Manchester, England's Oasis were the biggest band of the mid-90s Britpop scene. Formed by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher in 1991, the quintet melded the hook-filled pop of The Beatles, the rock 'n roll swagger of the Rolling Stones, and the Punk attitude of The Sex Pistols. During the heyday of Britpop, 1994 to 1997, Oasis became one of the biggest English bands of all-time, joining the elite ranks of The Beatles and The Jam in terms of popularity and chart success. But along with Britpop, the band's star faded quickly. Though still active and selling well, they are nowhere near the sensation they once were.
Although lead guitarist Noel and vocalist brother Liam Gallagher have always been the two principle members of Oasis, the group began with Manchester's The Rain. That act's bassist, Paul McGuigan, guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, and drummer Tony McCaroll formed the rhythm section of Oasis, a name chosen by Liam. Former guitar tech Noel joined later, demanding total artistic control. Opting for a loud and simple sound, Oasis found their style right away. The group rehearsed and played small gigs through 1992. Based on a demo and a strong live performance, the band were signed to Creation Records in May of 1993.
Oasis' initial singles issued during 1994 charted well enough, but their meteoric rise to fame came with the release of their first album, Definitely Maybe. Hitting stores on August 30, it became the fastest selling debut LP in UK history, entering the charts at number one. Oasis' first number one single was 1995's "Some Might Say," the first track released from their sophomore album, (What's the Story) Morning Glory?. The album would sell 20 million copies worldwide and spawn three more hits, including another number one single, "Wonderwall," which gained Oasis fame in America as well.
Oasis may have ascended quickly, but their fall from fame has been a slower process. They released their third album, Be Here Now, to massive expectation in 1997. Due to the hype surrounding it, the disc sold extremely well right away, topping one million sales in just two weeks. Still, worldwide sales totalled only eight million. Regardless, the album peaked at number 2 on the Billboard charts and featured two number one singles in "D'You Know What I Mean?" and "All Around the World." A b-sides collection, The Masterplan, followed in 1998. In the summer of 1999, both Arthurs and McGuigan left the band.
Before 2000 arrived, Oasis added Gem Archer on rhythm guitar and Andy Bell on bass. In February of 2000, Oasis released another number one single, "Go Let It Out," and their fourth album, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants. Again, album sales were more than halved, with only three million worldwide. Britpop had given way to other trends, and Oasis were now dabbling with psychedelia and electronica. In America, the album peaked at Billboard's 24 slot. This same trend would follow for their fifth album, 2002's Heathen Chemistry. Reviews for the band's early 2000s albums, too, were lukewarm at best.
Drummer Alan White left the group in 2004 and was replaced by Zak Starr, son of Beatle Ringo. In 2005, Oasis birthed their sixth album, Don't Believe the Truth. Departing from tradition, Noel shared songwriting duties with the band. The resulting album was a more energized and classically Oasis-sounding album. The critics awarded the record high marks, and fans agreed. Another UK #1, Don't Believe the Truth also reached #12 on the Billboard charts. Album seven, The Document, is slated for a February 2007 release.
Although no longer masters of a fashionable genre, Oasis have regained their relevancy in the music industry and with fans worldwide.
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