On this day in 2009, Oasis break up, putting an end to an 18-year musical journey.
Having formed back in 1991, Oasis quickly rose to fame with the release of their debut album, Definitely Maybe. As the years progressed, so did the rise of the band’s profile, with albums such as (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? and Be Here Now becoming instant classics.
However, despite the band’s success, they were frequently in the news due to the contentious relationship between brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, who were often seen arguing, fighting, or even in a physical scrap from time to time.
Following a period of critical stagnation at the start of the ’00s, the band were back on an upward trajectory with the release of albums such as Heathen Chemistry and Dig Out Your Soul. However, it was while on the promotional trail for the latter that tragedy finally struck the group.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fLR3FRaFsQ
Ahead of the group’s appearance at the V Festival on August 23rd, the band were forced to cancel due to frontman Liam Gallagher coming down with laryngitis. However, Noel issued a statement that it was cancelled due to Liam being hungover, a move which did not sit well with Liam, and even resulted in a lawsuit for libel between the two.
One week later on August 28th (the eve of Definitely Maybe’s 15th anniversary), the band were due to perform at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris when the Gallagher’s engaged in a physical fight backstage. Minutes before the band’s set, it was announced that the group had cancelled, with the manager noting in a statement that the group “does not exist anymore”.
Later that day, a statement from Noel appeared online explaining his decision to leave the band. “It is with some sadness and great relief…I quit Oasis tonight, Noel wrote. “People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.”
Since then, there have been numerous calls for a reunion between the two brothers, and for Oasis to get back and tour. To date, these efforts have been unsuccessful, and both Liam and Noel have continued with their solo careers of varying success.
Who knows though, with the tenth anniversary of the split coming next year, that would undoubtedly be the perfect way to get back together. We’ll have to wait and see.
Check out Oasis’ ‘Acquiesce’:
