Oasis Slane Castle Dublin on the 20th June '09

Oasis are an English rock band that formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as "The Rain", the group was formed by Liam Gallagher (vocals), Paul Arthurs (guitar), Paul McGuigan (bass) and Tony McCarroll (drums), who were soon joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher (guitar and vocals). Oasis have sold over 50 million records worldwide, have had eight UK number-one singles and have collected 15 NME Awards, 5 Brit Awards, 9 Q awards and 4 MTV Europe 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 unofficial 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 following year, the band recorded (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995) with their new drummer Alan White, whilst rivaling with Britpop peers Blur in the charts. The Gallagher brothers were featured regularly in tabloid newspapers for their sibling rivalry and wild lifestyles, cultivating reputations both as bad boys and as a band of the people. At the height of their fame, Oasis released their third album, Be Here Now (1997). It became the fastest-selling album in UK chart history, but its initial positive reception and appeal soon tempered. Despite remaining popular in the UK the band suffered a notable decline in popularity in America and lost two long-time members Paul McGuigan and Paul Arthurs between recording and releasing Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000) and Heathen Chemistry (2002). However, the band experienced renewed popularity and success worldwide with their recent albums Don't Believe the Truth (2005) and Dig Out Your Soul (2008).