Oasis: Did You Know?
Oasis: The Stories You Haven’t Heard
When you think of Oasis, the Britpop legends behind the 90s anthem "Wonderwall," you likely picture the Gallagher brothers’ explosive feuds, their iconic songs, and their massive Glastonbury performances. But there’s much more to the band than meets the eye. Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Oasis that will have you seeing the band in a whole new light.
1. Noel Gallagher Wasn’t the Original Songwriter
Before Noel Gallagher took over as the band’s chief songwriter, the role belonged to a lesser-known member: Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs. In fact, the band’s early gigs featured songs mostly written by Arthurs. However, after Noel joined the band in 1991, he gradually took the reins, and Bonehead graciously stepped back to focus on playing guitar. And the rest, as they say, is history!
2. Liam Gallagher’s Unlikely Mic Stand Pose
Liam Gallagher’s unique stance while singing – with his arms behind his back and his head craning upwards – has become iconic in its own right. But where did this come from? Believe it or not, it wasn’t a carefully planned move. According to Liam, it started because he felt awkward and didn't know what to do with his hands while singing. Over time, it became his signature style, and now it’s imitated by fans all over the world.
3. They Almost Weren’t Called Oasis
Before settling on the name Oasis, the band went by several other names, including “The Rain.” It wasn’t until Noel Gallagher joined that they changed their name to Oasis, which was inspired by a local venue – the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon. If Noel hadn’t come along, we might still be talking about “The Rain” today!
4. They Got Their Record Deal in the Most Rock ‘n’ Roll Way Possible
In 1993, while playing a gig in Glasgow, Oasis wasn't even supposed to perform that night. They had tagged along with another band and managed to snag a quick performance without being on the bill. Unbeknownst to them, music producer Alan McGee was in the audience, and after seeing their electric energy on stage, he signed them on the spot to Creation Records. This impromptu performance catapulted them into stardom.
5. Noel Gallagher’s Not-So-Hidden Love for The Beatles
It’s no secret that Noel Gallagher is a massive fan of The Beatles, but his admiration goes far beyond the occasional nod in his songwriting. Noel has repeatedly said that if he could be anyone in history, it would be John Lennon. He even confessed to taking hallucinogenic drugs while watching the Beatles documentary Anthology, claiming it was one of the best experiences of his life.
6. The Infamous Knebworth Gigs Almost Didn’t Happen
Oasis’ two-night stand at Knebworth in 1996 is the stuff of legend, attracting over 250,000 fans and becoming a symbol of the band’s peak. However, it almost didn’t happen. A massive rainstorm threatened to cancel the gig just hours before, and organizers were on the verge of calling it off. But in true Oasis fashion, the storm cleared up, and the band went on to deliver one of the most iconic performances in British music history.
7. They Were Once Fined for Fighting at the Airport
In 1994, the Gallagher brothers made headlines for an altercation at a ferry terminal in Amsterdam, where they got into a brawl with each other and fellow band member Bonehead. Things escalated so badly that they were arrested, fined, and briefly banned from the ferry service. The event only added to the band’s rebellious, bad-boy reputation.
8. Liam Gallagher's Role in "Don't Look Back in Anger"
Despite “Don’t Look Back in Anger” being one of Oasis’ biggest hits, Liam Gallagher didn’t sing it. He notoriously stepped down from his lead vocalist role for this song because he didn’t feel connected to it. According to Liam, when Noel played the song for him, he simply said, “You sing it. You’ll do it better.” And thus, one of the band’s greatest anthems became a Noel-led track.
9. Liam and Noel Weren't Always Rivals
Although their famous feuds have often made headlines, the Gallagher brothers weren’t always at each other’s throats. In fact, when they were younger, they were inseparable. Liam even looked up to Noel as a father figure, as their dad wasn’t around much. It wasn’t until the pressures of fame began to mount that their relationship became more volatile.
10. The Oasis Oasis – Where Did They Go?
After their tumultuous breakup in 2009, fans have been clamoring for a reunion. Both brothers have pursued successful solo careers, with Noel forming Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Liam releasing his own albums. While a reunion seems unlikely due to their ongoing feud, die-hard fans hold onto hope, as both brothers have hinted in interviews that "never say never" is a fitting mantra for the band.
The Legacy Lives On
Despite the bickering and breakups, Oasis remains one of the most influential bands of the 90s and beyond. Their raw talent, brotherly drama, and timeless songs have solidified them in rock ‘n’ roll history. Whether they ever reunite or not, their music continues to inspire new generations of fans. And with stories like these, it’s easy to see why Oasis will always be more than just a band—they’re a legend.
One of the most iconic quotes from an Oasis song comes from "Champagne Supernova" is:
"Someday you will find me caught beneath the landslide in a champagne supernova in the sky."
It’s poetic, surreal, and a perfect encapsulation of the dreamlike quality that many Oasis songs evoke.