Oasis formed in Manchester in 1991, with Noel Gallagher writing the songs and brother Liam delivering the sneer that defined Britpop. (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995) sold over 22 million copies — Wonderwall, Don't Look Back in Anger — and Definitely Maybe is right there with it; a reunion tour was announced for 2025. Shop Oasis vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
Oasis formed in Manchester, England in August 1991. The original lineup of Liam Gallagher, Bonehead, Guigsy, and McCarroll was joined by Noel Gallagher (Liam's older brother) later in 1991, with Noel quickly becoming the band's primary songwriter and creative leader. They signed with Creation Records (Alan McGee's iconic UK indie label) in 1993 after McGee saw them perform at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow. Their 1994 debut Definitely Maybe became the fastest-selling debut album in UK chart history at the time of release. The 1995 follow-up (What's the Story) Morning Glory? - featuring the international singles Wonderwall, Don't Look Back in Anger, and Champagne Supernova - sold over 22 million copies worldwide and is widely cited as one of the most important Britpop documents. Their public feud with Blur during the 1995 Battle of Britpop and Gallagher brother feuds across the band's history became defining cultural moments of 1990s British music. The band dissolved in August 2009 following a backstage fight between Liam and Noel before a Paris concert. Noel has subsequently led Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds (since 2010); Liam has had a solo career (since 2017). The brothers announced a reunion tour for 2025. Their foundational influence on Britpop and broader contemporary British rock is widely cited.
Oasis's sound is foundational to Britpop as a recognized genre - combining Britpop, rock and roll, alternative rock, hard rock, indie rock, and psychedelic rock with Liam's distinctive vocal delivery (Manchester accent and sneer), Noel's foundational songwriting and lead guitar work, and arrangements drawing on classic Beatles (influence), Stones, Sex Pistols, and Stone Roses traditions. Their foundational influence on Britpop is widely documented.
Original Creation Records and Big Brother Recordings pressings of the Oasis catalog are widely collected. Multiple anniversary editions (particularly the 20th and 25th anniversary editions of Definitely Maybe and Morning Glory?), audiophile reissues, and the comprehensive Big Brother Recordings reissue programs have been released. The 30th anniversary deluxe edition of Definitely Maybe (2024) has been.
Listeners new to Oasis typically start with (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995) or Definitely Maybe (1994).
