Beady Eye release their eagerly anticipated debut album 'Different Gear, Still Speeding' 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 autumn 2010 with producer Steve Lillywhite.
Below are the details of the release via iTunes.
01 Four Letter Word 02 Millionaire Album 03 The Roller 04 Beatles and Stones 05 Wind Up Dream 06 Bring The Light 07 For Anyone 08 Kill For A Dream 09 Standing On The Edge Of Noise 10 Wigwam 11 Three Ring Circus 12 The Beat Goes On 13 The Morning Son 14 Man Of Misery (Bonus Track) 15 Sons Of The Stage (Bonus Track) 16 RAK Them Out (VIDEO) 17 Bring The Light (VIDEO) 18 Four Letter Word (VIDEO) 19 Sons Of The Stage (VIDEO)
In our new issue, Roe McDermott meets director Danny O'Connor, who talks about the maverick record label
This February marks the return of the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival - an eleven day event showcasing the best of Irish and international cinema.
And among the documentaries chosen for the festival is Upside Down, Danny O’Connor’s revealing examination of Creation Records.
Headed by the infamous Alan McGee, Creation was one of the most influential record companies of the ‘80s and ‘90s, signing such acts as Oasis, Super Furry Animals, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Primal Scream and many more.
In the new issue of Hot Press, Roe McDermott meets O'Connor to talk about the project. “You’ve got the story of Alan McGee and Bobby Gillespie, who went to school together, O’Connor explains. "One becomes this Mr. Label Svengali Guru character, and the other becomes this pretty significant rock star, and yet they were both completely interdependent. So the film starts and ends with them, and really it’s a story about friendship, about them falling in and falling out and their relationship.”
He goes on: “The music aside, the thing I absolutely loved about Creation was the attitude. It was very much about the swagger. And swagger is an ever-disappearing commodity, especially in the increasingly corporate age of music."
Read the full interview with O'Connor in the new issue of Hot Press (Glen Hansard cover), out now.
JDIFF runs from February 17 to 27 in cinemas and venues across Dublin, with Upside Down playing in Cineworld on February 24.
Last month we asked you to submit your questions for Tony McCarroll and were inundated with responses. Tony was one of the founding members of ‘Rain’, the band who would later become Oasis.
During his time with the band, he played on what was at the time the fastest selling debut album of all time 'Definitely Maybe' and the Some Might Say single which would become part of the biggest selling album of the 90’s; What’s The Story (Morning Glory). His distinctive way of playing helped create a unique sound for the band in their early years and songs like Supersonic, Bring It On Down and Live Forever are all instantly recognisable from his signature style.
After leaving Oasis, Tony continued to play drums, he founded he band Raika with his brothers and to this day continues to hold drum clinics for young musicians. In 2010 he released his the book ‘Oasis: The Truth’, telling the story of his time in the band. The book is a first hand account of Oasis becoming the biggest band in the country from their humble beginnings in Manchester and has received critical acclaim from both fans and journalists.
Hi Tony how’s things?
Things are good right now. The book has been a massive success and critically acclaimed across the nation and beyond, which feels rewarding in its own right. It has also lifted a huge weight from my shoulders which explains the feeling good bit.
I've read your book and enjoyed it, when did you come up with the idea to release it?
I’m glad you enjoyed it. I really feel I’ve aired my grievances and the response from people has been overwhelming.
The idea came about a couple of years ago, pre the band splitting. Noel was on his rounds promoting an album and once more it was me as the ‘stooge’. I just decided that it was time to set the record straight. The book has a humorous thread running through it which really seems to have struck a chord with people.
Have you had any feedback from the members of the band about the book?
Funnily enough I bumped into Bonehead just before the book release. He was as peachy as ever and wished me well. Apparently Noel has read it and actually really enjoyed it. It seems he found most of it hilarious. It’s good to see him taking that perspective. Everyone mellows with age or in Noel’s case, starts to thaw. Only joking!
How do you think most Oasis fans feel today about your contribution to the band and your early departure? Was your book also addressed to them, or have you always felt their affection and respect throughout the years, before and after you left the band? Like all group fans they are broke down into two groups. Those that like you and then those that don’t. It is what it is. I’m lucky in the sense I rarely meet a fan that I don’t get on with. I’m an amicable fella. Life is about having respect and if you do so more often than not it is returned.
There are rumours of the book being turned into a movie. Is this true? And who would you like to play you? A production company has spoken to me about filming the book. They are going to approach Noel for the rights to the music. I guess we’ll see how much Noel likes the book when he replies.
I was thinking maybe Leonardo Di Caprio all wigged up for me and definitely Craig Cash for Bonehead.
Is it true that you first picked up the drum sticks when you were five, and that it was recorded and broadcast by the BBC for it's flagship childrens television show Playschool? Yes it is. You can ask me mam. If anyone reading works for the Beeb and has access to the programme archives maybe they could dig it out. It would be great to see that again.
The first member of Oasis you met was Guigsy, how did you first bump into him?
We met through football as kids. They really were good years. The only concerns we had revolved around having enough money to get to the match at the weekend with ten fags in your back bin. Anything else was a bonus! There was only so many stories I could fit into the book but those days could fill a book on their own.
Is it true that you both use to go to both Manchester United and City games together?
That would be physically impossible. Unless it was derby day.
You were in a band called 'Pleasure And Pain' what type of music did you play?
I think you might find that was Bonehead’s first band, not mine. I believe it was a Sado Masochistic act which explains the name.
A few years after that you met Bonehead after Guigsy introduced him to you, what were your first impressions of him? I thought he was the funniest geezer I’d ever met. A laugh a minute and a fine musician to boot! I was fortunate enough to share a room with Bonehead on every tour…Definitely the most exciting room and always last to bed! Captain Mayhem!
Guigsy invited you to join the Rain with him, Bonehead and Chris. Who came up the name of the band?
Some uninspired soul, probably staring out of any window on any day in Manchester.
Are there any early recordings of the band pre-Gallagher lying around? I dunno. Best man to ask for that is BigUn (Paul Ashbee). He collected all sorts at the beginning like a regular little magpie. I think Noel even checks his own recollections with BigUn just to be sure!
When did you first meet Liam and what were your first impressions of him?
My first impressions were poor. I just couldn’t get the walk right. I’m no Mike Yarwood.
I first met Liam in Errwood Park when he would have been about twelve. Liam has always had what is now labelled as the ‘X’ Factor. Liam was always a leader and had a strong personality. He was a top fella then and remains so to this day.
When Liam auditioned for the band, what songs did he sing at the audition? And how quick did he change the name to Oasis?
When Liam auditioned in my house I don’t think he even sang. He didn’t have too. We were a couple of months in before he came up with the idea to change the name.
It seemed right. After Huts departure The Rain had effectively stopped.
You played a number of gigs in Oasis before Noel later joined, what songs did he have already written when he joined?
Nothing that you might recognise. A lot of the early stuff was borne out of jamming and then the lyrics added afterwards. Tracks like ‘Strange-Thing’ or ‘Colour My Life’ etc can be heard on YouTube.
You were discovered by Alan McGee in Glasgow, how much of Definitely Maybe was prepared by then. A very specific question. I wish I had a very specific answer for you! Only one or two tracks at most.
What were your first impressions of Creation? Was it as wild as it has been reported?
We were ushered by Alan McGee onto a rollercoaster of champagne, chemicals and cash. We were five working class lads from Manchester without a pot to pish in. Creation knew how to feed us and also how to feed the media. I think they knew our antics and behaviour could propel us to stardom. They had also heard ‘Definitely Maybe’!
How much creative input do you feel you had on Oasis' drumming? Was it simply Noel saying "this is how I want the drums to sound, so do that."
It varied. On occasion Noel would have a definite sound that he would want recreating but at other times we would simply jam away and Noel would write around that. A great example of this is ‘Supersonic’. That was myself and Bonehead sound checking and then Noel picking up the vibe. I am very proud that the very first offering from Oasis as a band to the British public was the drum beat I had created in a little studio in Liverpool. It still sends shivers down my spine!
What is your favourite post-McCarroll Oasis song?
It’s got to be ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’.
How's your relationship with the rest of the band nowadays?
I haven’t spoke to Noel or Guigs since I left the band. I did bump into Noel at a Manchester City game recently but he fled as soon as he spotted me, which was a shame. I’d like to think we had both mellowed with time. Bonehead is still a musical genius and we catch up every now and then. I last spoke to Liam at a Real People concert and as usual we had a proper roar. Liam is a good guy.
If Noel and Liam ever decided to do a re-union tour with the original members of Oasis would you be interested?
I suppose they would have to convince each other first.
What is your favorite Oasis Song and why?
Easy. Live Forever. I imagine it will go down in the annals as our signature tune and rightly so. I love the intro with the big drum sound. At concerts you would hear people singing out loud along to the beat! There’s not many songs where that happens. When we recorded the song Owen Morris turned up the drums which infuriated Noel but in the end Owen got his own way and turned up the drums on most of the tracks whilst mixing. Even Noel eventually admitted it was the right decision.
What are your favourite drums on an Oasis track?
I used to love performing tracks like ‘Bring it on down’ or even’ Headshrinker’
Who do you rate as the best drummer out of Alan White, Zak Starsky and Chris Sharrock?
I think they’re all great drummers but I do love Zak’s creative side. He doesn’t do the obvious and has taken the band in a different direction! Dare I say that he reminds me of his ever so famous Dad and the way he used to approach recordings.
Is it true that you were in the audience at the V Festival for the last ever Oasis gig?
Yes. There was a group of twenty of us who visit the festival annually. I thought that evening that the Oasis performance was particularly good! There are only two people in the world who attended Oasis’ first and last gigs. That’s Liam and my good self!! I reckon that will make a great question in a pub quiz!
What's the most memorable moment you had with the band?
Glastonbury 1994.
Who were you closest to within the band? Bonehead and Liam. We were the ‘mischievous’ set within the band. Noel was busy swooning with female music biz reporters or being interviewed and Guigs spent most of his time reading about which direction to shave your facial hair or watching cricket. That left the way free for us to leave a trail of destruction and broken hearts up and down the country.
Did you listen to Oasis' later albums after leaving the group? If so, what is your opinion of them?
Yeah of course I listen closely. Can’t say I’ve actually bought one though. The first albums were fantastic but I kind of lost interest after that until ‘Dig Out Your Soul. Some of the in between bits were almost predictable but that may be because I was very familiar with Noel and the way he wrote.
Do you think your book will encourage other former members of the band to release one?
I hope so. I would most look forward to Liam’s recollections. Noel has bared his soul for all to see for the last couple of decades or so where as Liam has shrouded himself in mystery. It would be good for the British public to see that their perception of Liam as a hooligan and yob isn’t strictly true.
Do you still play the drums on a regular basis?
I’ll never stop. The drums were my first real passion in life and I still enjoy them to this day. If a drummer ever stops drumming it all goes wrong! A drummer thing!
You said in your book you are involved in drumming workshops. who is it for? and how did you get involved in it?
My workshops take place in Ireland for local youngsters. I have always enjoyed teaching and being able to develop talent. Getting young people to focus on something creative is important to me and can prove extremely beneficial to them.
What happened to your band Rakia, and did you ever record anything?
I was in Rakia with my two brothers, Ged and Adi. Ged is a much in demand session musician who constantly put off tours and work to dedicate himself to Raika. When this became no longer practical the band had no choice but to split. There are a few shaky demo’s floating around with some early offerings on them.
If you had the chance to join an exciting band now, would you still feel passionate about going back to the music business full time or is it something that you are just not interested anymore at this time in your life?
Never say never.
If you could of joined another band past or present, what band would you have picked? Probably Led Zeppelin. A curly John Bonham!
Finally why should people read your book? They should read my book if they are interested in Oasis, Noel Gallagher, Manchester, football, drinking, Ireland, robots, love, drummers, drug deals, Liam Gallagher, tramps, riots, the mafia and Kurt Cobain’s coat.
Tony's book ‘Oasis: The Truth’ is widely available from the usual stockist, click here for a closer look.
We’d like to thank Tony for taking the time to answer questions from the fans and to all of you who submitted questions.
Channel 4 has confirmed plans to air Live From Abbey Road - Beady Eye Special.
The 30-minute show will feature Liam Gallagher's post-Oasis band performing four songs plus an interview with the group. It will air in late February.
In spring 2011, the broadcaster will follow up the programme with a new series of 15-minute shows titled Abbey Road Debuts. Each programme will feature two tracks from a band's Abbey Road debut and an interview with host Tom Ravenscroft.
Neil McCallum, head of T4 and Music at Channel 4, said: "We're looking forward to broadcasting Beady Eye's eagerly anticipated televised performance prior to the release of their brand new album.
"In addition, it's exciting to be announcing a brand new spinoff series, Abbey Road Debuts, which will allow the next generation of musical stars the opportunity to perform in such a historical space.
"We envisage the shows to be the perfect accompaniment to the main series, collectively covering a whole new musical spectrum."
Noel Gallagher has been leading a Spanish inquisition to find a cheeky fan who was scuttling his solo masterplan.
The former Oasis star found out recently that a cunning punter in Barcelona had snapped up the domain name noelgallagher.com ten years ago.
And The Chief's plans to get things in order for his solo career were being held up by the Barca Bandit - because he was demanding a small fortune to hand it back.
Noel took matters into his own hands last week. He paid for the Spaniard to fly to London, put him up in a plush hotel and met him in person to thunder out a deal.
And after some serious haggling, and a few Oasis anecdotes, the chancer changed his demands from tens of thousands of pounds - to some signed memorabilia and guest list action at Noel's next solo gigs.
Muchas gracias.
It's probably just as well. Had the bloke dug his cowboy boots in he would probably have found himself dangled by his cojones from a remote bridge somewhere between Burnage and Barcelona. Oasis fans will be chuffed to hear Noel has set the ball rolling on his solo career.
He has kept a dignified silence since the bitter split from his old comrades and has let the dust settle.
In all fairness, there has been no rush. The business of bringing up a family is a full-time job - with nippers Donovan and Sonny keeping his hands full.
To hear Noel embracing t'internet at last is a sign he's moving with the times.
Rumour has it he even owns an iPad now - even though it's mainly used to watch comedy YouTube videos.
He has been a bit of a web sceptic over the years. But thanks to text messaging, he kept a blog going during the final Oasis US tour in 2008.
He would post under the name General Dread, keeping the faithful up to date with his travels.
Meanwhile, The Roller, the debut single from LIAM's new outfit Beady Eye, crashed into the charts at No31 yesterday.
I'm sure there's plenty of material there for a belter of a blog entry. Give it a few months.
Beady Eye's cover of 'Sons Of The Stage' by 'World Of Twist' is now available on the UK iTunes store. For people outside of the UK, check iTunes to see if it's available in your country.
Liam Gallagher recently spoke about covering the song, to Mojo magazine.
He said "Ah man, that's f**king rocking. It was the first song we did actually. Our DJ Phil Smith used to play it before we came on at some of our gigs. So we rehearsed that one one, then we did 'We Love You' by the Stones, but we thought, F**k it, this one is more obscure. I saw them at the Ritz in Manchester. They were a top band. They were Pulp before pulp were pop".
Gem Archer believes his former Oasis bandmate Noel Gallagher ''suppressed'' his brother Liam - but doesn't think that was a bad thing.
Gem Archer believes Liam Gallagher was "suppressed" by his brother Noel.
The guitarist - who now performs with the singer in Beady Eye - believes his former Oasis bandmate restricted his sibling, but thinks it stopped the 'Bring the Light' vocalist from going completely off the rails.
He said: "Did Noel suppress Liam? Course he has. Not all his life. But look, in some ways, with Noel, the best thing has been suppressing him. Because Liam could have really f***ed his own life up.
"It's so not simple, they're both the real deal. I ended up in the middle of two of the biggest forces in rock 'n' roll. So I do my best. Liam ain't a monster. And neither is Noel."
Liam's Beady Eye bandmates - who were also in Oasis and include Chris Sharrock and Andy Bell -believes Noel's departure has made the singer more relaxed and fun to be around.
Gem explained to Q magazine: "What would happen if Noel was here? Well, nobody is assuming the Noel role of, 'You shouldn't be drinking tonight' so Liam would probably still be out at midnight, just to prove a point."
Chris added: "Hence Liam's always in a good mood. It's like Elvis walking around."
Pretty Green were awarded the 'Best Etail Marketing Initiative' at the 3rd annual Drapers Etail Awards last night. The prestige of the online fashion industry were in attendance to recognise and celebrate success and innovation in online fashion retailing.
Jessica Brown, editor of Drapers magazine commented: "The Drapers Etail Awards 2011, now in its third year, has evolved to reflect the rapid changes that have taken place in this dynamic sector over the last 12 months and this year, the judges were looking to reward the innovation that goes hand in hand with real results."
Following our 'Menswear Brand of the Year' award at the Drapers Fashion Awards, Pretty Green were delighted to be recognised amongst the best fashion Etailers for innovative cross-channel marketing initiatives.
Everyone here at Pretty Green would like to thank all of our customers for their continued support!
The festive offer is almost over and Pretty Green have further reduced prices.See some of the offer highlights check out the offer section on the website to see all of the products on offer.
There are still a few tickets left for a number of the Beady Eye shows that went on sale this morning.
11 April - NOTTINGHAM, Rock City. CALL VENUE FOR DETAILS 14 April - DUBLIN, The Olympia Theatre 15 April - DUBLIN, The Olympia Theatre 17 April - BELFAST, Ulster Hall 18 April - EDINBURGH, Corn Exchange 24 April - WOLVERHAMPTON, Civic 27 April - BRIGHTON, Centre
TO BUY TICKETS FOR BEADY EYE'S UK TOUR DATES CLICK HERE!
TO BUY TICKETS FOR BEADY EYE'S IRISH TOUR DATES CLICK HERE!
I think it was (What's the Story) Morning Glory? I know it sounds obvious but I'm sure I got it from Woolworths. I was always a big Oasis fan. Noel sings harmony on a track on my record. It was only a little thing but he came to the studio for an afternoon and hung out. It was lovely. I love Beady Eye too, especially Four Letter Word. We're supporting them in March which I can't wait for. They're both lovely lads. It's great to see them back. Hopefully they'll bring a bit of rock and roll to the charts. There's not one guitar band in the top forty. I'd love to get in the charts and have it. The radio is awful at the minute - just so boring. It needs to change. My record's rock and roll but there's a pop element there too. I want my records in the charts and on the radio. I want to get it out there and break that barrier. It's influenced by John Lennon and T-Rex. It's got that groove feel. You can have a good dance to it, I love it.
Tickets go on sale later today for Beady Eye's UK and Ireland tour for April 2011 which will follow the release of their debut album 'Different Gear, Still Speeding'.
The band had previously announced shows in Glasgow, Manchester and London for March (which sold out immediately) but this will see them travel the country and play their first dates in Ireland.
The band will play:
11 April - NOTTINGHAM, Rock City. 12 April - LIVERPOOL, Guild of Students 14 April - DUBLIN, The Olympia Theatre 15 April - DUBLIN, The Olympia Theatre 17 April - BELFAST, Ulster Hall 18 April - EDINBURGH, Corn Exchange 20 April - NEWCASTLE, O2 Academy 21 April - LEEDS, O2 Academy 23 April - NEWPORT, Centre 24 April - WOLVERHAMPTON, Civic 26 April - SOUTHAMPTON, Guildhall 27 April - BRIGHTON, Centre
Tickets go on sale at 10am (TODAY) and are restricted to four per person.
A number of items are now on sale at the Offical Beady Eye Store here.
Pre-order any of the new album formats now & you'll be entered into a special Beady Eye draw to receive a signed copy!
Please note this is a no purchase necessary competition, to enter into this competition simply send an email to beadyeye@townsend-records.co.uk
The picture shown is an exclusive Beady Eye Records Tshirt to celebrate the launch of the new record label. Only available from the Offical Beady Eye Store.
A short advert for the album is available to watch on PLAY.COM here.
"I want to be in the best band in the world again," ex-Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher tells SPIN.
At 38, Gallagher is attempting to reclaim his rock glory with Beady Eye, his new group with two other members of Oasis, which will release their debut, Different Gear, Still Speeding, in the U.S. on March 1 via Dangerbird Records.
But how did one of rock's most notorious stars get here? It all started with a fight.
In August 2009, just minutes before Oasis were set to perform for 40,000 fans at Paris' Rock en Seine festival, the longstanding tensions between Liam and his brother Noel, the band's chief songwriter, came to a head. Punches were thrown and guitars broken, then Noel stomped off and the gig was canceled.
"He'd been acting like an old granny throughout the tour, and he felt that I'd been a dick," explains Liam. "We came to blows and that was the end of it." Noel released a statement shortly after announcing his permanent departure from Oasis, writing, "I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer."
"We haven't spoken since that night," Liam says. "But who knows, maybe in the future it will sort itself out. If it's meant to happen, it will happen."
Shortly after the brawl, Liam and ex-Oasis guitarists Gem Archer and Andy Bell "went out and had a couple of beers," he says, "and we decided to carry on. The idea of sitting at home, not making music, just makes me want to throw up."
They formed Beady Eye along with Oasis' touring drummer, Chris Sharrock, and began demoing songs for their debut LP. But this time, their success is up to them. Noel carried Oasis, writing the bulk of the band's material, including all eight No. 1 U.K. singles. But Liam is convinced Beady Eye can top that.
For the first time in his 20-year-long career, Liam is now regularly contributing songwriting ideas and shares credits on Different Gear, Still Speeding with Archer and Bell. "I've never made a record without our kid [Noel]," he says. Archer, 44, interjects, "But it's still same six strings, the same way 'round. It's in our DNA now."
"We're up for the challenge," adds Liam.
Beady Eye entered North London's RAK Studios last summer to track the effort with Grammy Award-winning producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, Dave Matthews Band, the Smiths). The quartet recorded 13 songs over 12 weeks, breaking to rock out to one of their favorite new albums, the Black Keys' Brothers, or hit the pub to cheer on England in the World Cup. "It was a good time to be in North London," says Archer. "One time Liam even bought a ticket for the sweepstakes [the lottery] as a joke and won a little money, not that he fucking needed it… [both laugh]."
They tracked the songs in as few takes as possible, in order to preserve the live quality of the sound. "We weren't sitting around dwelling on it," says Liam. "We'd do a couple tracks and move on."
Among the tracks are the glam-rock jam "Bring the Light," a "party tune," says Liam, which "just means, 'Let's fucking go, man,'" and the Beatles-y piano ballad "The Roller": "It's a metaphor for how things are thrown at you in life," says Liam, "and how they aren't as bad they seem."
The tracks, Liam continues, are classic rock'n'roll. "You've either got it or you haven't," he says of their songwriting chops. "Not everyone can say, 'I'm going to write a classic today.' If that was the case, we'd all be doing it."
With keyboardist Matt Jones (Ultrasound, Jamie T, Minuteman) and bassist Jeff Wootton (The Black Marquee) joining them, Beady Eye will hit the road in March with supporting act Miles Kane, who plays in the Last Shadow Puppets with the Arctic Monkeys' Alex Turner. Then, this summer, Beady Eye will head stateside for a tour of relatively intimate, 1,500-2,000-person theatres. "We're gonna go everywhere and run this album down people's throats, but in a nice way," Liam says.
Meanwhile, Noel is preparing his solo debut. But will Oasis ever reunite? "It just isn't going to happen, man," says Liam. After all, he's convinced Beady Eye will soon match, if not surpass, the success of his former band.
"Without a doubt," he says. "We're just doing it in a different way now. The passion in this band… there ain't anyone touching it. It's like a football team: You want to win the league.