Oasis are a British rock band that formed in Burnage, Manchester in 1991. Originally known as The Rain, the group was formed by Liam Gallagher (vocals), 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). Oasis have sold approximately 70 million records worldwide, have had eight UK number-one singles and have collected fifteen NME Awards, five BRIT Awards, nine Q Awards and four MTV Europe Music Awards. In February 2007, Oasis received the BRIT Award for outstanding contribution to music. The Gallagher brothers are the band's leading songwriters and the only continual members. The present lineup is completed by guitarist Gem Archer and bassist Andy Bell, as well as touring drummer Chris Sharrock.
The band initially gained prominence performing on the Manchester club circuit. They were signed to independent record label Creation Records and afterwards released their debut album Definitely Maybe in 1994. The album proved Oasis was a professional alternative rock band, receiving mostly five star reviews. 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 onto 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 most recent albums Don't Believe the Truth and Dig Out Your Soul and their supporting tours.
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