missed the cut because they’re shit and for no other reason.

Click here to see the bands.

Source: www.gigwise.com

Ian McCulloch Blames "Bullies" For Oasis Split

Noel forced to "walk out on his own band", says Bunnyman

Ian McCulloch, legendary frontman of Echo and the Bunnymen, today commented on the recent Oasis split.

During an interview with The Quietus, McCullock said "I feel sorry for Noel. After all it was his fucking band man. Looking at things it seems like he's been bullied from all those behind the group.

"What do you do when that happens? He's had to walk out on his own band. But Noel is a good songwriter and he'll be ok. He's got projects. The rest of the band, well that guy from Ride, I like him, he's ok. At least the rest of them have still got him if they want to continue together."

Check the Quietus soon for a full interview with Ian McCulloch.

Source: thequietus.com

Hunt For The Man Who Attacked An Oasis Fan At Metro Station

Police have released this CCTV image after an Oasis fan was headbutted during an attack at a Metro station.

The 20-year-old was followed by a man, who had earlier subjected him to intimidating behaviour, after he got off the train at Fellgate in Jarrow.

He had been on his way back from an Oasis concert at the Stadium of Light, with friends, on June 11.

British Transport Police have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the attack.

Pc Gavin Alcorn, the investigating officer, said: "This appears to have been an entirely unprovoked attack on a young man who was simply out enjoying an evening with friends.

"I would urge anyone who recognises the man pictured or who has any information regarding this attack to contact police."

Anyone with information to the identity of the man is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Callers should quote crime reference number C05/086878/09 of 11/06/09.

Source: www.shieldsgazette.com

Win Oasis Photographs

Still mourning the sad demise of Oasis?

Put a smile on your chops by winning a box-set of rare, unpublished official photos of the rockers, worth £2,500.

The shots of Liam and Noel Gallagher and their band, throughout their 18-year career, have been obtained by Bizarre's favourite music night This Feeling, at East London club Parker McMillan. And I'm giving one reader a chance to win the pictures, by snapper Michael Spencer Jones.

For a chance to win, email bizcomps@the-sun.co.uk telling me which Oasis song features a band member's name.

Contest closes tonight (Wednesday) at midnight.

For more of snapper Michael's great shots, see spellboundpublications.com.

Source: www.thesun.co.uk

Oasis - The Musically Improved Beatles?

Oasis took some great lessons from The Beatles and arguably improved upon the music.

...........It happens. I've been told by many, many people my age that The Beatles -- The Beatles! -- are their favorite band. Every time, I say, "OK, that's cute, but you don't have to impress me. Tell me what your real favorite band is." Inevitably, they stick to their guns.

I feel the need to continue to reiterate: I understand that The Beatles are culturally significant and important in the historical progression of rock music. And I understand that they're talented. But unless you were locked in a time capsule like Brendan Fraser in "Blast From the Past," they cannot be your favorite band. If you're younger than 50 and you do make such a claim, you're either (A) trying to impress someone with what you think will be received as good taste, or (B) woefully behind in your consumption of music. If it's A, I'm disappointed in you. If it's B, there's hope -- we only have to help you find the good stuff.

I'd much rather listen to Oasis than The Beatles. Oasis, or any band that came after The Beatles, learned from The Beatles, improving on their work by listening to, building on and perfecting the styles pioneered by The Beatles. The result: The arrangements used by Oasis are more complex, the sound is denser, the production is better. Claims that Oasis is nothing more than a Beatles tribute band do little to disprove my theory. There is no question that Oasis was influenced by The Beatles -- most rock bands are. That influence was likely heavier with Oasis, but even Oasis -- brash as the band is -- understands the power of what came before. After all, Oasis named an album "Standing On the Shoulders of Giants."

All of these improvements can be chalked up to chronological order. Just as Dean Koontz came after Bram Stoker, Oasis came after The Beatles. Each had the advantage of superior technology, in addition to the natural advantage of the chance to learn from their forebears. The chance to, well, stand on someone's shoulders.

Now, is that to say that Oasis is more important than The Beatles? Am I implying that Dean Koontz is more vital to the development of literature? Absolutely not. I would be remiss in making such a claim.

It is important to understand the history of one's chosen art forms. Therefore, everyone should listen to The Beatles. And everyone should read "Dracula." But afterward, they should be able to separate importance from their own tastes.

And really, that's what this comes down to. I'd like people to make up their own minds. Too often, I find myself surrounded by people who spout opinions of politics or religion or music that are not their own. Much of the time, those opinions are a product of their parents, their upbringing and their inability to see two sides of an argument.

It's enough to know that The Beatles were an influential band that created music that was loved by the world. You don't have to claim that you love them, or that they're your favorite band. You don't have to go along when other people start listing off their top five Beatles' songs. It's OK to say, "That's not my scene, man." (If you're going to use that exact quote, it would be most effective to be wearing a beret.............

For the full article please visit ESPN.com

Oasis Get The Guinness' In

Oasis have been put into the record books again with the publication of the 2010 Guinness Book of World Records.

The band enter the book for the second time by setting the 'Longest Top 10 UK Chart Run By A Group' notching up an unprecedented 22 successive Top 10 hits in the UK.

Oasis previously entered the record book for being 'The Most Successful Act of the Decade' between 1995 and 2005 by spending 765 weeks in the Top 75 singles and albums charts.

Source: www.oasisinet.com

Oasis, Coldplay And Take That Break Records

Three British bands, Coldplay, Oasis and Take That have managed to score entries in the 2010 Guinness world records.

Coldplay claimed two records: “Most downloaded free track of the week” and “Best selling download album in the UK”. After 22 successive Top 10 hits in the UK, Oasis has set the record for “Longest Top 10 UK chart run by a group”.

Take That’s comeback tour has earned them a place in the records with an entry for the “Fastest-Selling UK tour”.

All 600,000 tickets for their 2009 tour sold out within five hours of going on sale.

Fellow Brit Alexandra Burke achieved two record entries for her single Allelulia, which sold a record 576,046 copies in the UK, topping Leona Lewis’s record in 2006.

The new records suggest the increasingly successful numbers of online downloads. Leona Lewis’s single Bleeding Love sold a record 3.3 million online in the US.

Other artists to break records include Sir Cliff Richard, Katy Perry, Rihanna and Britney Spears.

Spears is the youngest female artist in history to have five of her albums reach number 1.

Before she turned 20 years old on 2 December 2001, she had sold 37 million records around the world, earning her the title of all-time best-selling teenage artist.

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

Rowdy Oasis Concert Forces Rethink Of Murrayfield Alcohol Policy

Edinburgh fans' last hurrah loses rugby stadium its unfettered licensing privileges.

Following a troublesome Oasis gig held at Murrayfield in June, stadium managers will be required to apply for an alcohol license each time they host a non-sporting event.

Following unsavoury scenes at the concert, Murrayfield will only be granted a license to provide visitors with alcohol at concerts on a case-by-case basis, subject to discussions between the council and event organisers.

Scottish Rugby Media Manager Isobel Irvine told The Journal: “The [licensing] board asked that we submit a variation of our licence to cover individual concerts.

“This affords the council the opportunity to discuss the arrangements around the concerts in advance, both with Scottish Rugby and the promoter, and ensure that the appropriate measures are in place.”

Non-sporting events comprise a very small percentage of Murrayfield’s overall use, with the Oasis concert being the only such event hosted at the stadium over the last 12 months.

The nature of the event highlighted the possible need for a policy change regarding the sale of alcohol, as numerous local residents complained after large numbers of rowdy fans engaged in anti-social activities, including fighting, littering and urinating on the streets.

In addition to the council’s licensing division, amendments to alcohol-related policies at Murrayfield will be influenced by the Scottish Rugby Local Residents Group.

The group comprises representatives from Scottish Rugby’s Communications and Public Affairs team, Murrayfield’s Stadium Manager, Lothian & Borders Police, Murrayfield Community Council, City of Edinburgh Council West Neighbourhood Team and a number of local residents.

Ms Irvine continued: “Should the potential arise to stage a non-sporting event at the stadium in the future, Scottish Rugby would apply to the licensing Board for a variation of our existing license and they would ultimately decide.”

The Scottish Rugby Union has held the right to sell alcohol at sporting, corporate and banqueting events taking place at the stadium since 2007.

Source: www.journal-online.co.uk

Oasis Are Dull Says Early-Nighter David Gray

David Gray took a pop at Oasis when he became the latest star to play a Biz Session.
After acoustic performances of Babylon, Fugitive and Draw The Line, the wobbly-headed singer said: "I saw Oasis at Glastonbury years ago and it was a total non-event.

Watch David Gray perform an acoustic version of Babylon below and see vids of Fugitive and Draw The Line by clicking here.

"They failed to connect with the festival. Also they haven't done anything musically interesting since their highest moment, which was over 15 years ago now."

He then spectacularly undid his bravado by admitting to being the most boring man on the planet.

David - whose album Draw The Line is out today - added: "The rock 'n' roll lifestyle isn't for me. After a weekend partying I need a week and a half to get over it.

"Come Monday evening I'm watching costume dramas, eating a curry and maybe some mash then it's off for an early night."

I don't know what's more disturbing - being a costume drama fan or having mash with curry?

Source: www.thesun.co.uk

Gallagher Brothers Told To Go Solo By Ian Brown

Chart star Ian Brown, who was the inspiration for Oasis to launch a career in music, offered his advice to each of the squabbling Gallagher brothers: "Go solo".

Brown, whose years as frontman with the Stone Roses gave Noel and Liam the push to perform, said it was a sad end to the band to see the pair fighting publicly.

Brown, about to launch his sixth solo album My Way on September 28, said he had long been touched by the brothers' admiration for the Roses, whose self-titled debut album is hailed as one of the all-time greats.

Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher - the band's chief songwriter - announced he had quit the band last month after years of physical and verbal battles with his frontman brother. Neither brother has so far talked about their future plans but Noel has often talked about recording his own material and Liam has spoken in interviews about recording some of his songs, although he is still officially part of Oasis.

Speaking to the Press Association, Brown advised: "I would say go solo - I can heartily recommend it. It's a fine way to be."

He said: "What's a shame is that they're brothers. From being ten and six scrapping on the carpet in the front room, now they are doing it in public and worldwide - I think that's a bit of a shame for them. Life's hard enough without scrapping with your brother when you're a grown man."

Brown added: "I always loved Oasis because when they came out, they did express that they loved us and they saw that we did it and thought we could do it too. We're lads like they are, and that inspired them. That means a lot to me."

Source: www.virginmedia.com

Happy Birthday Zak Starkey...

Zak Starkey, (born 13 September 1965) is an English drummer, well-known as the first child of The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr (Richard Starkey) and his first wife Maureen Cox. Starkey is mostly noted for his unofficial membership in The Who, since 1994.

Starkey is the fourth drummer for the rock band The Who, playing with them live and occasionally in the studio. He is also known as being the third drummer for the English rock band Oasis until summer 2008. Starkey has also worked on session and touring basis with artists including: Johnny Marr, Paul Weller, The Icicle Works, the Waterboys, ASAP and the Lightning Seeds.

Liam Gallagher Seeks New Oasis Axeman

Liam Gallagher is about to show Simon Cowell how to be a proper Mr Nasty as he starts X Factor-style auditions for a guitarist to replace brother Noel.

The moody star is personally inviting strummers he thinks will Definitely Maybe be up to playing in Oasis after Noel quit the band last month.

A source close to Liam said: "He reckons he can find someone better than Noel. He's trying out a lot of guitarists."

The Gallaghers' pal Kasabian frontman Sergio Pizzorno is sure Noel will return when Oasis "sort out their problems".

Source: www.newsoftheworld.co.uk

Amorphous Androgynous Switch London Album Launch Party Date

Noel Gallagher had been set to appear at the event

Amorphous Androgynous, the psych rock alter ego for The Future Sound Of London pair Garry Cobain and Brian Dougans, have changed the date of their forthcoming London album launch party.

The event, to mark the launch of their 'A Monstrous Psychedelic Bubble Exploding In Your Mind' compilation record, had been set to take place at the matter venue on September 17, but has been shifted to October 30.

Oasis' Noel Gallagher had been set to make a cameo appearance, playing with the band onstage. Organisers have not stated whether he is still available for the new date or not, following his departure from Oasis last month.

In a statement, organisers explained that the move was due to "unforeseen circumstances". Original tickets are valid for the new date, while refunds will be available too. Additions to the line-up for the show are set to be announced soon.

Source: www.nme.com

Ex-Oasis Bonehead Hits The Road With New Band

Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs, founder member and former guitarist with Oasis, has announced a UK and European tour with Manchester’s most talked-about new band, The Vortex.

"It really is like the old days of Oasis for me – these small, sweaty gigs where the audience are going barmy. There's a real menace and excitement to this band. I've seen it before with Oasis. And I'm seeing it all over again with The Vortex." Bonehead talking about The Vortex.

The Vortex are cooking up a storm at their regular visits to Alan McGee's Death Disco in London, and are currently recording their debut album with Bonehead on production duties.

“You can always put your trust in Manchester music and the Vortex are set for big things, they've been setting their controls for the heart of the northern anthem as if Kasabian never existed. Plus, the new demos have been surpassing all expectation: pure anthems for party people. Oh yeah, they just added Bonehead (of Oasis fame) on guitar.” Alan McGee (writing in The Guardian)

The Vortex consist of Mike Price (vocals), Bonehead (guitar), Maz Bedjet (guitar), Nick Repton (bass), Sean O'Donnell (drums) and Jaxx* (backing vocals).

JAXX (Heather Small/Cotton Club vocalist) has also joined The Vortex full-time, and will be touring with the band this autumn. The band have also recently filmed their part in brit-gangster flick ‘Freight’ with celebrated hard man Joe Egan.

For the tour dates and more visit www.myspace.com/thevortexmanchester

What Noel Gallagher Did Next

Observations: Psychedelia and some heavy lifting: what Noel Gallagher did next

Groovy move: Noel Gallagher is to appear on the new album by Amorphous Androgynous

After Noel Gallagher's seemingly irrevocable split from Oasis, fans have searched recent interviews with the benefit of hindsight to seek hints about his dramatic move. One area that deserves closer inspection, though, is the star's extra-curricular activities. For while his main band limped to its ignominious end, the elder Gallagher has been dallying with the psychedelic collective Amorphous Androgynous (AA).

Last year, on his now even wider-read blog, Oasis's main songwriter praised to the hilt AA's freakbeat compilation A Monstrous Psychedelic Bubble Exploding in Your Mind. Now the group led by Garry Cobain, formerly of house outfit Future Sound Of London, have put together a second volume, set to launch at a night that features live sets from his group and rock veterans Hawkwind.

Gallagher himself is set to guest on AA's cover of his tune "Falling Down", from the last Oasis album Dig Out Your Soul, almost unrecognisable to the original thanks to its winsome female vocal and liberal use of that psych standby, the sitar. AA took on the track at Noel's own request, Cobain explains. "He asked us to make it worthy to be on [Monstrous...], so we went to town on it and delivered a 22-minute epic mix, adding flutes, orchestration, all sorts of sonic trickery – the full Amorphous Androgynous psychedelic palette." Nor is it the first time Gallagher has worked with them, even lugging guitars as a roadie. "I think secretly he is nostalgic for those early days when he was a roadie for the Inspiral Carpets.

"One day Alisha Sufit, who sings 'Falling Down' live, lost her voice just before a gig and we reluctantly turned to Noel and asked him if he could fill in. He jumped at the chance and actually he's not bad on vocals, so we've kept him for special occasions like this; but we do miss him as a roadie because he was the best we've ever had."

Amorphous Androgynous play Matter at the O2 arena in London on 17 September

A Psychedelic Guide to Monster...

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Vote For Oasis At The Q Awards 2009

The world's finest music awards is upon us once more. Ladies and Gentlemen, start your voting engines - and win the chance to join us on the day!

Last year's Q Awards with Russian Standard Vodka saw Grace Jones in a devil mask, Coldplay wearing Napoleonic army cast-offs and Kaiser Chiefs dressed as, er, bin men. This year's Q Awards, on Monday, 26 October, will be a similarly star-studded affair and will no doubt also feature plenty of sartorial madness - and, of course, much more besides.

HOW TO VOTE

Oh yes, you're in charge of who wins what. To vote, just register your details below then nominate your favourite artist, track or video in the various categories shown.

WIN TICKETS

Two tickets to the most prestigious music awards of the year are up for grabs. Everyone who votes online will be entered into a prize draw, with one winner chosen at random from a very large hat. Travel and accommodation are not included. Entrants must be aged 18 years or over. The judges' decision is final and the closing date for all entries is 9 October 2009. The lucky winner will be notified within a couple of days.

The Awards are voted for by the readers and listeners of Q magazine, Qthemusic.com, Q Radio and by the staff at Q. The final decision is the reserved right of the Q staff.

Click here to cast your vote, Oasis can be nominated in a number of catergories.

Favorite Oasis Youtube Moments

Sydney’s biggest Oasis fan and Britpop DJ, Mucky Fingers, gives us his favourite Oasis moments as seen through YouTube:

So, this is apparently it. Noel has left Oasis for good. Despite the fact that the band, and particularly the Gallagher brothers, have always been volatile, it still seems odd to think that we may never see them perform together again.

To celebrate their amazing history, here is some of their best moments; a collection of performances, interviews and assorted tomfoolery. As Noel said in the announcement of his departure; “I take with me glorious memories”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNc9jiDHvLo
Long before they were famous or had even had a record deal, here’s the original Oasis line-up in their rehearsal room in 1992 performing All Around The World; a track that wouldn’t be released until 1997’s Be Here Now. Noel had spoken a lot about this song before it finally came out; once saying that he wanted to enter it into the Eurovision Song Contest. “Orchestras, man? It’s not got to be one, it’s got to be two”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_lzy_kMF1c
Their debut performance of Supersonic. As far as debut singles from debut albums go, there are very few that are better. The opening line can be pin-pointed as the band’s statement of intent for the next 15 years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1EzpPCjHUk
Just to show how seriously Oasis were taking their chart battle with Blur, the Gallaghers decide to trade places and make a mockery of Top of the Pops’ use of miming. This is right before their “friendship” with Robbie Williams turned sour.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ln_nF1OaYc
Oasis perform their cover of I Am The Walrus with a little help from their friends, The Bootleg Beatles, in 1995. Throughout their career, the band have always been dogged by criticism by lazy journalists and uneducated listeners for supposedly being Beatles copyists. What these people tend not to remember (or know) is that, for a start, Oasis really sound nothing like the Fab Four and that The Beatles themselves were blatant plunderers of a load of other people’s work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vp4yp54DLE
After losing out to Blur in both the previous year’s Brit Awards and in the infamous chart battle between Roll With It and Country House, Oasis get a little bit of their own back by sweeping the 1996 Brits and putting their own spin on Blur’s hit Parklife.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkCqC9ROBEk
This clip comes from Oasis’ infamous debut Australian tour in 1998. I can still remember this time as if it was yesterday. The whole country seemed to be up in arms about their supposed “bad boy” behaviour. From this moment on, declaring yourself an Australian Oasis fan became almost an open invitation to be chastised forever. When Oasis did finally make their second tour, in 2002, one of the airline unions tried to have them banned from all flights in the country.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn4AcgWDiwY
Following the excess of the 90s, Oasis returned in 2000 with a new line-up and their fourth Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants. This video comes from that tour. The main reason I chose this is because of the banter between Noel and Liam at the start. Maybe a future in comedy is what lies ahead?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRHjDnSprfM
This comes from the DVD special features of the film Live Forever. If you haven’t seen it, get off your computer and go and buy it now! Noel is a great storyteller. There are very few people in music that can do interviews that are laugh-out-loud funny. The other great thing about this clip is the seat he’s sitting on. It’s a throne!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kGL4WHFZOU
Noel being interviewed for Video Hits a couple of years back. This was trainwreck TV at its finest, with Noel taunting knob-exposing jazz-warbling host Axel Whitehead over the course of six icy segments. It wasn’t long after this that said knob exposure occured at the ARIAs. Could it be put down to post-Noel stress?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDvz_0_2VvA
Performing what might be their last ever single, Falling Down, on a special Top Of The Pops earlier in the year. Their most recent album, Dig Out Your Soul, was their best in a decade and this was one of the best songs from it. One version of the track was remixed by electronic-psych duo Amorphous Androgynous and clocked in at a whooping 22 minutes. If Noel does go solo, could he get the rest of Oasis minus Liam to be the band?

Tomorrow never knows what it doesn’t know too soon.

Oasis. Live Forever. 1991-2009.

Source: www.britpop.au

Classic And Curious Beatles Covers

As part of the BBC's Beatles Week, BBC Four programme Sings The Beatles has delved into the BBC archives to look at some of the classic and curious cover versions of the Fab Four's tracks.

I AM THE WALRUS, OASIS, 1994

Much has been mooted as regards the derivation of the nonsense lyrics of I Am The Walrus.

A two-note police siren becoming "Mr City Policeman", Lennon enjoying sitting in his garden, and Lewis Carroll's The Walrus and the Carpenter apparently all providing inspiration. Written in 1967 at the peak of the first Summer Of Love, it was Beatles avant-garde at its best.

Originally the reverse of Hello, Goodbye, Oasis reinvented the Walrus as another B-side; for 1994 anthem Cigarettes & Alcohol. The Manchester rockers often closed their live shows with the track, and played it on Later...With Jools Holland.

The "eggman" in the song is supposedly a reference to Animals front man Eric Burdon, who, it was rumoured, liked to break raw eggs onto the bodies of naked groupies.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Have a look at what other songs were selected by clicking here.

Why Liam Gallagher Should Not Soldier On Without Brother Noel

The Chief has quit, but should Liam carry on without him? In a word, no.

The walkout“I will never leave Oasis”, stated Noel Gallagher in an interview only two months ago, shortly prior to the band’s gigs at Wembley Stadium. The media, clearly unable to stop recycling the same tired stories of an Oasis split, had been publishing rumours that the band were on the verge of doing just that - again. It would only take Liam to look at Noel the wrong way on stage for them to sensationalise it into being “the end”.

Then rumour became reality. Minutes before they were due on stage at a festival in Paris, a fracas broke out backstage between the Gallagher brothers which allegedly involved a punch up, a smashed guitar, and an ambulance. Thousands of fans waiting for the band’s arrival on stage were left absolutely gutted and shortly afterwards in a statement posted on the band’s web site Noel officially stated he had quit. Same shit, different tour, was my immediate thought, as any Oasis fan will know this was yet another case of deja vu. Then followed a second statement, which crushed any hope that this was going to blow over anytime soon. Noel cited “verbal and violent intimidation” and a “lack of support and understanding from management and bandmates” as his reasons for quitting. This sadly suggests that it is not only his relationship with Liam that has been damaged, but with others too, so it might take a lot more work to heal the wounds this time round.

That solo album

Noel is an intelligent man, he knows that quitting the band will hurt Liam more than any insult or punch ever could. Despite the fact they obviously do not get on, it’s obvious Liam deeply respects his brother and admires him greatly. How could you not have respect for a man that joined your band and wrote the songs that propelled the group to levels on par with the legends that inspired you? Not to mention making you a millionaire. Liam could never forge the type of successful solo career that Noel is more than capable of achieving. “When I grow up I want to be Paul Weller”, Noel once said in an interview. Well now is his chance. Whether or not Oasis did ’split up’, it was likely he was going to do a solo album after this tour was complete regardless, and so he should as it is well overdue.

Noel had got that edge back on the last two Oasis albums, Don’t Believe The Truth and Dig Out Your Soul, more-so on the latter. Given the platform to record an album not under the Oasis name, I’m convinced Noel will feel more confident to expand his musical horizons and throw in a few curve balls, as well as deliver some acoustic gems which suit his voice so very well. Speaking of which, vocally, he has never sounded better, and if the new songs he’s been singing at sound checks that leaked online are anything to go by, there is a lot of potential for the album to be something very special. As a long term Oasis fan, the prospect of an album written entirely by Noel is exciting, as we haven’t had one of those in over 12 years since the cocaine fuelled Be Here Now.

Should Liam carry on with Oasis?

So with Noel more than likely out of action with Oasis for the foreseeable future, should Liam carry on the band without him? No, is the answer. Liam has an incredible voice and is probably the last great rock star left (and no, Bono is not a rock star). His snarling Mancunian delivery is both charismatic and distinctive. He has a voice that can turn a great song into an even better one. Would Some Might Say have been as brilliant with anyone else singing it? would it fuck. With that said, without his brother in the band, it’s simply not Oasis. It’s a car without a steering wheel, it would inevitably end up wrapped around a lamppost. Both Gallagher’s must be involved for Oasis to justify using that name, collectively they are the heart and soul of the band, but apart the glass is half-empty.

It was Noel who wrote the timeless songs that changed lives and inspired people to pick up a guitar, a talent demonstrated at its best on their debut album, Definitely Maybe. Rock n’ Roll Star is a glorious statement of intent. Live Forever is an epic anthem that still tops ‘greatest ever song’ polls on a regular basis. Supersonic’s swagger and attitude has not been matched by a single band since it’s release. Cigarettes and Alcohol is social commentary done in a way no one can anymore, and Slide Away is a truly great love song, probably the best Noel ever wrote. These songs, among countless others, mean a lot to people, in some respects they are bigger than the band.

Oasis’ greatest songs were born out of a hunger to break free from the confined trappings of limited opportunities in Manchester during the Conservative period, these songs are inspiring and uplifting. They document the hope, aspirations and determination of a young man wanting to make a better life for himself and live the dream. The theme on Definitely Maybe can be summed up in five words on Cigarettes and Alcohol - “you gotta make it happen”, and he did. Noel has been criticised for being creatively a spent force as of late, but he can still undoubtedly write a great song, if not as often as he used to.

Liam’s role in Oasis should also never be undervalued. They would not be the band they are today without that voice. He has also written a handful of decent songs, and a couple of very good ones, namely Guess God Thinks I’m Abel and I’m Outta Time. But let us not kid ourselves, neither he, Andy, nor Gem could ever write a song that would sit alongside any of Noel’s best. Gem and Andy between them have come up with a few solid tracks. Turn Up The Sun and To Be Where There’s life are great tunes. I’m sure it is healthy for the chemistry of the band to have everyone contributing to the song writing process, which has made for mixed results. What is important though, in this band at least, is that the man responsible for writing their best material and steering the ship for nearly two decades is involved. You can lose as many drummers, guitarists and keyboard players as you like because at the end of the day they are replaceable. Noel is not.

Entertaining the thought of Noel-less Oasis is ludicrous, especially if they toured. They would become an absolute joke. It’d be as awful as the remaining members of The Jam touring as From The Jam without Weller, its inexcusable and a disgrace. I’m hopeful enough that if Liam is actually keen on carrying on as Oasis without Noel, that Andy and Gem will persuade him not to and convince him that this is an absurd idea. There is no doubting that an album without Noel on board would be decent at least. Between Liam, Gem and Andy I’m sure they have enough songs good enough to put together a record that wouldn’t be substandard, but if that really has to happen, they need to change their name and not rely on the laurels of ‘Oasis’. It would be riding on the coattails of Noel’s hard work and talent. Alternatively, Liam should record a solo album and collaborate with Andy and Gem who can chip in as co-songwriters. If Liam’s motives for potentially continuing Oasis are based on proving a point to his brother, then he’s in it for the wrong reasons.

The future

Many critics have said Oasis should have quit at their peak in 1996 after the Knebworth gigs, with even former rhythm guitarist Bonehead agreeing that this would have been the best time to bow out. Two classic albums, a stack of great b-sides, the biggest gigs and most records sold by any band in a very long time, it would have been an impressive legacy to leave behind. Nobody could have predicted what would become of Oasis after that point, to say they have never been the most stable of bands would be an understatement. If this really is the end now though, 13 years after those gigs, as far as stories in rock n’ roll go, what a dramatic ending to the saga it would be. Given the choice between choosing this ending and having Liam soldier on and make a mockery of the band I love, it’s not a hard decision. At least there’s always the hope of a box set release with tonnes of unreleased tracks and demos at some point in the distant future.

Liam has allegedly said he’ll have news on Oasis in January 2010. What this means is anyone’s guess at the moment, but if it involves use of the words “carrying on without Noel” it will not be met with the warmest reception. In an interview with the Gallagher’s that featured on the DVD from the Stop The Clocks best of package, they were asked about the time Noel walked out of the band in 1994. “Who cares, he’s back now,” Liam said with a surprising demeanour of happiness and relief in front of his brother. Will we ever hear him say that again? who knows, but until then Oasis as a band should be put on the backburner until both parts that make up the puzzle are able to stand in the same room together without someone having to call an ambulance. Worst case scenario? Bonehead makes a comeback and takes over Noel’s place. Nevermind, as someone once said, it’s just rock n’ roll.

Source: www.live4ever.uk.com

Robbie Williams Is Fans' Dream Desert Island Companion

Robbie Williams has beat out competition from his arch-rival Liam Gallagher to be voted as the singer most people would want to be stuck on a desert island with.

The Angels hitmker, who has had a longtime feud with the Oasis singer, came out tops in a new poll of the most popular male entertainer to be marooned with.

Beatles legend Sir Paul MCCartney came second, while Mick Jagger and Eminem took the third and fourth spots, with Gallagher lagging in fifth.

Aussie superstar Kylie Minogue topped the women's list, while Girls Aloud beauty Cheryl Cole was the second favourite female. In third was Leona Lewis, with Madonna and Lady Gaga coming fourth and fifth respectively.

The survey was conducted by staff from music royalties company PRS, who polled 1,000 people in the U.K.

Source: www.contactmusic.com