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We’ve all heard of gun runners, drug runners, booze runners, ciggy runners, and so on. A friend of mine even told me of his tee-total, staunch Methodist, aged great uncle whose weekly ‘running’ consisted of taking a bottle of Irish Whiskey to his equally aged, though...
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In the mid-’90s, Manchester was more than just a city; it was the beating heart of the British music scene, pulsing with the energy of a new generation of bands ready to take on the world. Among them, one band emerged like a lightning bolt, electrifying not just the streets of Manchester but the entire music world.
That band was Oasis, a name now synonymous with British rock and roll, raw emotion, and, of course, the turbulent relationship between two brothers—Liam and Noel Gallagher.
Oasis didn’t just come together; they exploded onto the scene. Formed in 1991 in Burnage, a working-class suburb of Manchester, the band’s early days were rooted in the rough, unpolished life of the city. It all started when Noel, the elder of the Gallagher brothers, joined his younger sibling Liam’s band, initially called The Rain. The group’s lineup soon solidified with Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs on guitar, Paul “Guigsy” McGuigan on bass, and Tony McCarroll on drums.
Manchester in the early ’90s was fertile ground for music. The Stone Roses had already paved the way with their baggy, psychedelic sounds, and bands like The Happy Mondays and Inspiral Carpets (for whom Noel was a roadie) had defined the Madchester era. But Oasis was different. They weren’t just another band; they were a movement. Fueled by Noel’s songwriting brilliance and Liam’s snarling charisma, Oasis captured the disillusionment and aspiration of a generation.
In 1994, Oasis released their debut album, Definitely Maybe, and it was nothing short of revolutionary. From the opening chords of “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” to the anthemic “Live Forever,” the album resonated deeply with fans and critics alike. It was brash, loud, and unapologetically ambitious. And it was just the beginning.
As Britpop began to take shape, with Blur leading the southern charge, Oasis stood out as the northern voice of a movement that celebrated Britishness in all its gritty glory. Songs like “Supersonic” and “Cigarettes & Alcohol” weren’t just hits; they were declarations of a new era. Oasis didn’t just want to be the biggest band in Manchester; they wanted to be the biggest band in the world.
If Definitely Maybe was a statement of intent, their follow-up, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (1995), was a coronation. This was the album that propelled Oasis into the stratosphere. With timeless tracks like “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” and “Champagne Supernova,” the band became a global sensation.
But as their fame grew, so did the tensions between the Gallagher brothers. Liam, the band’s frontman, was a rock ‘n’ roll star in every sense—brash, rebellious, and unpredictable. Noel, the band’s chief songwriter and lead guitarist, was more measured but equally uncompromising. Their relationship was volatile, marked by legendary arguments that sometimes spilled onto the stage. Yet, it was this friction that fueled their creativity, driving them to produce some of the most memorable music of the ’90s.
Oasis wasn’t just a band; they were a phenomenon that inspired countless others. The Britpop wave they rode helped revive the UK music scene, sparking interest in other Manchester bands like The Verve, who achieved success with their own blend of anthemic rock, and James, who had been around since the ’80s but found new audiences in the Britpop era.
Even decades after their prime, Oasis’s influence can be heard in bands like The Blossoms, another Manchester group, whose melodic style and honest lyricism carry echoes of the Gallagher brothers’ legacy. The Blossoms have often cited Oasis as a major influence, and their success serves as a testament to the lasting impact of the Manchester sound.
By the early 2000s, Oasis had cemented their place in rock history, but the cracks in their brotherly bond were widening. After the release of Be Here Now in 1997, which was initially celebrated but later criticized for its excess, the band’s momentum slowed. The albums that followed, while successful, never quite recaptured the magic of their early work.
The breaking point came in 2009, when a backstage altercation between Liam and Noel led to the latter’s departure from the band. Oasis was officially over. It was the end of an era, but the legacy they left behind was indelible.
Since the split, both Liam and Noel have pursued successful solo careers, each carving out their own path in the music world. Liam’s raw, unfiltered energy remains intact, while Noel’s High Flying Birds project has seen him explore new sonic landscapes. But the question on every fan’s mind remains: Will Oasis ever get back together?
Rumors of a reunion have swirled for years, often fueled by the brothers’ own teasing comments and the relentless hope of their fans. Yet, the rift between Liam and Noel seems as deep as ever. The fiery exchanges on social media and in interviews suggest that a reconciliation is far from imminent.
And yet, the possibility remains tantalizingly within reach. Oasis was never just about the music; it was about the connection between two brothers who, despite their differences, created something extraordinary together. A reunion could offer not just nostalgia, but a chance to see that spark reignited.
Oasis may have been born in Manchester, but their impact has been felt around the world. They captured the spirit of a generation, gave voice to the frustrations and dreams of the working class, and delivered some of the most iconic songs of the 20th century.
Their story is one of triumph, excess, and the enduring power of rock ‘n’ roll. As we look back on their meteoric rise, it’s impossible not to feel a pang of nostalgia for a time when music felt larger than life, when two brothers from Manchester could conquer the world.
Will they ever share a stage again? Only time will tell. But whether they do or don’t, the legacy of Oasis will live forever in the hearts of those who were there, and in the music that continues to inspire new generations.
Andy is the Editor of iNostalgia and is a regular contributor the exploring history & nostalgia category, with a love for community nostalgia.