EmmaI’m not a fan of Oasis, but I’m going to see them. As the famous meme says; “Yep, that’s me. You’re probably wondering how I ended up in this situation.”
Well, my mum is a lifelong Oasis fan. But unfortunately that gene was never passed onto me. I don’t know whether that’s anything to do with me being adopted – but here we are. Long story short, my mum ended up getting tickets, and she begged and begged me to go.
Contents:
- History of Oasis
- Get to know the band
- Their Greatest Hits
- The Fallout
- Why don’t I like Oasis?
- Post Gig Thoughts
Over the years, my friends have known me for my hate for Oasis, so in an effort to change that, I thought I’d do what I do best in this situation. Research their roots, and try and convert myself!
The History of Oasis
It all started back in 1991, when I was -2 years old (that means I was born in ’93). The funny thing is, after all this drama, it appears the Gallagher brothers weren’t even founding members (according to Britannica). Before the Gallagher brothers were introduced to the band, the founding members; Paul Arthurs, Paul McGuigan, and Tony McCarroll named the band ‘The Rain’. Liam Gallagher joined as a vocalist shortly after, and they changed their name to Oasis. Then Noel joined as a guitarist.
Apparently Noel only agreed to join if he could have full control of the band. I don’t know if I like him now (not like
Get to know the band
- Name: William John Paul Gallagher
- Occupation: Singer
- Born: 21/09/1972, Manchester
- Name: Noel Thomas David Gallagher
- Occupation: Singer, Guitarist, and main songwriter
- Born: 29/05/1967, Manchester
- Name: Paul Benjamin ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs
- Occupation: Rhythm Guitarist (& Co-Founder)
- Born: 23/06/1965
- Name: Colin Murray “Gem” Archer
- Occupation: Guitar
- Born: 07/12/1966
- Name: Andrew Piran Bell
- Occupation: Bass
- Born: 11/08/1970
What do I think of their greatest hits?
Wonderwall
The first song I learnt on guitar was Wonderwall, as I’m sure is the case with many others. Maybe that’s the reason I hate it, or maybe it’s just overplayed. On reflection it is a really well written song, and it probably inspires many songwriters. It was released on Halloween of 1995, and sources say that is was written by Noel about his former girlfriend/ex-wife, Meg Matthews.
Morning Glory
Not to be confused with the whole album, as I was when I first researched it, Morning Glory was also written by Noel. It was released before Wonderwall, and it is one that I don’t hate… but I still don’t love. The reasoning behind this song is one that I ain’t gonna go into.
She’s Electric
If you didn’t know, back in my teens I liked to call myself ‘EmmaElectric’. Could you tell I was heavily influences by the ‘Scene Kid’ era? Because of this, I have a soft spot for this song. It might even be my favourite.
Side note: I’ve just come back to this post after attending the gig, and I can confirm that 4 days later, I have had this song in my head for about 2 weeks. It’s not big, and it’s not clever, and I’ve quite frankly had enough. Still a favourite though.
Champagne Supernova
Another very well written song by Mr. Gallagher. Again, it seems this is another song written when Noel was up to a mischief that we’re not going to get into!
Half the World Away
I know this song was written by Oasis, but I can’t imagine them when I listen to it. It also strikes me as an unpopular one in regards to their rowdy fans. That’s probably why I like it? I just remember it from the John Lewis advert, to be honest.
The Fallout
Tensions had been brewing for a long time. I believe they had a kind of bust up in 1996, but I was only 3, so I can’t really remember it. Years went by and the public new the brothers didn’t get on. Then, on one fateful evening in Paris, Liam and Noel had the biggest fall out of their career. I’m not entirely sure what happened, but Noels guitars were thrown, and subsequently suing’s were issued. That marked the end of Oasis.
Liam went on to create Beady Eye with the remaining members. Do I know any songs? *Goes to Google*, no… no I don’t.
Anyway, time passed, and they must’ve made up at some point because they’re off on tour again, and I’m off to see them apparently.
Why don’t I like Oasis?
Lyrically, I hate to say it, but they are all very well written songs. I spent a big chunk of my life writing music, and I’ve only recently started getting back into it again.
I don’t think the reason I dislike Oasis is their music – I think its their fan base. For my own protection, I think I might refrain from posting this until after the gig. It’s no secret that Oasis fans are rowdy – in my eyes I get the same vibes as Millwall Supporters, who I had an unfortunate encounter with in 2019 at the Wembley match against Bradford. Who knew that the winning teams supporters could cause so much aggression, eh?
However, in some cases, even though I don’t like them, I do think I look up to Oasis in some way. Even though I once banned them from my work Spotify at my last job. The director was very confused one day when he tried to put it on (sorry, Andy)!
Post Gig Thoughts
I didn’t think I’d be coming back here, but here we are! It’s been 3 days since I attended Heaton Park on a day that I quite honestly enjoyed!
The day started with our check in to the Radisson, then a visit to Nandos. In there, we got talking to local Mancunian, Craig, who had been living in Australia for the past 3/4 of a year. As you can imagine, this brought up a common conversation!
After that, we made our way to Lever Street to get the bus. The bus service throughout the day was very well organized, apart from the zig-zag system when you were actually at Heaton Park.
On the approach to the gates, we found that my mum hadn’t downloaded her tickets, and her app wasn’t loading either. So, I did what any good daughter would do – left her on a bench, took her phone and mine, and made my way to the nearest signal point… which was the main road, and it felt like a 45 minute walk. I mostly ran the way back.
The Actual Gig
The first band on were cast – we were in the front standing section so we had enjoyable views. Cast were great, I knew more than just Walkaway, which was a song I sung in college.
Next on was Richard Ashcroft. Musically, he was the highlight of the whole night for me. Listening to Bittersweet Symphony live was biblical (IYKYK).
Before Oasis, we went to get a couple more drinks. Entering the queue, I was approached by a bloke who pointed at my hat that I’d taken as a freebie from work, from a supplier. “You wouldn’t believe it – I was wearing that yesterday!” He proceeded to show me a picture, then we got one together. Jay, from a popular bed company – if you come across this post – let me know!
I’m just going to throw this out there, I wasn’t very coherent for the music, I was more there for the atmosphere. It was very good – however, there were some VERY intoxicated people there before Oasis even got on stage.
I also met some lovely people from New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Spain (apologies to the Spanish people for constantly trying to talk to you in Italian).
Are you an Oasis fan? I know this whole post might offend people, but I had no other way to write it! Let me know if you’re one of the calmer fans in the comments. If you’re a hooligan one, as my grandma would say… don’t bother.
