Oasis, formed in Manchester in 1991, became one of the defining bands of the Britpop era. Led by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, their blend of rock and pop and distinct personalities made them an unstoppable force throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. With chart-topping albums and hit singles, they quickly gained international fame. However, tensions between the Gallagher brothers led to the band’s split in 2009. After 15 years apart, Oasis is set for a much-anticipated reunion tour in 2025.
In this article, we’ll cover the highs, the lows, and everything in between as Oasis carved their path from Britpop pioneers to global rock icons. From their explosive rise in the ’90s to their upcoming 2025 reunion, this is the story of a band that defined a generation.
The Formation of Oasis and Early Days (1991–1993)
The seeds of Oasis were planted when Liam Gallagher joined a band called The Rain, which soon was renamed Oasis, inspired by an Inspiral Carpets tour poster. Noel Gallagher, who had spent time as a roadie for Inspiral Carpets, soon joined his brother, bringing his ambitious songwriting skills. With Noel on board, the band’s direction shifted dramatically.
They quickly made waves with their bold sound and even bolder attitudes, leading to a record deal with Creation Records. Early tracks like “Columbia,” “Supersonic,” “Bring It on Down,” and “Slide Away” laid the groundwork for what would become their monumental debut album, Definitely Maybe.
The Breakthrough: First Album Success and Britpop Fame (1994–1996)
Oasis rapidly dominated the UK music scene with their debut album, Definitely Maybe, which shattered records by becoming the fastest-selling British debut ever upon its release in August 1994. In April 1995, the band’s single “Some Might Say” topped the UK charts, becoming their first number-one hit.
However, this period was also marked by internal strife; drummer Tony McCarroll was dismissed from the band due to a “personality clash” with the Gallagher brothers, who were critical of his musical capabilities. McCarroll’s replacement, Alan White, formerly of Starclub, debuted with Oasis during a “Top of the Pops” performance of “Some Might Say,” recommended to Noel by none other than Paul Weller.
In May 1995, Oasis began recording their next album at Rockfield Studios near Monmouth. Around this time, the British press ignited the “Battle of Britpop” between Oasis and Blur, culminating on August 14, 1995, when both bands released singles on the same day. Blur’s “Country House” outsold Oasis’s “Roll with It” due to pricing and marketing strategies, sparking further debate.
Amidst this commercial rivalry, Noel Gallagher’s provocative comments about Blur in the media led to a public outcry, for which he later formally apologized. Despite these challenges, Oasis’s sophomore album, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, released in October 1995, became a global phenomenon, selling over 22 million copies and featuring hits like “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” and “Champagne Supernova.”
Two record-breaking concerts at Knebworth House in August 1996 further strengthened Oasis’s reputation. The band performed to 125,000 people each night, a testament to its unprecedented popularity.
Global Success and Dominating the Charts (1996–2000)
After their monumental performances at Knebworth, Oasis’s third album, Be Here Now (1997), was released amid massive hype and quickly set records. By the end of its first day on sale, the album had sold 424,000 units, and within the first week, sales skyrocketed to 696,000, making it the fastest-selling album in British history—a title it held until Adele’s 25 in 2015. Despite mixed reviews, the album’s initial popularity was phenomenal.
After the conclusion of the Be Here Now Tour in early 1998, the group kept a low profile. Later in the year, they released a compilation album of fourteen B-sides, The Masterplan, often celebrated as one of the greatest B-sides compilations ever made. Reflecting on this period, Noel Gallagher noted in 2008, “The really interesting stuff from around that period is the B-sides. There’s a lot more inspired music on the B-sides than there is on Be Here Now itself, I think.“
The end of the ’90s was a turbulent time for the band. Founding members Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs and Paul McGuigan stepped away in 1999 while creating their fourth studio album, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000). This lineup change marked a shift in sound, with tracks like “Go Let It Out” and “Who Feels Love?” reflecting a new direction. Though the album received mixed reviews, it sold well, showing the band still held a strong fanbase.
During this period, Oasis made a world tour. In Britain, it included two significant performances at Wembley Stadium. The first show was released on a live album, Familiar to Millions, in 2000 and received mixed reviews.
The Gallagher Brothers’ Feud and Band Tensions (2000–2009)
As the 2000s rolled in, the tension between Liam and Noel Gallagher intensified. Their clashes began spilling into the band’s work and public appearances, leading to frequent media coverage.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Oasis released Heathen Chemistry in July 2002. It was the first album with new members Andy Bell and Gem Archer, reaching number one in the UK and 23 in the US. However, critics gave it mixed reviews. Around this time, long-time drummer Alan White, who had played on most of the band’s material, was asked to leave and was replaced by Zak Starkey, drummer for The Who and son of Ringo Starr.
In May 2005, after three challenging years and several scrapped recording sessions, Oasis returned with Don’t Believe the Truth. Fans and critics considered it their best album since Morning Glory, with songs like “Lyla” and “The Importance of Being Idle” hitting number one in the UK charts.
By May 2008, Zak Starkey had left the band after recording Dig Out Your Soul, and Chris Sharrock stepped in as the new drummer. Released in October 2008, the album topped the UK charts and reached number five in the US.
The tension between Liam and Noel finally reached a breaking point during the Dig Out Your Soul tour. A heated argument backstage at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris in August 2009 led to Noel’s decision to leave the band. He later stated he could no longer work with Liam. Oasis canceled their remaining tour dates and officially disbanded.
Solo Careers and The Reunion: Oasis Live ’25 Tour (2010–2025)
After Oasis disbanded in 2009, Liam and Noel Gallagher embarked on solo careers. Liam formed Beady Eye with former Oasis members, releasing two albums before going solo. His debut album, As You Were (2017), was a massive success, followed by Why Me? Why Not. (2019) and C’mon You Know (2022). On the other hand, Noel formed Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, gaining critical acclaim with albums like Chasing Yesterday (2015) and Who Built the Moon? (2017).
On August 27, 2024, almost 15 years after their 2009 split, Oasis officially announced their reunion with a series of shows scheduled for July and August 2025 in the UK and Ireland. In their statement, they teased: “The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over. Come see. It will not be televised.“
Rumors followed, suggesting that original member Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, some of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds members, and Andy Bell would join the reunion. Former members Alan White and Gem Archer also hinted at their potential involvement in what promises to be an unforgettable return.
The Oasis Live ’25 Tour marks one of the most anticipated reunions in rock history. As fans prepare for the return of one of the most influential bands of the last few decades, the excitement surrounding their live shows is set to remind the world why Oasis remains a defining force in rock music.