Oasis were an English rock band that formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as The Rain, the group was formed by Liam Gallagher (vocals and tambourine), Paul Arthurs (guitar), Paul McGuigan (bass guitar) and Tony McCarroll (drums, percussion), who were soon joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher (lead guitar and vocals). As of June 2009, Oasis had sold over 70 million records worldwide. They have had eight UK number-one singles, fifteen NME Awards, nine Q Awards, four MTV Europe Music Awards and five BRIT Awards, including one in 2007 for outstanding contribution to music.
The band initially gained prominence performing on the Manchester club circuit. Its members were signed to independent record label Creation Records and afterwards released their record-setting debut album Definitely Maybe in 1994. The following year, the band recorded the critically acclaimed (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995) with their new drummer Alan White in the midst of rivalry with Britpop peers Blur in the charts. The Gallagher brothers featured regularly in tabloid newspapers for their sibling disputes and wild lifestyles. Oasis released their third album, Be Here Now, in 1997, which became the fastest-selling album in UK chart history, but lost much of its long-term appeal after initial enthusiasm tempered. The band lost two long-time members Paul McGuigan and Paul Arthurs as they went on to record and release Standing on the Shoulder of Giants in 2000 and Heathen Chemistry in 2002. The band found renewed success and popularity with their albums Don't Believe the Truth and Dig Out Your Soul and their supporting tours.
In late August 2009, Noel Gallagher announced his departure from the band. While no official statement has since been made that the band has split, Liam Gallagher stated in an interview with The Times that "Oasis is no longer".
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