Oasis: The Fab Five

Band members:
Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, rhythm guitar
Liam Gallagher, vocals
Noel Gallagher, lead guitar and vocals
Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan, bass
Alan White, drums

"They're all here for one thing... to see the best fookin' rock 'n' roll band in the world"
--Liam Gallagher at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards

...not a declaration to be taken lightly. Still, in its headlong rush to the top of mid-90's music, Oasis has proved itself to be the ruler of the Britpop world. Even those who don't know Cast from Pulp or interchangably Sleeper, Suede, or Blur cannot resist the power of "Wonderwall." Oasis has accomplished what many other English bands for years were unable to do: conquer America.

With rock-star attitudes and swagger, Oasis shoves aside the sensitive, touchy-feely bands of the '90's. When other musicians complain about the 'burdens of fame,' Oasis readily admits the truth: a Rolls-Royce in the driveway and fan adoration is great!

Behind the leadership of songwriter and guitarist Noel Gallagher, these five ordinary-looking guys perform the rousing rockers and quiet ballads that have captured the United Kingdom's heart.

Here are some random facts about the band's popularity:

Five percent of the U.K. tried to get tickets for a single Oasis concert.

One in six U.K. households has an Oasis LP.

Oasis was voted more popular than the Beatles in a poll of listeners up to age forty-two years.

The spring of 1996 offered a homecoming of sorts for the band. They performed at Maine Road, home ground for Noel, Liam, and Guigsy's favorite football team Manchester City. With other massive gigs at Earls Court, Loch Lomond, and Knebworth (250,000 people!) in 1996, Oasis has ascended to the top of British music.

And tomorrow, the world!

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