Those Swollen Hand BluesOasis

Oasis

One of the most decorated artists of the 1990s, for the best part of two decades Oasis were an instantly recognisable part of British culture and a key cog in the all-conquering machine that was the Cool Britannia movement.

The group rose to fame with the release of Definitely Maybe in 1994, which became an instant success, debuting at number one in the UK charts. They went on to have a much-publicised rivalry with Blur, and despite losing the biggest singles chart battle in British history, they would go on to win the war, becoming global stars with (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, which includes arguably their biggest hit, “Wonderwall.”

The band released their third album Be Here Now in 1997, amid conflict between the Gallagher brothers. Although it went to number two in the US charts, sales were below expectations and it has since been regarded poorly. Fourth album Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, released in 2000, was also received apprehensively by critics but managed to reach number one in the UK charts. It was during its recording that two members, guitarist Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs and bassist Paul ‘Guigsy’ McGuigan, quit so Colin ‘Gem’ Archer and Andy Bell were brought on to replace them, respectively. Heathen Chemistry was released in 2002 to similar success, and the band continued touring. In 2004, drummer Alan White left and Zac Starkey joined for sixth album Don’t Believe the Truth, released in 2005, but only lasted until the next album Dig Out Your Soul (2008), when he was unofficially replaced by Chris Sharrock.