by Scott Campbell
Program Director, Garage to Stadiums podcast
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Are you excited about the return of Oasis, like the near 10 million fans who have applied for the upcoming world tour? On a recent episode we discussed this iconic British band formed in 1991 that became one of the defining acts of the 1990s Britpop movement. Our guest to discuss Oasis, Paolo Hewitt, is a long-time music journalist and author of Getting High: The Adventures of Oasis , an account of his time with the band during the 1994 to 1996 period and Forever The People, his experience on the band's notorious Be Here Now tour in 1997-98.
Two brothers, Noel and Liam Gallagher were the fiery, fractious twosome behind Oasis. They somehow managed to get along enough to front a band that changed the game. Noel, as guitarist and lyricist combined his writing abilities with Liam's swaggering personality and incredible soaring voice to create an image and a sound that resonated worldwide.
With their raw energy, catchy melodies, and anthemic sound, Oasis blended the classic rock influences of the '60s and '70s with the new wave of British indie music, helping to create a cultural shift in the UK and beyond. Their impact went far beyond their music, though. Oasis spearheaded a musical and cultural movement that revived traditional rock music while incorporating contemporary influences from the '80s and early '90s. Here's how they combined classic rock with newer influences to create a lasting impact.
1. The classic rock foundation
At the core of Oasis' sound was a deep reverence for classic rock. The band’s music was unmistakably rooted in the British rock traditions of the '60s and '70s. The influence of The Beatles is perhaps the most obvious, with Oasis often being compared to them for their melody-driven songwriting, harmonized vocals, and ambitious arrangements. Noel Gallagher, the band's primary songwriter, had a keen sense of melody akin to Lennon and McCartney's, and songs like "Live Forever" and "Wonderwall" were reminiscent of The Beatles' grandiose yet approachable style.
Additionally, Oasis was heavily influenced by the swagger and power of bands like The Rolling Stones and The Who. Songs such as "Cigarettes & Alcohol" and "Rock 'n' Roll Star" drew from the same rock 'n' roll ethos of rebellion and excess that defined those groups. These influences gave Oasis an instantly recognizable sound—brash, loud, and full of attitude.
The sound of Oasis was unapologetically rooted in these classic acts, and their love for guitar-driven rock made them the torchbearers of a new era for traditional rock music. Even their fashion—parka jackets, messy hair, and cocky attitudes—was an homage to the mod culture of the '60s.
2. Incorporating modern influences
While Oasis built upon classic rock, they also brought something fresh to the table. Their music wasn’t just a pastiche of older styles; it was a contemporary evolution of them. The early '90s music scene was experiencing the rise of alternative rock, grunge, and the influence of the underground indie scene, all of which shaped Oasis' approach.
For instance, the soaring guitar riffs and anthemic choruses in songs like "Supersonic" and "Don't Look Back In Anger" were reminiscent of the alt-rock ethos that bands like Nirvana and The Stone Roses were popularizing. The shift from polished, studio-based productions to a more raw, live-sounding approach helped define Oasis as a band of their time, even while they celebrated rock's past.
Another modern influence was the British indie movement that was blossoming in the early '90s, with bands like Blur, Pulp, and Suede emerging alongside Oasis. These bands blended modern sensibilities with traditional British rock, often focusing on everyday themes of working-class life, love, and alienation. Oasis similarly grounded their songs in relatable, often introspective lyrics, while the music itself was more direct and unapologetic than some of their contemporaries.
3. Creating a cultural revolution
By combining the influences of classic rock with the energy and ethos of '90s indie and alternative music, Oasis sparked a broader cultural movement. Their rise coincided with a period of economic and social upheaval in the UK.
Their working-class roots and the themes of disillusionment and hope that ran through their music spoke directly to a generation of young people searching for identity in a rapidly changing world. Oasis didn’t just offer music—they offered a lifestyle.
In August 1996 at the famous Knebworth concerts, Oasis seemingly reached its peak popularity, attracting 250,000 fans for not one, but two spectacular concerts on successive nights. With anthems like "Champagne Supernova" and "Morning Glory," the band tapped into a feeling of youthful rebellion, of believing in something bigger than the mundane realities of life.
They captured the spirit of the time with their blend of old-school rock authenticity and modern working-class themes. This was a band that, much like The Beatles or The Rolling Stones before them, transcended their musical output to become a symbol of youth culture.
4. The legacy: a new era of music
In spite of some legendary spats between the Noel and Liam Gallagher, Oasis’ blending of classic and modern rock helped give rise to a new era of British music. They bridged the gap between the rock tradition of the past and the indie revolution of the '90s. By the end of the decade, they had not only created a new movement in music but also left an indelible mark on pop culture. Their influence can still be felt today in the work of countless bands that continue to mix the old with the new, from Arctic Monkeys to The Killers.
In conclusion, Oasis combined the timelessness of classic rock with the pulse of modern indie and alternative music to create a movement that both honored the past and revolutionized the present. Their ability to blend the sounds of the past with the sensibilities of the '90s helped them become one of the most influential bands of their era and leave a lasting legacy in the rock genre
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