Voting is now open in the first stage of 2011's NME Shockwaves Awards.
Head over to NME.com now where you can vote for Beady Eye and Liam and Noel Gallagher in a number of categories.
To cast your vote click here.
Vote For The NME Awards 2011
Voting is now open in the first stage of 2011's NME Shockwaves Awards.
Head over to NME.com now where you can vote for Beady Eye and Liam and Noel Gallagher in a number of categories.
To cast your vote click here.
Liam Gallagher
Pretty Green
Liam Gallagher opened his Scots clothes store yesterday - then revealed he loves to crack open a bottle of Buckfast.
The former Oasis frontman said he's been a fan of the tonic wine since he was nine.
Gallagher, 38, made the admission as he arrived in Glasgow to launch his Pretty Green outlet.
The rocker was greeted by a crowd of 200 mini-Liams sporting mod-style mop tops and parkas.
Gallagher - whose hits with Oasis included Don't Look Back in Anger - said: "I love Glasgow, it's great. When I was nine I tried Buckfast for the first time. I still love it now."
Fans queued for hours to grab a glimpse of the star, now fronting new band Beady Eye.
But they were shocked when the Gallagher emerged from his blacked-out people-carrier and made a beeline for a disabled man with a stick.
He gave Harry Johnston a huge hug - having sat beside him at an Old Firm match two years ago.
Celtic fan Harry, 50, hadn't realised Gallagher was in the city - but was drawn to the crowd as he headed for his bus stop. He said: "When he came out of his car, he came straight over and gave me a big cuddle. He must have recognised me - he just grabbed me.
"I've always loved his music and I'm over the moon he remembered me."
Snow stopped Gallagher opening the store in December. He'll return to the city to play two gigs in March.
Source: www.thesun.co.uk
Liam Gallagher Is A Fan Of Buckfast
Liam Gallagher opened his Scots clothes store yesterday - then revealed he loves to crack open a bottle of Buckfast.
The former Oasis frontman said he's been a fan of the tonic wine since he was nine.
Gallagher, 38, made the admission as he arrived in Glasgow to launch his Pretty Green outlet.
The rocker was greeted by a crowd of 200 mini-Liams sporting mod-style mop tops and parkas.
Gallagher - whose hits with Oasis included Don't Look Back in Anger - said: "I love Glasgow, it's great. When I was nine I tried Buckfast for the first time. I still love it now."
Fans queued for hours to grab a glimpse of the star, now fronting new band Beady Eye.
But they were shocked when the Gallagher emerged from his blacked-out people-carrier and made a beeline for a disabled man with a stick.
He gave Harry Johnston a huge hug - having sat beside him at an Old Firm match two years ago.
Celtic fan Harry, 50, hadn't realised Gallagher was in the city - but was drawn to the crowd as he headed for his bus stop. He said: "When he came out of his car, he came straight over and gave me a big cuddle. He must have recognised me - he just grabbed me.
"I've always loved his music and I'm over the moon he remembered me."
Snow stopped Gallagher opening the store in December. He'll return to the city to play two gigs in March.
Source: www.thesun.co.uk
Liam Gallagher
Pretty Green
In Glasgow today...
Liam Gallagher was surrounded by photographers and fans as he visited a new clothing store in Glasgow today (January 7).
The Beady Eye singer looked frustrated with the camerman as he arrived at the Pretty Green shop for the first time since it opened last month.
It is the third outlet for Gallagher’s side-project, and is his first in Scotland.
A large crowd greeted the singer outside the store, with one fan holding a portrait of Gallagher and his brother and former Oasis bandmate Noel.
In an interview earlier this week, Gallagher revealed that Pretty Green would soon offer capes and leopard print blazers.
Meanwhile, Beady Eye have previewed their first single proper, 'The Roller'.
The track is taken from the group’s debut album ‘Different Gear, Still Speeding’, which is due out on February 28.
Click here to see a few pictures of Liam in Glasgow.
Source: www.gigwise.com
Liam Gallagher Mobbed As He Visits New Clothing Store
In Glasgow today...
Liam Gallagher was surrounded by photographers and fans as he visited a new clothing store in Glasgow today (January 7).
The Beady Eye singer looked frustrated with the camerman as he arrived at the Pretty Green shop for the first time since it opened last month.
It is the third outlet for Gallagher’s side-project, and is his first in Scotland.
A large crowd greeted the singer outside the store, with one fan holding a portrait of Gallagher and his brother and former Oasis bandmate Noel.
In an interview earlier this week, Gallagher revealed that Pretty Green would soon offer capes and leopard print blazers.
Meanwhile, Beady Eye have previewed their first single proper, 'The Roller'.
The track is taken from the group’s debut album ‘Different Gear, Still Speeding’, which is due out on February 28.
Click here to see a few pictures of Liam in Glasgow.
Source: www.gigwise.com
Liam Gallagher
Spongebob Squarepants
Beady Eye frontman Liam Gallagher has joked that he has Spongebob Squarepants’ phone number on his mobile.
The singer spoke about his admiration for the children’s character during an appearance on BBC Radio 1 today (January 7).
Gallagher told DJ Zane Lowe that he had received a number of gifts from the fictional star, including a Spongebob guitar, as well as presents for his children.
“He done my kid a DVD for his birthday, where you put it in and he wished him happy birthday on it with Bikini Bottom,” Gallagher said.
“It was like, ‘Hi Gene, Happy Birthday’, and all that. Bikini Bottom had a big banner going ‘Happy Birthday Gene’.“
When asked by Lowe if Spongebob Squarepants was the most famous person he had on his mobile phone, Gallagher replied: “Certainly is man.”
Gallagher also reaffirmed past reports that his children were fans of Damon Albarn’s Gorillaz.
Source: www.gigwise.com
Liam Gallagher: I've Got Spongebob Squarepants Phone Number
Beady Eye frontman Liam Gallagher has joked that he has Spongebob Squarepants’ phone number on his mobile.
The singer spoke about his admiration for the children’s character during an appearance on BBC Radio 1 today (January 7).
Gallagher told DJ Zane Lowe that he had received a number of gifts from the fictional star, including a Spongebob guitar, as well as presents for his children.
“He done my kid a DVD for his birthday, where you put it in and he wished him happy birthday on it with Bikini Bottom,” Gallagher said.
“It was like, ‘Hi Gene, Happy Birthday’, and all that. Bikini Bottom had a big banner going ‘Happy Birthday Gene’.“
When asked by Lowe if Spongebob Squarepants was the most famous person he had on his mobile phone, Gallagher replied: “Certainly is man.”
Gallagher also reaffirmed past reports that his children were fans of Damon Albarn’s Gorillaz.
Source: www.gigwise.com
Beady Eye
The video for 'The Roller' will be premiered on Channel 4 at midnight on the 10th January, and promises daredevil stunts. The band recorded the film in sub zero temperatures in Cambridgeshire in December performing in a 'Motorcycle Wall of Death', one of only two in the country, complete with motorcycle stunt riders. After the Channel Four premiere fans can watch the video here at the band's YouTube channel.
This is the third track Beady Eye have made available for fans to hear after giving away a free download of 'Bring The Light' via their website in November, and premiering a video for 'Four Letter Word' on Boxing Day on nme.com and the band's own site. The songs have been viewed over one million times since appearing on the band's site. All songs will be on 'Different Gear, Still Speeding' which is released on 28th February 2011 on Beady Eye Records.
Listen To Beady Eye's 'The Roller' Now
The video for 'The Roller' will be premiered on Channel 4 at midnight on the 10th January, and promises daredevil stunts. The band recorded the film in sub zero temperatures in Cambridgeshire in December performing in a 'Motorcycle Wall of Death', one of only two in the country, complete with motorcycle stunt riders. After the Channel Four premiere fans can watch the video here at the band's YouTube channel.
This is the third track Beady Eye have made available for fans to hear after giving away a free download of 'Bring The Light' via their website in November, and premiering a video for 'Four Letter Word' on Boxing Day on nme.com and the band's own site. The songs have been viewed over one million times since appearing on the band's site. All songs will be on 'Different Gear, Still Speeding' which is released on 28th February 2011 on Beady Eye Records.
Brandon Flowers
Noel Gallagher
Paul Weller
Rock stars including Noel Gallagher, Brandon Flowers, and Paul Weller have posed with their favourite food in a series of photographs for a charity book.
The shots, also featuring British singer/songwriter Eliza Doolittle and Suede frontman Brett Anderson, were taken for the Love Music, Love Food project, in aid of Britain's Teenage Cancer Trust.
Weller is pictured with a latte, Flowers is seen with a Mexican dish, and Gallagher is shown sipping a cup of tea. Other stars in the shoot include The Buzzcocks' Pete Shelley and Steve Diggle, who posed with pints of beer, and Marina and the Diamonds singer Marina Diamandis, shown holding a stack of pancakes.
The book will go on sale later this year.
Source: www.contactmusic.com
Stars Pose With Favourite Food For Charity
Rock stars including Noel Gallagher, Brandon Flowers, and Paul Weller have posed with their favourite food in a series of photographs for a charity book.
The shots, also featuring British singer/songwriter Eliza Doolittle and Suede frontman Brett Anderson, were taken for the Love Music, Love Food project, in aid of Britain's Teenage Cancer Trust.
Weller is pictured with a latte, Flowers is seen with a Mexican dish, and Gallagher is shown sipping a cup of tea. Other stars in the shoot include The Buzzcocks' Pete Shelley and Steve Diggle, who posed with pints of beer, and Marina and the Diamonds singer Marina Diamandis, shown holding a stack of pancakes.
The book will go on sale later this year.
Source: www.contactmusic.com
Liam Gallagher
Brother Frontman Not Impressed With Liam Gallagher's Take On His Band
After receiving the traditional tongue-lashing most upcoming bands tend to be on the sharp end of, Brother frontman Lee Newell has shrugged off criticism aimed at the band in a recent interview conducted by Beady Eye frontman Liam Gallagher.
When asked about his opinion on the Slough based four-piece, Liam dismissed Brother as ‘little fucking posh lads with tattoos’.
In response, Newell has claimed to be uninterested in Gallagher’s opinion, and is more concerned with what his sibling Noel thinks about the band.
Read The Full Article and Interview Here
Source: www.live4ever.uk.com
Brother Frontman Not Impressed With Liam Gallagher's Take On His Band
Brother Frontman Not Impressed With Liam Gallagher's Take On His Band
After receiving the traditional tongue-lashing most upcoming bands tend to be on the sharp end of, Brother frontman Lee Newell has shrugged off criticism aimed at the band in a recent interview conducted by Beady Eye frontman Liam Gallagher.
When asked about his opinion on the Slough based four-piece, Liam dismissed Brother as ‘little fucking posh lads with tattoos’.
In response, Newell has claimed to be uninterested in Gallagher’s opinion, and is more concerned with what his sibling Noel thinks about the band.
Read The Full Article and Interview Here
Source: www.live4ever.uk.com
Gem Archer
Liam Gallagher
Zane Lowe
Liam Gallagher and Gem Archer will be on UK radio this morning when they sit in with Radio 1's Zane Lowe to spin a selection of their favourite tunes in the 'Versus' slot. Zane will also be playing Beady Eye's 'The Roller'. Check it out from 8am (UK TIME) here.
The single will also be available to listen to at the band's YouTube channel HERE! from tomorrow morning as well as your favourite radio stations around the world.
Don't Forget Liam Gallagher And Gem Archer On Radio 1 This Morning
Liam Gallagher and Gem Archer will be on UK radio this morning when they sit in with Radio 1's Zane Lowe to spin a selection of their favourite tunes in the 'Versus' slot. Zane will also be playing Beady Eye's 'The Roller'. Check it out from 8am (UK TIME) here.
The single will also be available to listen to at the band's YouTube channel HERE! from tomorrow morning as well as your favourite radio stations around the world.
Liam Gallagher
Pretty Green
Liam Gallagher plans to include capes in his next clothing range for his label Pretty Green.
The former Oasis frontman launched his debut fashion line Pretty Green in 2009 and while it initially included "timeless, classic clobber" such as parkas, blazers, shirts and desert boots, Liam is keen to expand it this year.
He said of the label: "We're only gonna get better. We're gonna be the boys for the next 20 years or however long we want to go for. But it's not all about parkas and desert boots, I don't know where we gonna go, but we'll go there. But this year we're doing capes and everything - the lot. "
Liam - who has now launched his own band, Beady Eye, since Oasis split in 2009 - also revealed he is determined for Pretty Green to become an international success while staying true to its roots.
He said in a video interview with PRETTYGREEN.com: "I've always loved clothes - music and clothes go hand-in-hand. I got the opportunity to do this, I don't remember when or how, but I'm gonna give it my all as I do everything. I want to make it really big and take it all around the world and for it to go everywhere, but at the same time I want it to remain underground and that'll be the hardest thing to do. Because you want to give people what they want but at the same time you've got to be selfish."
Source: www.contactmusic.com
Liam Gallagher To Design Capes And Everything
Liam Gallagher plans to include capes in his next clothing range for his label Pretty Green.
The former Oasis frontman launched his debut fashion line Pretty Green in 2009 and while it initially included "timeless, classic clobber" such as parkas, blazers, shirts and desert boots, Liam is keen to expand it this year.
He said of the label: "We're only gonna get better. We're gonna be the boys for the next 20 years or however long we want to go for. But it's not all about parkas and desert boots, I don't know where we gonna go, but we'll go there. But this year we're doing capes and everything - the lot. "
Liam - who has now launched his own band, Beady Eye, since Oasis split in 2009 - also revealed he is determined for Pretty Green to become an international success while staying true to its roots.
He said in a video interview with PRETTYGREEN.com: "I've always loved clothes - music and clothes go hand-in-hand. I got the opportunity to do this, I don't remember when or how, but I'm gonna give it my all as I do everything. I want to make it really big and take it all around the world and for it to go everywhere, but at the same time I want it to remain underground and that'll be the hardest thing to do. Because you want to give people what they want but at the same time you've got to be selfish."
Source: www.contactmusic.com
Beady Eye
Beady Eye on set of the video for ‘The Roller’ that will be premiered in the UK on Channel 4 at midnight (local time) on the 10th January, and promises daredevil stunts.
The band recorded the film in sub zero temperatures in Cambridgeshire in December performing in a ‘Motorcycle Wall of Death’, one of only two in the country, complete with motorcycle stunt riders.
Beady Eye On Set Of The Video For 'The Roller'
Beady Eye on set of the video for ‘The Roller’ that will be premiered in the UK on Channel 4 at midnight (local time) on the 10th January, and promises daredevil stunts.
The band recorded the film in sub zero temperatures in Cambridgeshire in December performing in a ‘Motorcycle Wall of Death’, one of only two in the country, complete with motorcycle stunt riders.
Beady Eye
‘The Roller’ will be the first single to be taken from Beady Eye’s debut album ‘Different Gear, Still Speeding’. It will be released on 7” single on the 21st February but will also be available from 24th January on iTunes. The 7” features a brand new song on the b-side titled ‘Two of A Kind’.
Liam and Gem will be on UK radio tomorrow morning when they sit in with Radio 1's Zane Lowe to spin a selection of their favourite tunes in the 'Versus' slot. Zane will also be playing 'The Roller'. Check it out from 8am.
The single will also be available to listen to at the band's YouTube channel HERE! from tomorrow morning as well as your favourite radio stations around the world.
The video for ‘The Roller’ will be premiered in the UK on Channel 4 at midnight (local time) on the 10th January, and promises daredevil stunts. The band recorded the film in sub zero temperatures in Cambridgeshire in December performing in a ‘Motorcycle Wall of Death’, one of only two in the country, complete with motorcycle stunt riders. After the Channel Four premiere fans can watch the video at the band's YouTube channel HERE!
This is the third track Beady Eye have made available for fans to hear after giving away a free download of ‘Bring The Light’ via their website in November, and premiering a video for ‘Four Letter Word’ on Boxing Day on NME.com and here at the band’s website. The songs have been viewed over one million times since appearing on the band’s site. All songs will be on ‘Different Gear, Still Speeding’ which is released on 28th February 2011 on Beady Eye Records.
To keep up to date on the band's activities you can sign up to their mailing list HERE!
Source: www.beadyeyemusic.com
First Official Single From Beady Eye Out February 21
‘The Roller’ will be the first single to be taken from Beady Eye’s debut album ‘Different Gear, Still Speeding’. It will be released on 7” single on the 21st February but will also be available from 24th January on iTunes. The 7” features a brand new song on the b-side titled ‘Two of A Kind’.
Liam and Gem will be on UK radio tomorrow morning when they sit in with Radio 1's Zane Lowe to spin a selection of their favourite tunes in the 'Versus' slot. Zane will also be playing 'The Roller'. Check it out from 8am.
The single will also be available to listen to at the band's YouTube channel HERE! from tomorrow morning as well as your favourite radio stations around the world.
The video for ‘The Roller’ will be premiered in the UK on Channel 4 at midnight (local time) on the 10th January, and promises daredevil stunts. The band recorded the film in sub zero temperatures in Cambridgeshire in December performing in a ‘Motorcycle Wall of Death’, one of only two in the country, complete with motorcycle stunt riders. After the Channel Four premiere fans can watch the video at the band's YouTube channel HERE!
This is the third track Beady Eye have made available for fans to hear after giving away a free download of ‘Bring The Light’ via their website in November, and premiering a video for ‘Four Letter Word’ on Boxing Day on NME.com and here at the band’s website. The songs have been viewed over one million times since appearing on the band’s site. All songs will be on ‘Different Gear, Still Speeding’ which is released on 28th February 2011 on Beady Eye Records.
To keep up to date on the band's activities you can sign up to their mailing list HERE!
Source: www.beadyeyemusic.com
Liam Gallagher
Pretty Green
Pretty Green Presents Gary Crowley interviewing Liam Gallagher at the Pretty Green Club Night on the 26th November 2010 at The Garage, London.
Gary and Liam discuss the recent Drapers Fashion Award, the idea behind Pretty Green, Liam's own style icons and Beady Eye.
Pretty Green Presents Liam Gallagher - Gary Crowley Interview
Pretty Green Presents Gary Crowley interviewing Liam Gallagher at the Pretty Green Club Night on the 26th November 2010 at The Garage, London.
Gary and Liam discuss the recent Drapers Fashion Award, the idea behind Pretty Green, Liam's own style icons and Beady Eye.
Beady Eye
Liam Gallagher
Liam Gallagher has spoken about Beady Eye's eagerly anticipated debut album 'Different Gear, Still Speeding' that is released on 28th February 2011 on Beady Eye Records. The album features 13 brand new songs written by the band and was recorded at RAK Studios in the autumn of 2010 with producer Steve Lillywhite.
The Beady Eye front man told Uncut that the album is "all brand new" and that "It's really rocking in places and really psychedelic in places" he described it as "colourful" and not "black and white".
He added: "There's a couple of great tunes on there. One called 'Morning Sun' that closes the album. It's a bit Mind Games by Lennon. A lot of strings kind of stuff. There's a tune called "Wigwam" which is probably about drinking too much and gambling. And then it veers off into something else. I'm winging it, mate. You won't get me talking about Oscar Wilde or all that bollocks. I'm just writing the first thing that comes into my head".
Speaking on how the band work together he said that "Gem does his thing, Andy does his thing and I do my thing. Then we all demo them and work on the songs together. I write on guitar. Or... I barely write on guitar. I've got a guitar in the house on its last legs, man. I sit round and play the guitar 'til I get bored. Then I go for a walk. Try to get some lyrics down and away we go".
Liam Gallagher On Beady Eye's Debut Album 'Different Gear, Still Speeding'
Liam Gallagher has spoken about Beady Eye's eagerly anticipated debut album 'Different Gear, Still Speeding' that is released on 28th February 2011 on Beady Eye Records. The album features 13 brand new songs written by the band and was recorded at RAK Studios in the autumn of 2010 with producer Steve Lillywhite.
The Beady Eye front man told Uncut that the album is "all brand new" and that "It's really rocking in places and really psychedelic in places" he described it as "colourful" and not "black and white".
He added: "There's a couple of great tunes on there. One called 'Morning Sun' that closes the album. It's a bit Mind Games by Lennon. A lot of strings kind of stuff. There's a tune called "Wigwam" which is probably about drinking too much and gambling. And then it veers off into something else. I'm winging it, mate. You won't get me talking about Oscar Wilde or all that bollocks. I'm just writing the first thing that comes into my head".
Speaking on how the band work together he said that "Gem does his thing, Andy does his thing and I do my thing. Then we all demo them and work on the songs together. I write on guitar. Or... I barely write on guitar. I've got a guitar in the house on its last legs, man. I sit round and play the guitar 'til I get bored. Then I go for a walk. Try to get some lyrics down and away we go".
Bonehead
Guigsy
Liam Gallagher
Noel Gallagher
Oasis
Tony McCarroll
In the early 1990s boy band and girl band acts dominated the British and Irish charts. Take That, The Spice Girls, East 17, and Boyzone sold millions of singles and were constantly on television.
Then in 1994 a working-class guitar band named Oasis emerged from a predominantly Irish area of Manchester. The group consisted of siblings Liam and Noel Gallagher on vocals and lead guitar, Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs on rhythm guitar, Paul ‘Guigsy’ McGuigan on bass, and Tony McCarroll on drums. They wanted to recapture the 1960s golden era of British rock‘n’roll and they were “mad for it”.
Tony was born in Levenshulme, south Manchester, in June 1971 but spent part of his early childhood living with relatives in Kinnity, County Offaly. He started drumming at six and a decade later joined with a few friends to form a band called Sweet and Tender Hooligans, playing The Smiths and New Order songs.
Together with ‘Bonehead’ and ‘Guigsy’, Tony founded an original music group, The Rain, and in 1991 they recruited Liam Gallagher as lead singer.
“Even back then we had a certain sound and I credit Bonehead with that,” McCarroll tells me. “His rhythm guitar created this wall of sound and every other member of the group tried to compete with that. It created this vibe in the band and we were this bunch of close friends who had all these big dreams and ambitions.”
After a few gigs together the band decided to change their name to Oasis and Liam invited his elder brother Noel (then a roadie with The Inspiral Carpets) to check them out at The Boardwalk venue. Noel told Liam that the band’s performance was “f***ing s**t” and the duo had a massive row - the first of many. Later Noel changed his mind and joined the group as lead guitarist and main songwriter.
The band’s big break came in May 1993 when they were spotted by Creation Records founder Alan McGee at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut club in Glasgow - despite the fact the band were initially refused entry into the club and had to bully their way on the stage.
“I remember we hired a van in Manchester and that cost us somewhere in the region of two hundred quid,” Tony recalls. “Obviously money was really, really tight at the time but we had to get the band out there. We made our way up to Glasgow, it was something like a three hour journey, and when we got there the promoter said he’d never heard of us and wouldn’t let us play.
“After some tense negotiations he finally agreed to give a 15 minute slot at the beginning. We only did four songs and afterwards Alan McGee approached us and asked us if we had a deal. Anyway he took us on board and that’s where the story of Oasis really started to happen. We’d only done four or five gigs prior to being signed and that was virtually unheard of back then. It was quite a quick rise to stardom.”
In September 1994 Oasis released Definitely Maybe and it became the fastest selling debut in the history of the British music charts. Singles such as ‘Supersonic’, ‘Live Forever’, ‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’, ‘Whatever’, and ‘Some Might Say’ displaced the manufactured pop acts and the new cultural phenomenon of Britpop began.
Throughout 1995 and 1996 the group battled with London indie rock band Blur for chart supremacy in what was dubbed ‘The Battle of Britpop’. McCarroll was fired by Oasis in early 1995 and was replaced by ex-Paul Weller Band drummer Alan White.
He watched his former friends and band mates go on to achieve incredible success and then implode piece by piece.
“I was gutted,” he says of his sacking. “Basically I had taken this thing from birth and then I watched it grow up from the outside. Attitudes were starting to change on the road and maybe that was down to drink and drugs.
“There were certainly tensions because we were living inside each other’s pockets every day. I was always one for standing up for myself. Maybe if I’d toed the line a bit more I would have lasted a bit longer.”
In September 2009, after a massive fight with his brother, Noel Gallagher announced that Oasis was splitting up. At the end of last year Liam launched his new rock group Beady Eye and their debut album is one of the most anticipated of 2011.
“I’ve only heard bits and pieces so far,” McCarroll says. “Knowing Liam though it’s probably going to have a Lennonesque vibe about it. I’m looking forward to hearing the album in full.”
Tony McCarroll’s book The Truth: My Life As Oasis’s Drummer is out now from John Blake Publishing Ltd.
Source: www.advertiser.ie
Ex-Oasis Drummer Tony McCarroll On Life Inside Oasis
In the early 1990s boy band and girl band acts dominated the British and Irish charts. Take That, The Spice Girls, East 17, and Boyzone sold millions of singles and were constantly on television.
Then in 1994 a working-class guitar band named Oasis emerged from a predominantly Irish area of Manchester. The group consisted of siblings Liam and Noel Gallagher on vocals and lead guitar, Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs on rhythm guitar, Paul ‘Guigsy’ McGuigan on bass, and Tony McCarroll on drums. They wanted to recapture the 1960s golden era of British rock‘n’roll and they were “mad for it”.
Tony was born in Levenshulme, south Manchester, in June 1971 but spent part of his early childhood living with relatives in Kinnity, County Offaly. He started drumming at six and a decade later joined with a few friends to form a band called Sweet and Tender Hooligans, playing The Smiths and New Order songs.
Together with ‘Bonehead’ and ‘Guigsy’, Tony founded an original music group, The Rain, and in 1991 they recruited Liam Gallagher as lead singer.
“Even back then we had a certain sound and I credit Bonehead with that,” McCarroll tells me. “His rhythm guitar created this wall of sound and every other member of the group tried to compete with that. It created this vibe in the band and we were this bunch of close friends who had all these big dreams and ambitions.”
After a few gigs together the band decided to change their name to Oasis and Liam invited his elder brother Noel (then a roadie with The Inspiral Carpets) to check them out at The Boardwalk venue. Noel told Liam that the band’s performance was “f***ing s**t” and the duo had a massive row - the first of many. Later Noel changed his mind and joined the group as lead guitarist and main songwriter.
The band’s big break came in May 1993 when they were spotted by Creation Records founder Alan McGee at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut club in Glasgow - despite the fact the band were initially refused entry into the club and had to bully their way on the stage.
“I remember we hired a van in Manchester and that cost us somewhere in the region of two hundred quid,” Tony recalls. “Obviously money was really, really tight at the time but we had to get the band out there. We made our way up to Glasgow, it was something like a three hour journey, and when we got there the promoter said he’d never heard of us and wouldn’t let us play.
“After some tense negotiations he finally agreed to give a 15 minute slot at the beginning. We only did four songs and afterwards Alan McGee approached us and asked us if we had a deal. Anyway he took us on board and that’s where the story of Oasis really started to happen. We’d only done four or five gigs prior to being signed and that was virtually unheard of back then. It was quite a quick rise to stardom.”
In September 1994 Oasis released Definitely Maybe and it became the fastest selling debut in the history of the British music charts. Singles such as ‘Supersonic’, ‘Live Forever’, ‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’, ‘Whatever’, and ‘Some Might Say’ displaced the manufactured pop acts and the new cultural phenomenon of Britpop began.
Throughout 1995 and 1996 the group battled with London indie rock band Blur for chart supremacy in what was dubbed ‘The Battle of Britpop’. McCarroll was fired by Oasis in early 1995 and was replaced by ex-Paul Weller Band drummer Alan White.
He watched his former friends and band mates go on to achieve incredible success and then implode piece by piece.
“I was gutted,” he says of his sacking. “Basically I had taken this thing from birth and then I watched it grow up from the outside. Attitudes were starting to change on the road and maybe that was down to drink and drugs.
“There were certainly tensions because we were living inside each other’s pockets every day. I was always one for standing up for myself. Maybe if I’d toed the line a bit more I would have lasted a bit longer.”
In September 2009, after a massive fight with his brother, Noel Gallagher announced that Oasis was splitting up. At the end of last year Liam launched his new rock group Beady Eye and their debut album is one of the most anticipated of 2011.
“I’ve only heard bits and pieces so far,” McCarroll says. “Knowing Liam though it’s probably going to have a Lennonesque vibe about it. I’m looking forward to hearing the album in full.”
Tony McCarroll’s book The Truth: My Life As Oasis’s Drummer is out now from John Blake Publishing Ltd.
Source: www.advertiser.ie
Noel Gallagher
Russell Brand
Rock God and party animal Noel Gallagher talks about seeing in the New Year with legendary caner and talkSPORT host Russell Brand.
Click here to listen to the interview.
Noel Gallagher: "If The Fella Hadn't Shut The Bar I Think I'd Still Be There!"
Rock God and party animal Noel Gallagher talks about seeing in the New Year with legendary caner and talkSPORT host Russell Brand.
Click here to listen to the interview.
Alan McGee
Liam Gallagher
Oasis
Liam Gallagher has told grieving Oasis fans to accept the band will never reunite.
The legendary outfit broke up in 2009 following a furious bust-up between Liam and brother Noel in Paris - and the singer remains adamant that there is no going back, despite fans' hopes.
He's urged the "moaning" mourners to move on and embrace his new outfit Beady Eye, whose debut album Different Gear, Still Speeding hits shelves next month.
Responding to former boss Alan McGee's claim that Oasis will eventually reform, Liam told Mojo mag: "He's wrong isn't he? And a couple of little c**** moaning on the f****** internet going, 'Oh it isn't f****** Oasis,' aren't going to bother me.
"They're going to make themselves f****** sick if they don't get over it.
"It's like wanting your girlfriend back after she's f***** you off. You'll end up getting yourself ill.
"They're not going to get me knocking on someone's door saying, 'Come on let's get back together.'
"It's done, mate. We had a great time. Beady Eye is where we are now... Get rid of all the Oasis songs and just bathe ourselves in Beady Eye."
That said, Liam hasn't written off performing some Oasis classics when Beady Eye hit the road in March.
Though there is one key condition that may not go down well with Noel devotees.
He added: "The way we see it is that we're Beady Eye and I think it's time for people to get acquainted with us.
"But somewhere down the line if it goes pear-shaped and we have to play Oasis, I definitely won't be playing Noel's songs, I'll be playing my own."
Source: www.thesun.co.uk
Liam Gallagher: "Oasis Will Never Reunite"
Liam Gallagher has told grieving Oasis fans to accept the band will never reunite.
The legendary outfit broke up in 2009 following a furious bust-up between Liam and brother Noel in Paris - and the singer remains adamant that there is no going back, despite fans' hopes.
He's urged the "moaning" mourners to move on and embrace his new outfit Beady Eye, whose debut album Different Gear, Still Speeding hits shelves next month.
Responding to former boss Alan McGee's claim that Oasis will eventually reform, Liam told Mojo mag: "He's wrong isn't he? And a couple of little c**** moaning on the f****** internet going, 'Oh it isn't f****** Oasis,' aren't going to bother me.
"They're going to make themselves f****** sick if they don't get over it.
"It's like wanting your girlfriend back after she's f***** you off. You'll end up getting yourself ill.
"They're not going to get me knocking on someone's door saying, 'Come on let's get back together.'
"It's done, mate. We had a great time. Beady Eye is where we are now... Get rid of all the Oasis songs and just bathe ourselves in Beady Eye."
That said, Liam hasn't written off performing some Oasis classics when Beady Eye hit the road in March.
Though there is one key condition that may not go down well with Noel devotees.
He added: "The way we see it is that we're Beady Eye and I think it's time for people to get acquainted with us.
"But somewhere down the line if it goes pear-shaped and we have to play Oasis, I definitely won't be playing Noel's songs, I'll be playing my own."
Source: www.thesun.co.uk
Liam Gallagher
Pretty Green
Liam Gallagher's Pretty Green is no ordinary celebrity brand.
Forget cheap fabrics and logo T-shirts, Pretty Green is making a name for itself as a credible menswear brand where the bottom line is always quality.
Since its launch in June 2009 the brand has gone from strength to strength, with sales steadily increasing despite the recession.
We decided to find out what's so special about Pretty Green, so we caught up with two of the brand's key people: Nick Holland, design director, and Dean West, global sales manager.
Read our Q&A with Nick and Dean for an inside view on the success story that is Pretty Green. Celebrity designers in the making, take note:
Q: How would you sum up the Pretty Green brand?
DEAN: It's Liam Gallagher's contemporary British heritage brand which takes its influences directly from streetwear culture from the past.
Q: How well do think it reflects Liam's personal style?
DEAN: It's very much his signature. It's got his DNA written all over it you can see him wearing absolutely every piece. The black label is much more at the pointy end of fashion and that reflects Liam at his most fashionable, and green label is very much him looking casual. There isn't a piece in the collection that he wouldn't wear himself.
NICK: What is great about Pretty Green is that it regularly references Liam’s iconic style without being controlled by it. The 1960s mod scene is a huge influence for the Green Label. The Black Label takes this look and translates it into a highly tailored product which is contemporary with a foot in the past but also in the present day. The Pretty Green Liam Gallagher: Pretty Greencustomer likes to dress sharp, stylish and is not influenced by fashion trends, preferring classic, strong styles and high quality fabrics.
Q: How involved is Liam in the design process?
NICK: Liam is involved in every stage of the process when it comes to the designing both the Green and Black Label Collections. It's a simple yes or no. It's in or it's out, if it's right it's in, if it's not it's out. You know exactly where you stand - Liam knows exactly what he wants and is very particular about what is put in the final collections - down to the minutest detail… Liam has a great eye for what will work and what will not.
Q: What is Liam like to work with?
NICK: Liam is a pleasure to work with. He is punctual, funny and extremely passionate about Pretty Green, and is very decisive in what he wants from the end product, which helps greatly and saves time and money. We are starting to look into clothes for the film he is doing, The Longest Cocktail Party, which Pretty Green are providing the styling for. Liam knows what's right and wrong and the team of researchers we have onboard should make it a great project for Pretty Green to be involved with.
What's the secret of Pretty Green's success?
NICK: We aren't endorsed by a celebrity, Liam owns the company as the major shareholder so there is a difference, I believe. I also strongly believe it's down to a fantastic team involved with Pretty Green who are without doubt experts in their fields and highly driven to succeed which is critical to succeed.
DEAN: We've captured the hearts and minds of the nation and the boys in this country. Everywhere that sells it is flying it out. People are asking for it all the time. I think it just encapsulated the whole of that look that the British lads like to wear.
What's next for the brand?
NICK: This year we opened pop-up stores in Carnaby Street, Manchester and Glasgow and I know we are looking to expand into other cities in 2011. My department is Design, there is a whole team who strategise about where we are going next, but I do anticipate 2011/2012 being exciting times in Pretty Green.
DEAN:We've got a footwear collection coming out early 2011, we've got shades coming out and we've got more accessories coming.
So is there a chance Pretty Green will branch into womenswear? Nick told us: "We may release a capsule collection next year but currently focused on menswear."
Here's hoping…
Source: sky.com
Q&A Pretty Green
Liam Gallagher's Pretty Green is no ordinary celebrity brand.
Forget cheap fabrics and logo T-shirts, Pretty Green is making a name for itself as a credible menswear brand where the bottom line is always quality.
Since its launch in June 2009 the brand has gone from strength to strength, with sales steadily increasing despite the recession.
We decided to find out what's so special about Pretty Green, so we caught up with two of the brand's key people: Nick Holland, design director, and Dean West, global sales manager.
Read our Q&A with Nick and Dean for an inside view on the success story that is Pretty Green. Celebrity designers in the making, take note:
Q: How would you sum up the Pretty Green brand?
DEAN: It's Liam Gallagher's contemporary British heritage brand which takes its influences directly from streetwear culture from the past.
Q: How well do think it reflects Liam's personal style?
DEAN: It's very much his signature. It's got his DNA written all over it you can see him wearing absolutely every piece. The black label is much more at the pointy end of fashion and that reflects Liam at his most fashionable, and green label is very much him looking casual. There isn't a piece in the collection that he wouldn't wear himself.
NICK: What is great about Pretty Green is that it regularly references Liam’s iconic style without being controlled by it. The 1960s mod scene is a huge influence for the Green Label. The Black Label takes this look and translates it into a highly tailored product which is contemporary with a foot in the past but also in the present day. The Pretty Green Liam Gallagher: Pretty Greencustomer likes to dress sharp, stylish and is not influenced by fashion trends, preferring classic, strong styles and high quality fabrics.
Q: How involved is Liam in the design process?
NICK: Liam is involved in every stage of the process when it comes to the designing both the Green and Black Label Collections. It's a simple yes or no. It's in or it's out, if it's right it's in, if it's not it's out. You know exactly where you stand - Liam knows exactly what he wants and is very particular about what is put in the final collections - down to the minutest detail… Liam has a great eye for what will work and what will not.
Q: What is Liam like to work with?
NICK: Liam is a pleasure to work with. He is punctual, funny and extremely passionate about Pretty Green, and is very decisive in what he wants from the end product, which helps greatly and saves time and money. We are starting to look into clothes for the film he is doing, The Longest Cocktail Party, which Pretty Green are providing the styling for. Liam knows what's right and wrong and the team of researchers we have onboard should make it a great project for Pretty Green to be involved with.
What's the secret of Pretty Green's success?
NICK: We aren't endorsed by a celebrity, Liam owns the company as the major shareholder so there is a difference, I believe. I also strongly believe it's down to a fantastic team involved with Pretty Green who are without doubt experts in their fields and highly driven to succeed which is critical to succeed.
DEAN: We've captured the hearts and minds of the nation and the boys in this country. Everywhere that sells it is flying it out. People are asking for it all the time. I think it just encapsulated the whole of that look that the British lads like to wear.
What's next for the brand?
NICK: This year we opened pop-up stores in Carnaby Street, Manchester and Glasgow and I know we are looking to expand into other cities in 2011. My department is Design, there is a whole team who strategise about where we are going next, but I do anticipate 2011/2012 being exciting times in Pretty Green.
DEAN:We've got a footwear collection coming out early 2011, we've got shades coming out and we've got more accessories coming.
So is there a chance Pretty Green will branch into womenswear? Nick told us: "We may release a capsule collection next year but currently focused on menswear."
Here's hoping…
Source: sky.com
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