One of my favorites...OASIS
Oasis is an English rock band that formed in Manchester in 1991. The band originally consisted of vocalist Liam Gallagher, guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, bassist Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan and drummer Tony McCarroll; Liam's older brother - guitarist, vocalist and lead songwriter Noel - joined shortly after the band's formation.
The original lineup performed on the band's first album, Definitely Maybe, and McCarroll was the first to leave during recording for (What's the Story) Morning Glory?. Alan "Whitey" White was his replacement, and he played on all of the album's tracks except "Some Might Say". Next to leave was McGuigan in September 1995, though only for a small amount of time. He was temporarily and unofficially replaced by Scott McLeod, who played a few tour dates with the band and appeared in the music video for "Wonderwall", before suddenly leaving. Guigsy was subsequently convinced to return to the band near the release of Morning Glory.
Be Here Now was released in August 1997, and as plans for Oasis' fourth studio album took shape, the band began to break down. First to leave was Arthurs, who was quickly followed by McGuigan, leaving only the Gallagher brothers and White to record Standing on the Shoulder of Giants. Gem Archer and Andy Bell were brought in on guitar and bass respectively, though because they were not hired in time for the album's recording, all guitar and bass parts on Standing... were performed by Noel.
The first studio album to feature new members Archer and Bell, Heathen Chemistry, was released in 2002. After extensive touring, Oasis planned recording for their sixth album, though Alan White, the longest-serving member of Oasis bar the Gallagher brothers, left the band in 2004. He was temporarily replaced by Terence Kirkbride, but later formally replaced by Zak Starkey, son of ex-Beatles drummer Ringo Starr. Though a full-time member, Starkey was not officially unveiled as a band member for almost four years. Don't Believe the Truth was released in May 2005, followed by compilation Stop the Clocks in 2006. A non-album single, "Lord Don't Slow Me Down", was released in 2007 in conjunction with the documentary of the same name, and in 2008 recording began for the band's seventh studio album.
Starkey performed drums on most of the tracks on the album (Noel performed the rest), but left the band near the end of the sessions. Chris Sharrock replaced Starkey in May, Dig Out Your Soul was released in October, and a world tour is currently in progress as of October 2008.
Current members
Liam Gallagher
Active: 1991–present
Instruments: lead vocals, tambourine
Release contributions: all Oasis releases
Noel Gallagher
Active: 1991–present
Instruments: guitars, vocals, keyboards, piano, mellotron, bass, drums
Release contributions: all Oasis releases
Gem Archer
Active: 1999–present
Instruments: guitars, keyboards, harmonica, bass
Release contributions: all Oasis releases from Heathen Chemistry (2002) to present
Andy Bell
Active: 1999–present
Instruments: bass, keyboards, guitars
Release contributions: all Oasis releases from Heathen Chemistry (2002) to present
Chris Sharrock
Active: 2008–present
Instruments: drums, percussion
Release contributions: none
Former members
Zak Starkey
Active: 2004–2008
Instruments: drums, percussion
Release contributions: Don't Believe the Truth (2005), Dig Out Your Soul (2008)
Alan "Whitey" White
Active: 1995–2004
Instruments: drums, percussion
Release contributions: (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995), Be Here Now (1997), Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000), Heathen Chemistry (2002)
Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan
Active: 1991–1999
Instruments: bass
Release contributions: Definitely Maybe (1994), (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995), Be Here Now (1997)
Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs
Active: 1991–1999
Instruments: rhythm guitar, piano, mellotron
Release contributions: Definitely Maybe (1994), (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995), Be Here Now (1997)
Tony McCarroll
Active: 1991–1995
Instruments: drums
Release contributions: Definitely Maybe (1994)
Subject: OASis 
Sat Nov 29, 2008 6:59 am
