Oasis
A while back Oasisinet asked you to send us in your stories about what Oasis and their music mean to you. We heard from thousands of fans all around the world and would like to say a big thank you to all who got in touch.
Big Brother Recordings took a small selection of these fans and filmed their stories. Each intimate portrait concentrates on how specific Oasis songs have affected their lives and are cut together with footage that you sent to us telling your story.
In amongst these short films are Italian football idol Alessandro del Piero, whose 2006 World Cup victory played out to the soundtrack of 'Don't Believe The Truth'. We also visit Stefy 'Supersonic' Bull, an amateur boxer who was inspired to turn pro after hearing 'Supersonic'; a family who came together thanks to hearing 'Don't Look Back In Anger' in a Hong Kong bar; an Italian sculptor and well known Liam look-a-like, and a prisoner who was inspired to do the right thing after hearing 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out'. Each story entertains in its own way and will no doubt strike a chord with all the millions of fans who supported the band through their eighteen year career.
This is Marco Stelitano's story...
'Time Flies... 1994-2009' is out now for more details click here.
Oasis: What's Your Story? - Marco
A while back Oasisinet asked you to send us in your stories about what Oasis and their music mean to you. We heard from thousands of fans all around the world and would like to say a big thank you to all who got in touch.
Big Brother Recordings took a small selection of these fans and filmed their stories. Each intimate portrait concentrates on how specific Oasis songs have affected their lives and are cut together with footage that you sent to us telling your story.
In amongst these short films are Italian football idol Alessandro del Piero, whose 2006 World Cup victory played out to the soundtrack of 'Don't Believe The Truth'. We also visit Stefy 'Supersonic' Bull, an amateur boxer who was inspired to turn pro after hearing 'Supersonic'; a family who came together thanks to hearing 'Don't Look Back In Anger' in a Hong Kong bar; an Italian sculptor and well known Liam look-a-like, and a prisoner who was inspired to do the right thing after hearing 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out'. Each story entertains in its own way and will no doubt strike a chord with all the millions of fans who supported the band through their eighteen year career.
This is Marco Stelitano's story...
'Time Flies... 1994-2009' is out now for more details click here.
Liam Gallagher
Pretty Green
He was voted 'The Greatest Front Man of All Time' by Q magazine earlier in 2010. But Liam Gallagher's no longer merely an iconic rock star. His menswear label Pretty Green has clobbered naysayers with its first three collections. Hard-to-please London fashionistas are reported to be 'pleasantly surprised' indeed some 'very impressed'. Moreover, customers have voted with their wallets on Pretty Green's combination of high production values and classic looks spun with street-style acumen.
Liam has also found time to announce his first movie production. The Longest Cocktail Party which is a "behind the scenes movie" of The Beatles no less, adapted from the word-of-mouth smash book by former Apple Corps 'house hippie' Richard DiLello. And as if that's not enough he is currently in the studio working on a new album with his band Beady Eye.
One year on from the original launch of Pretty Green on June 4th 2009, I met up with Liam at one of his preferred Hampstead watering holes to get his own impression of the last twelve months - and find out what he's planning for the coming year.
Has it been a hectic period since you started Pretty Green?
"Not for me mate, not hectic one bit. It is for other people. If it was hectic I wouldn't be doing it. It's been a good year, man."
Was it a surprise, Pretty Green taking off quite so quickly?
"I'm liking the way it's expanding and all that - it's been great and people seem to like it, the clothes and everything. But am I surprised..? No. Without sounding like an arrogant fucker, no I'm not. Because it's good, isn't it? And people like good things."
True, do you feel the pressure to produce collections that are expected twice yearly, as opposed to albums that are only due once every 2 years or so?
"Not really... You'd have to ask everyone else, It's not hard for me. It's a buzz isn't it man? Making new clothes. It's not hard for me pointing out things, saying 'Yes' or 'No' and 'Do it this way', bringing my ideas to the table. But I'm sure it's hard for the others at times."
What new designs can we expect?
"We've got footwear coming out - pumps, desert boots, jeans, you know - as usual with a twist. Some top jackets, like Steve McQueen used to wear. All sorts, something for everyone - shorts for the summer..."
And what items have been the most successful of the three collections to date?
"Everything man. The parkas were obviously popular but the big logo T-shirts, the polos, monkey jackets, everything does well. It's all popular man."
Sounds like you guys have been very busy, How many people are working for you on the brand now?
"I haven't got a clue man. But every time I look we've got someone new. Last time I checked it was around 30."
Your website receives very flattering comments from Pretty Green customers all over the world. Was a good website an important element for you, being someone with a global fan base?
"Yeah, without a doubt. Everything's important. Pretty Green, the whole package, it's the real deal. And that's why it's important to make sure everything we do is done right. The website's great, I'm proud of it and it looks good."
How many countries do Pretty Green sell to now?
"The last time I checked it was over 80 countries now, so a little birdie told me."
That's rather impressive for a company only 12 months old.
"Yeah, I suppose so. But we've only just started."
Which countries are currently your biggest customers?
"The UK has always been very strong, but Japan, the US, Italy and Germany are doing great. Come to think of it, Scandinavia is as well."
And in the UK what are the main stores stocking Pretty Green?
"Selfridges, who are increasing Pretty Green's space this September to make it even bigger, Cruise & Xile in Glasgow, Sarah Coggles in York, and Psyche in Middlesbrough."
What about your own Pretty Green store?
"Definitely man. We're just waiting for the right place to come along, and I'm not gonna rush into it. We're looking to do a temporary store in London this summer, the website will tell you where and when it's happening..."
In addition to the long list of movie stars, rock icons, DJs and TV presenters already wearing Pretty Green, a number of this year's World Cup footballers have been spotted sporting the label - namely England's Joe Cole and Jermaine Defoe plus key members of the Italian squad who are said to be huge fans of the brand. This is an amazing accomplishment for a label that's only a year old. What do you put your success down to?
"Me!"
Joe Cole is clearly a big fan of the brand, would you be happy if he signs for Man City?
"Yeah, I will. I think Joe Cole is a top player. He can always turn the game around, d'you know what I mean? So, yeah, I'm having him man. He's got a lot of energy."
Are you glad he is part of the England Team?
"I am glad Joe Cole was part of it and I'm glad Shaun Wright Phillips is too."
So you are going to be stuck to the TV when the World Cup is on?
"Without a doubt!"
Paul Weller - himself a style icon to more than one generation - wore a Pretty Green suit onstage during his five-night, sold-out, run at the royal Albert Hall in May. He stated here on Pretty Green News that he's going to work on some designs of his own with Pretty Green. Will this open the doors for others to follow or is this something that you will strictly control?
"Well... We will definitely control it, but yeah... I mean, I know Liam Howlett from The Prodigy. He was talking to me the other night about maybe doing the same kind of thing. We'll see how it goes. The ball's in their court. But it's good that Paul Wellers' doing it, 'cos he's cool and he's into his stuff. It's got to be the right people."
Moving on what else have you been up to other than the fashion stuff?
"I've been recording our fantastic new record with a musical pop combo called Beady Eye, sorting out the film, and working on Pretty Green's new designs."
Busy then! I hear you even manage to find time for running?
"Yes, I'm a keen runner. Every morning man. Got to be done."
The film's a strong concept, how did you come across it?
"Someone gave me the book ages ago and it was always knocking around our tour. I read it over and over. Couldn't stop reading it. One of them books you can't put down. And I just thought: "There's nothing else to do, now Oasis have split up I can do what I want."
Yoko Ono is clearly a fan after her recent comments. Have you ever met her?
"Yep, met her once. She invited me round to the Dakota building. Had a lovely day and I'll never forget it, great woman."
You must have some amazing stories from your many years on the road, do you ever envisage doing a book or film about them?
"Yep, without a doubt. Very soon. Before I forget them all."
So you've just got back from Lake Como for Andy Bells wedding how was it?
"Amazing!"
You guys all seem very close Andy, Gem, and Chris?
"Yep, we're as close as can be man."
So when you do get time to relax at home in front of the TV what's normally on?
"The usual shit, Eastenders, Coronation Street, I can't wait for the World Cup to take over on every TV in my house. I like that Pineapple Dance Studios as well. That Louis dude, he reminds me of Noel."
I hear your brother Paul is involved in the new movie production company?
"Just about."
What exactly will Paul's role be?
"Making the fooking tea." (Liam breaks into loud laughter)
What are your most vivid memories as a kid growing up?
"Just fucking about in the park playing football, really man..."
What do you think is different now for kids from when you were growing up?
"Everything's different now. They've got it all haven't they? You don't see many out in the park playing, or in the streets, they're just all indoors staring at screens. I'd hate to be a kid growing up today. It's fucking soulless."
Any plans for a holiday this summer ?
"I'm not going on holiday this year. Staying at home and watching the World Cup."
Thanks for your time Liam.
"Pleasure"
Source: www.prettygreen.com
'Time Flies... 1994-2009' is out now for more details click here.
Liam Gallagher On Pretty Green, Beady Eye And More...
He was voted 'The Greatest Front Man of All Time' by Q magazine earlier in 2010. But Liam Gallagher's no longer merely an iconic rock star. His menswear label Pretty Green has clobbered naysayers with its first three collections. Hard-to-please London fashionistas are reported to be 'pleasantly surprised' indeed some 'very impressed'. Moreover, customers have voted with their wallets on Pretty Green's combination of high production values and classic looks spun with street-style acumen.
Liam has also found time to announce his first movie production. The Longest Cocktail Party which is a "behind the scenes movie" of The Beatles no less, adapted from the word-of-mouth smash book by former Apple Corps 'house hippie' Richard DiLello. And as if that's not enough he is currently in the studio working on a new album with his band Beady Eye.
One year on from the original launch of Pretty Green on June 4th 2009, I met up with Liam at one of his preferred Hampstead watering holes to get his own impression of the last twelve months - and find out what he's planning for the coming year.
Has it been a hectic period since you started Pretty Green?
"Not for me mate, not hectic one bit. It is for other people. If it was hectic I wouldn't be doing it. It's been a good year, man."
Was it a surprise, Pretty Green taking off quite so quickly?
"I'm liking the way it's expanding and all that - it's been great and people seem to like it, the clothes and everything. But am I surprised..? No. Without sounding like an arrogant fucker, no I'm not. Because it's good, isn't it? And people like good things."
True, do you feel the pressure to produce collections that are expected twice yearly, as opposed to albums that are only due once every 2 years or so?
"Not really... You'd have to ask everyone else, It's not hard for me. It's a buzz isn't it man? Making new clothes. It's not hard for me pointing out things, saying 'Yes' or 'No' and 'Do it this way', bringing my ideas to the table. But I'm sure it's hard for the others at times."
What new designs can we expect?
"We've got footwear coming out - pumps, desert boots, jeans, you know - as usual with a twist. Some top jackets, like Steve McQueen used to wear. All sorts, something for everyone - shorts for the summer..."
And what items have been the most successful of the three collections to date?
"Everything man. The parkas were obviously popular but the big logo T-shirts, the polos, monkey jackets, everything does well. It's all popular man."
Sounds like you guys have been very busy, How many people are working for you on the brand now?
"I haven't got a clue man. But every time I look we've got someone new. Last time I checked it was around 30."
Your website receives very flattering comments from Pretty Green customers all over the world. Was a good website an important element for you, being someone with a global fan base?
"Yeah, without a doubt. Everything's important. Pretty Green, the whole package, it's the real deal. And that's why it's important to make sure everything we do is done right. The website's great, I'm proud of it and it looks good."
How many countries do Pretty Green sell to now?
"The last time I checked it was over 80 countries now, so a little birdie told me."
That's rather impressive for a company only 12 months old.
"Yeah, I suppose so. But we've only just started."
Which countries are currently your biggest customers?
"The UK has always been very strong, but Japan, the US, Italy and Germany are doing great. Come to think of it, Scandinavia is as well."
And in the UK what are the main stores stocking Pretty Green?
"Selfridges, who are increasing Pretty Green's space this September to make it even bigger, Cruise & Xile in Glasgow, Sarah Coggles in York, and Psyche in Middlesbrough."
What about your own Pretty Green store?
"Definitely man. We're just waiting for the right place to come along, and I'm not gonna rush into it. We're looking to do a temporary store in London this summer, the website will tell you where and when it's happening..."
In addition to the long list of movie stars, rock icons, DJs and TV presenters already wearing Pretty Green, a number of this year's World Cup footballers have been spotted sporting the label - namely England's Joe Cole and Jermaine Defoe plus key members of the Italian squad who are said to be huge fans of the brand. This is an amazing accomplishment for a label that's only a year old. What do you put your success down to?
"Me!"
Joe Cole is clearly a big fan of the brand, would you be happy if he signs for Man City?
"Yeah, I will. I think Joe Cole is a top player. He can always turn the game around, d'you know what I mean? So, yeah, I'm having him man. He's got a lot of energy."
Are you glad he is part of the England Team?
"I am glad Joe Cole was part of it and I'm glad Shaun Wright Phillips is too."
So you are going to be stuck to the TV when the World Cup is on?
"Without a doubt!"
Paul Weller - himself a style icon to more than one generation - wore a Pretty Green suit onstage during his five-night, sold-out, run at the royal Albert Hall in May. He stated here on Pretty Green News that he's going to work on some designs of his own with Pretty Green. Will this open the doors for others to follow or is this something that you will strictly control?
"Well... We will definitely control it, but yeah... I mean, I know Liam Howlett from The Prodigy. He was talking to me the other night about maybe doing the same kind of thing. We'll see how it goes. The ball's in their court. But it's good that Paul Wellers' doing it, 'cos he's cool and he's into his stuff. It's got to be the right people."
Moving on what else have you been up to other than the fashion stuff?
"I've been recording our fantastic new record with a musical pop combo called Beady Eye, sorting out the film, and working on Pretty Green's new designs."
Busy then! I hear you even manage to find time for running?
"Yes, I'm a keen runner. Every morning man. Got to be done."
The film's a strong concept, how did you come across it?
"Someone gave me the book ages ago and it was always knocking around our tour. I read it over and over. Couldn't stop reading it. One of them books you can't put down. And I just thought: "There's nothing else to do, now Oasis have split up I can do what I want."
Yoko Ono is clearly a fan after her recent comments. Have you ever met her?
"Yep, met her once. She invited me round to the Dakota building. Had a lovely day and I'll never forget it, great woman."
You must have some amazing stories from your many years on the road, do you ever envisage doing a book or film about them?
"Yep, without a doubt. Very soon. Before I forget them all."
So you've just got back from Lake Como for Andy Bells wedding how was it?
"Amazing!"
You guys all seem very close Andy, Gem, and Chris?
"Yep, we're as close as can be man."
So when you do get time to relax at home in front of the TV what's normally on?
"The usual shit, Eastenders, Coronation Street, I can't wait for the World Cup to take over on every TV in my house. I like that Pineapple Dance Studios as well. That Louis dude, he reminds me of Noel."
I hear your brother Paul is involved in the new movie production company?
"Just about."
What exactly will Paul's role be?
"Making the fooking tea." (Liam breaks into loud laughter)
What are your most vivid memories as a kid growing up?
"Just fucking about in the park playing football, really man..."
What do you think is different now for kids from when you were growing up?
"Everything's different now. They've got it all haven't they? You don't see many out in the park playing, or in the streets, they're just all indoors staring at screens. I'd hate to be a kid growing up today. It's fucking soulless."
Any plans for a holiday this summer ?
"I'm not going on holiday this year. Staying at home and watching the World Cup."
Thanks for your time Liam.
"Pleasure"
Source: www.prettygreen.com
'Time Flies... 1994-2009' is out now for more details click here.
James Corden
Noel Gallagher
UK ONLY
ENTERTAINMENT: James Corden's World Cup Live
On: ITV1 and ITV HD
Date: Friday 18th June 2010
Time: 9:45 pm to 10:15 pm
James Corden celebrates the colour and fun of the World Cup after every ITV1 evening match with Abbey Clancy, celebrity guests, a football hero, a studio full of fans, his friends and family and his very own human world cup wall chart.
Featuring exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in English football, plus regular updates of what is really going on in the England players' camp.
Tonight's guests are Russell Brand, Noel Gallagher and former England goalie David Seaman.
(Stereo, Widescreen, High Definition, Subtitles)
'Time Flies... 1994-2009' is out now for more details click here.
Don't Forget That Noel Gallagher Is On ITV Tonight
UK ONLY
ENTERTAINMENT: James Corden's World Cup Live
On: ITV1 and ITV HD
Date: Friday 18th June 2010
Time: 9:45 pm to 10:15 pm
James Corden celebrates the colour and fun of the World Cup after every ITV1 evening match with Abbey Clancy, celebrity guests, a football hero, a studio full of fans, his friends and family and his very own human world cup wall chart.
Featuring exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in English football, plus regular updates of what is really going on in the England players' camp.
Tonight's guests are Russell Brand, Noel Gallagher and former England goalie David Seaman.
(Stereo, Widescreen, High Definition, Subtitles)
'Time Flies... 1994-2009' is out now for more details click here.
Alan McGee
Oasis
The man who discovered Oasis says they will reform. Alan McGee signed the band in 1993 after seeing them at King Tut's in Glasgow.
With his record label Creation, he steered them to becoming the UK's biggest band of the Nineties.
But almost a year ago, brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher's fraught relationship splintered and the band split.
This week, Oasis release what is, for the moment, their final album.
Time Flies...1994-2009 brings together, for the first time, all 27 singles from their seven consecutive No.1 studio albums.
It is the final bow in a career that suddenly came to an end last August when Noel quit the band, saying he couldn't work with his younger brother "a day longer".
But McGee reckons they will bury the hatchet at some point. He said: "I think come another five years, they will look at each other and go, 'There's £200million on the table - do you want to do 100 shows?'
"It's money - but ultimately they are brothers and it doesn't matter what they want to say about each other because they love each other.
"I know they love each other because I know them.
"They might be annoyed with each other from time to time - but they definitely love each other."
While many felt the brothers should just have taken a little time out, McGee likes the fact they went out on a high and didn't become the next Rolling Stones.
He said: "They could have gone on and on and on making money live like the Stones.
"Oasis would have inherited the big live rock act from them.
"Not even the Stones will be touring when they are 80, I'm sure.
"But there's something to be said for killing something when it's still vibrant and good.
"And the last album was still pretty good."
Now Oasis fans are waiting for the next chapter.
Noel is pursuing a solo career, while Liam has formed a new band, Beady Eye, with the rest of the final Oasis line-up. It's back to square one.
In the early Nineties, Liam replaced original singer Chris Hutton in Manchester group The Rain, a band that included Paul McGuigan (bass guitar), Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs (guitar) and Tony McCarroll (drums).
They changed their name to Oasis and Noel, a roadie for Inspiral Carpets, also joined.
No one took much interest at first. In May 1993, they were invited to play King Tut's Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow by the band Sister Lovers, who shared their rehearsal space.
As fate would have it, McGee was in the audience. He was the boss of Creation, the label behind three of Scotland's greatest bands: Primal Scream, Teenage Fanclub and The Jesus and Mary Chain.
He was there to see one of his own bands, 18 Wheeler but was so impressed by Oasis that he offered them a record deal.
Recalling that night, Noel said: "When he (McGee) signed us that night in Glasgow, we played this song called Bring It On Down. He really liked it because it was like the Sex Pistols and he wanted it to be the first single.
"We went to Liverpool to record it and a couple of other tracks. For some reason it just wasn't happening. We had just signed the deal and got to the last night and couldn't go back with nothing.
"It was horrible. We didn't want to be like one of those flaky bands. While everyone else was having their dinner I went into a backroom and wrote Supersonic and wrote a complete stream of consciousness.
"I literally made each line up as I went. I came back and showed the drummer how it went. Bonehead wrote the chords out, wrote the lyrics out for Liam. I still think of all the 27 singles, it's my favourite."
Supersonic is one of the greatest debuts and statements of intent by a British rock band - yet even after it was recorded, it wasn't an automatic choice for the band's debut single.
McGee told The Razz: "I always wanted Bring It On Down as the first single. I knew Oasis were the revolution. I just never realised it was going to be as big as it was.
"I thought Bring It On Down would herald the new revolution. But it wasn't made a single because they couldn't get the record right. Then at 1am, Noel looked at me and said let's put Supersonic out. We knew Supersonic was amazing but we thought it was an album track.
"When he said it, it suddenly made sense. It was a decision made on a sixpence. That was the start of Oasis - and what a way to start. 'You need to be yourself, you can't be no one else.'"
Supersonic was released in April 1994 but only got to No.31.
Take That were No.1 with the aptly titled Everything Changes.
That year would be dominated by Wet Wet Wet's 15-week stay at the top with Love Is All Around and No1s by Whigfield and Pato Banton.
While Suede and Blur kicked off the UK's fightback against American grunge it was Oasis who became the kings of what became Britpop.
Third single Live Forever was the band's first top-10 hit. It became an anthem to the hedonistic Nineties.
Noel grinned: "If there were any doubters after Supersonic and Shakermaker about us being some post-Manchester bunch of lunatics, that was the song that people went, 'That's actually a classic.'"
Debut album Definitely Maybe was released in September 1994 and went straight to No.1. At the time, it became the fastest-selling British debut album.
Overnight, Oasis became the UK's biggest band. Noel removed McCarroll as the drummer - the first of many changes that would leave the Gallaghers as the only remaining original members.
They headlined Glastonbury in 1995 and the first single from their second album Some Might Say, released in 1995, became their first No.1.
No wonder their biggest rivals Blur then tried to steal the Oasis thunder by changing the release day of their single Country House to go up against Oasis's Roll With It. Blur won that particular battle of Britpop - reaching the top slot - but they lost the war.
Oasis's second album (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, released in October 1995, sold 346,000 copies in its first week. It went straight to No.1 and stayed there for 10 weeks. It also reached No.4 in the US and has since sold 14 million copies.
Second single Wonderwall missed out on the No.1 spot but became their biggest-selling single, shifting more than a million copies.
Next single Don't Look Back In Anger was their second chart-topper.
In 1996, they played to 250,000 people over two nights at Knebworth - but an incredible 2.6million applied for tickets, the biggest demand for a UK concert ever.
In Scotland, they played to 80,000 people over two nights at Balloch.
Oasis were at their peak. When third album Be Here Now came out in 1997, they sold 350,000 copies in the first day and 696,000 copies in a week - making it the fastest-selling album in British history. It also reached No.2 in America.
McGee remembers the times fondly: "At the height of it, we had seven per cent of the British market - which is pretty huge.
"We were so lucky to find them. They were an incredible band with the right management and record company."
Would they have been as big if they'd signed to a major, or any label other than Creation? McGee said: "It was the right time, right place and right set of people. I don't think I was particularly important compared to anyone else.
"I played a role. I was no genius. I was part of a football team that played well and won."
Later albums had some good songs but Oasis would never again reach the creative peak of those first two.
As for the future, McGee said not to discount what Liam could achieve with Beady Eye, adding: "Noel is an incredible songwriter and Liam has grown into being a good songwriter.
"It's a good move artistically - but there are a few Oasis tours left before either one croaks it."
Definitely. Maybe.
Source: www.dailyrecord.co.uk
'Time Flies... 1994-2009' is out now for more details click here.
Alan McGee: "I Could See Oasis Reforming In Five Years"
The man who discovered Oasis says they will reform. Alan McGee signed the band in 1993 after seeing them at King Tut's in Glasgow.
With his record label Creation, he steered them to becoming the UK's biggest band of the Nineties.
But almost a year ago, brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher's fraught relationship splintered and the band split.
This week, Oasis release what is, for the moment, their final album.
Time Flies...1994-2009 brings together, for the first time, all 27 singles from their seven consecutive No.1 studio albums.
It is the final bow in a career that suddenly came to an end last August when Noel quit the band, saying he couldn't work with his younger brother "a day longer".
But McGee reckons they will bury the hatchet at some point. He said: "I think come another five years, they will look at each other and go, 'There's £200million on the table - do you want to do 100 shows?'
"It's money - but ultimately they are brothers and it doesn't matter what they want to say about each other because they love each other.
"I know they love each other because I know them.
"They might be annoyed with each other from time to time - but they definitely love each other."
While many felt the brothers should just have taken a little time out, McGee likes the fact they went out on a high and didn't become the next Rolling Stones.
He said: "They could have gone on and on and on making money live like the Stones.
"Oasis would have inherited the big live rock act from them.
"Not even the Stones will be touring when they are 80, I'm sure.
"But there's something to be said for killing something when it's still vibrant and good.
"And the last album was still pretty good."
Now Oasis fans are waiting for the next chapter.
Noel is pursuing a solo career, while Liam has formed a new band, Beady Eye, with the rest of the final Oasis line-up. It's back to square one.
In the early Nineties, Liam replaced original singer Chris Hutton in Manchester group The Rain, a band that included Paul McGuigan (bass guitar), Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs (guitar) and Tony McCarroll (drums).
They changed their name to Oasis and Noel, a roadie for Inspiral Carpets, also joined.
No one took much interest at first. In May 1993, they were invited to play King Tut's Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow by the band Sister Lovers, who shared their rehearsal space.
As fate would have it, McGee was in the audience. He was the boss of Creation, the label behind three of Scotland's greatest bands: Primal Scream, Teenage Fanclub and The Jesus and Mary Chain.
He was there to see one of his own bands, 18 Wheeler but was so impressed by Oasis that he offered them a record deal.
Recalling that night, Noel said: "When he (McGee) signed us that night in Glasgow, we played this song called Bring It On Down. He really liked it because it was like the Sex Pistols and he wanted it to be the first single.
"We went to Liverpool to record it and a couple of other tracks. For some reason it just wasn't happening. We had just signed the deal and got to the last night and couldn't go back with nothing.
"It was horrible. We didn't want to be like one of those flaky bands. While everyone else was having their dinner I went into a backroom and wrote Supersonic and wrote a complete stream of consciousness.
"I literally made each line up as I went. I came back and showed the drummer how it went. Bonehead wrote the chords out, wrote the lyrics out for Liam. I still think of all the 27 singles, it's my favourite."
Supersonic is one of the greatest debuts and statements of intent by a British rock band - yet even after it was recorded, it wasn't an automatic choice for the band's debut single.
McGee told The Razz: "I always wanted Bring It On Down as the first single. I knew Oasis were the revolution. I just never realised it was going to be as big as it was.
"I thought Bring It On Down would herald the new revolution. But it wasn't made a single because they couldn't get the record right. Then at 1am, Noel looked at me and said let's put Supersonic out. We knew Supersonic was amazing but we thought it was an album track.
"When he said it, it suddenly made sense. It was a decision made on a sixpence. That was the start of Oasis - and what a way to start. 'You need to be yourself, you can't be no one else.'"
Supersonic was released in April 1994 but only got to No.31.
Take That were No.1 with the aptly titled Everything Changes.
That year would be dominated by Wet Wet Wet's 15-week stay at the top with Love Is All Around and No1s by Whigfield and Pato Banton.
While Suede and Blur kicked off the UK's fightback against American grunge it was Oasis who became the kings of what became Britpop.
Third single Live Forever was the band's first top-10 hit. It became an anthem to the hedonistic Nineties.
Noel grinned: "If there were any doubters after Supersonic and Shakermaker about us being some post-Manchester bunch of lunatics, that was the song that people went, 'That's actually a classic.'"
Debut album Definitely Maybe was released in September 1994 and went straight to No.1. At the time, it became the fastest-selling British debut album.
Overnight, Oasis became the UK's biggest band. Noel removed McCarroll as the drummer - the first of many changes that would leave the Gallaghers as the only remaining original members.
They headlined Glastonbury in 1995 and the first single from their second album Some Might Say, released in 1995, became their first No.1.
No wonder their biggest rivals Blur then tried to steal the Oasis thunder by changing the release day of their single Country House to go up against Oasis's Roll With It. Blur won that particular battle of Britpop - reaching the top slot - but they lost the war.
Oasis's second album (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, released in October 1995, sold 346,000 copies in its first week. It went straight to No.1 and stayed there for 10 weeks. It also reached No.4 in the US and has since sold 14 million copies.
Second single Wonderwall missed out on the No.1 spot but became their biggest-selling single, shifting more than a million copies.
Next single Don't Look Back In Anger was their second chart-topper.
In 1996, they played to 250,000 people over two nights at Knebworth - but an incredible 2.6million applied for tickets, the biggest demand for a UK concert ever.
In Scotland, they played to 80,000 people over two nights at Balloch.
Oasis were at their peak. When third album Be Here Now came out in 1997, they sold 350,000 copies in the first day and 696,000 copies in a week - making it the fastest-selling album in British history. It also reached No.2 in America.
McGee remembers the times fondly: "At the height of it, we had seven per cent of the British market - which is pretty huge.
"We were so lucky to find them. They were an incredible band with the right management and record company."
Would they have been as big if they'd signed to a major, or any label other than Creation? McGee said: "It was the right time, right place and right set of people. I don't think I was particularly important compared to anyone else.
"I played a role. I was no genius. I was part of a football team that played well and won."
Later albums had some good songs but Oasis would never again reach the creative peak of those first two.
As for the future, McGee said not to discount what Liam could achieve with Beady Eye, adding: "Noel is an incredible songwriter and Liam has grown into being a good songwriter.
"It's a good move artistically - but there are a few Oasis tours left before either one croaks it."
Definitely. Maybe.
Source: www.dailyrecord.co.uk
'Time Flies... 1994-2009' is out now for more details click here.
Leona Lewis
Noel Gallagher
Oasis
Noel Gallagher is grateful to Leona Lewis for covering Oasis' Stop Crying Your Heart Out - because he's received massive royalty cheques for her rendition of the song.
The Bleeding Love singer's version of the Brit pop anthem appears on her 2009 album Echo, and she has performed the track on several of the U.K.'s biggest TV shows.
And Gallagher is delighted his rock classic has been given a pop twist as sales of Lewis' version have garnered the musician a massive pay cheque.
He says, "One word. In fact, it's more like a sound effect. It just goes 'kerching'. Thank you very much."
Source: www.contactmusic.com
'Time Flies... 1994-2009' is out now for more details click here.
Noel Gallagher's Payday From Lewis Cover
Noel Gallagher is grateful to Leona Lewis for covering Oasis' Stop Crying Your Heart Out - because he's received massive royalty cheques for her rendition of the song.
The Bleeding Love singer's version of the Brit pop anthem appears on her 2009 album Echo, and she has performed the track on several of the U.K.'s biggest TV shows.
And Gallagher is delighted his rock classic has been given a pop twist as sales of Lewis' version have garnered the musician a massive pay cheque.
He says, "One word. In fact, it's more like a sound effect. It just goes 'kerching'. Thank you very much."
Source: www.contactmusic.com
'Time Flies... 1994-2009' is out now for more details click here.
Liam Gallagher
Ask Liam is back - prettygreen.com - Liam is answering your questions via video.
Sunglasses!! Come on Liam it's the only thing I'm struggling to find this summer, a decent pair of sunnies, when can we expect some from Pretty Green?
Luke Godfrey
'Time Flies... 1994-2009' is out now for more details click here.
Ask Liam Gallagher - Luke Godfrey
Ask Liam is back - prettygreen.com - Liam is answering your questions via video.
Sunglasses!! Come on Liam it's the only thing I'm struggling to find this summer, a decent pair of sunnies, when can we expect some from Pretty Green?
Luke Godfrey
'Time Flies... 1994-2009' is out now for more details click here.
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