While researching for the website, I collected various original news articles from late 1998 to late 1999 related to the recording of Standing on the Shoulder of Giants.
I’m sharing them here for archival purposes, as most are no longer easy to find online. Some remain available, others were saved years ago, and many others came from old fansites via the Wayback Machine.
- From Oasis’ official site, 05 October 1998: Noel in the studio
- From Oasis’ official site, 24 February 1999: Oasis Begin Work on 4th LP in London
- Unknown source, 31 March 1999: Oasis Shack Up In French Chateau To Record
- From the BBC, 06 April 1999: Oasis take French leave
- Unknown source, 09 April 1999: Nice for Oasis
- From the Mirror, Matthew Wright’s column, 10 April 1999: Chateaoasis
- From NME, 22 Apr 1999: Be Dior Now
- Unknown source, April 1999: Some News on Recording, etc.
- From The Sun, 29 Apr 1999: Here’s ruckin’ at you our kid
- From The Mirror, May (?) 1999: Soft man of rock
- From Sonicnet, 14 May 1999 Oasis Experiment With Electronics, Big Beats
- From MTV, 21 May 1999: Oasis recording new album in remote chateau
- From NME, 25 May 1999: Noel Lets It All Out
- From NME, 26 May 1999: It’s all gone right!
- From NME, 30 June 1999: Bonehead’s early bank holiday
- From Oasis’ official site, 03 July 1999: Oasis Continue Work on Album #4
- From NME, 10 August 1999: Bonehead out
- From the BBC, 25 August 1999: Bass Player Quits Oasis
- From NME, 25 August 1999: Press Conference Transcript
- From Melody Maker, 05 September 1999: Guigsy’s left, but Noel has a dream
- From NME, 09 September 1999: Ex-Heavy Stereo man tipped as new Oasis guitarist
- From NME, 05 October 1999: What’s the story? Noel will let it out!
- From MTV, 22 October 1999: Oasis Mulls December Dates In The States, Selects New Guitarist
- From NME, 26 October 1999: Gem and Pottsy: happy days here again?
- From NME, 29 October 1999: So Near, So Marr
- From Oasis’ official site, 29 October 1999: NEW OASIS LP DUE FEB 28 2000
- From NME, 12 November 1999: Ex-Hurricane # 1/Ride man passes on Gay Dad gig for Oasis bass slot
- From dotmusic, 16 November 1999: Andy Bell speaks!
From Oasis’ official site, 05 October 1998:
Noel in the studio
The Official Oasis Home Page can exclusively reveal that Noel Gallagher is currently working on several new tracks in a studio outside London. It is unknown when the results of these sessions will be released.
From Oasis’ official site, 24 February 1999:
Oasis Begin Work on 4th LP in London
Oasis began routining songs for their forthcoming 4th album this week in London. They plan to commence recording midway through April.
Oasis have enlisted the services of Mark “Spike” Stent to co-produce. It is anticipated that they will spend the better part of the summer recording and mixing the album.
It is also anticipated that the album may be released sometime in the first half of next year.
Unknown source, 31 March 1999:
Oasis Shack Up In French Chateau To Record
For the first time in their five-year career, Oasis will travel outside the U.K. to record an album. According to a source close to the band, Noel Gallagher and Co. finished demo-ing tunes for their fourth album in London and will travel to a chateau in the South of France on Monday (April 5) to commence recording the follow-up to 1997’s Be Here Now.
Oasis are expected to set up shop for eight weeks. As previously reported (Feb. 25), Mark “Spike” Stent (U2, KLF, Erasure, Madonna) will co-produce the record along with Noel Gallagher. Epic Records is looking to release the album in January or February of 2000.
From the BBC, 06 April 1999:
Oasis take French leave
Rock group Oasis have escaped fans and media in the UK and are recording their new album at a secret location in France.
Work on the band’s 1997 Be Here Now album was disrupted when the band had to relocate from studios in London to rural Surrey because of a mob of reporters and fans.
The band have now re-grouped in France with singer Liam Gallagher joining brother Noel and the rest of the group at the unamed location on Monday.
“I wouldn’t blame it all on the media harassment,” said a spokesman for the band.
“They just want to do it in a pleasant, quiet environment with no distractions, really.”
The band are believed to have hired a chateau, but the group’s spokesman would not reveal the area in which the band will be staying.
Unknown source, 09 April 1999:
Nice for Oasis
ROCK band Oasis have jetted to France to record a new album at vast chateau near the milionaire’s playground of the Riviera.
They flew by private plane to Nice last week for a three-month recording session.
Noel Gallagher and three band members were whisked off in a chauffeur driven limo from the airport last Thursday, before Noel’s brother Liam arrived alone this Monday.
The group have spent tens of thousands of pounds bringing in original 1960s studio equipment to create their trademark retro sound like the Beatles and Rolling Stones.
The sprawling three million pounds walled estate which they are said to be renting is guarded by security guards and closed circuit TV. It is set in hilly countryside about ten miles from the resort of Cannes.
They are all expected to make an appearance at the town’s famous international film festival which begins early next month.
Oasis chose France to record their fourth album partly because of the mob of fans and press which they claim disrupted recording of their last disc Be Here Now in Surrey in 1997.
A insider working with Oasis at the Chateau said: “There is a party atmosphere as there always is with Oasis, but they also working very hard.”
From the Mirror, Matthew Wright’s column, 10 April 1999:
Chateaoasis
Chateaoasis: Band’s secret French studio
A magnificent 17th-Century French chateau is where Oasis have been recording their new album. Last week I revealed that Noel Gallagher, 31, had ordered the band to get back to basics following the disappointing reaction to their last album.
Yet the boys are hardly roughing it at the bolthole owned by fashion designer Christian Dior.
I’m reliably informed that the lads have been enjoying relaxing walks in the manicured grounds between rehearsals. But the lack of nightlife is driving hellraiser Liam Gallagher, 26, around the bend.
My spies tell me there is one local bar in the nearest remote mountain village – but unfortunately it is run by Blur fans.
Oasis, minus singer Liam, jetted to the south of France last month to begin work on their follow-up to Be Here Now. The band are working with Mark “Spike” Stent who has collaborated with Madonna, U2, Mansun and The Spice Girls.
Noel, who is co-producing the album, decided the band needed to get away from the distractions of London.
An insider said: “The band are finding the chateau very relaxing. There are getting more work done and feel that they are really making progress.”
From NME, 22 Apr 1999:
Be Dior Now
OASIS have begun recording their fourth studio album in a remote French chateau belonging to fashion designer Christian Dior to escape media attention.
The band began rehearsing material for their next release at Music Bank Studios in south London in February before shipping equipment to their new base, including an original 1960s valve desk that Noel reportedly bought for £15,000 despite his comment last December that: “Hopefully, the new producer will make it (the new album) sound like it’s been recorded in 1999 and not 1969.”
It is believed the band are recording tracks live and all mixing will be done at a later date, backing up reports that the band are keen to “get back to basics” following the accusation of many critics that the last album was “overproduced”.
Oasis’ spokesman told NME that the band were certainly taking a “more direct approach”.
“Basically, it’s all going pretty well and everyone’s in a good mood. They’re just back doing what they really enjoy.” The band will stay in France for “as long as it takes” to get the album how they want it, he added.
The band are working with Mark ‘Spike’ Stent, who most recently worked with Mansun on their album, ‘Six’. Noel, who’s co-producing the album, told NME previously that they were working on 22 songs.
Liam described the new material as “awesome”.
The band’s label, Creation, is expecting to release the album early in the new year, but a single may come out before then, the spokesman said.
Unknown source, April 1999:
Some News on Recording, etc.
(originally taken from slide-away.com)
Oasis have decamped to a sleepy French village to record their new album. And despite their rabble-rousing behaviour at London parties, the locals say they’re happy to have them. The band have rented the 17th Century Chateau Dior in the medieval village of __ which has less than 1,500 villagers, most of whom make their living from olive farming and who know nothing of the superstars they have in their midst. Infact, the local record shop owner has never even heard of them. Residents are more interested in their owm local celebrity – a martial arts world champion called Jean Marc Brignone. He, perhaps worryingly, says he’s looking forward to meeting Liam. The band arrived in the village three weeks ago and have already settled in. They’re paying over £32,000 per month to rent the 17-room chateau, once owned by clothes designer Christian Dior, which boasts tennis courts, a swimming pool and a tiny chapel. The band have moved all their gear and a 60s mixing desk into it. A massive container is in the driveway parked next to Bonehead’s Aston Martin with the backwards-spelt Oasis plate [S 1 SAO].
The village is way off the tourist route, and is little more than a main-square and a few winding streets boasting just one post office, two bars, a mini-supermarket, a bread shop and a bank – all of which shut during the afternoon.
All of the band plus crew took over the local Bar du Clos for the recent Manchester United v Juventus game. After the match, the barman, Laurent Hernandez, sent a letter to the chateau challenging them to a five-a-side football match. He said: “They looked so relaxed, I thought they might just go for it. After all, football brings nations together, even the Germans and English got out of the trenches in the war for a kick around.”
Meanwhile, Liam and Patsy are regulars at the boulangerie on the Avenue Camille Pays every morning and Bonehead has been doing battle with the local tractor drivers in his Aston Martin.
Despite all this, the band are working hard, beginning work at around 10.30 every morning. Music could still be heard from the chateau at 10pm each night.
They’re working with producer Mark “Spike”Stent who’s most famously worked with The Spice Girls and also U2, Mansun and Massive Attack. Liam has already nicknamed him Spike Milligan and has jokingly referred to him as “a fat c***”, adding, “I’m all for a bit of obesity.” Noel Gallagher worked on some of the songs while on holiday with Meg Mathews in Thailand earlier this year. The band worked them up in a rehearsal studio in south London in February.
Sources say the songs are shorter and punkier than those featured on ‘Be Here Now’.
Despite the band’s widely reported intention to move their sound on, our man in the village says, “If you stand outside the chateau you can hear Noel’s trademark guitar.”
The band are working up the song Liam Gallagher wrote for his stepson. It currently has the working title, ‘Littel James’. Noel has said, “At this point, the songs sound pretty f***ing ropey!” The album is due for release next year, though there are rumours that a single is to be released at the end of this year.
The barman Laurent Hernandez, barman at the Bar du Clos, challenged Oasis to a game of fottball after the band came in to watch the Man Utd v Juventus match. “We had a great night together. Liam was happy and joking even though he was only drinking coke. When Juventus scored we started ribbing him and he gave us a good-natured f-word. There were about 14 of them in all. They fitted in perfectly with the local lads. A few girls from the village had CDs and asked if they would sign them. They were more than pleased to do so. After that night, they started coming in here most days.
Bonehead likes to sit outside in the sun and chat to the locals. You wouldn’t even know they were millionaires if you didn’t see the cars.”
The tour guide Denise Tallent now works as the tourist officer, but once worked as a cook when best-selling author Ken Follett rented the chateau. She said: “It’s a stunning building.
Dior built the pond so that when you look at the front of the house it reflects upside down in the water. It’s also important for local employment because apart from the cook there is a gardener, handyman and maid. For a famous pop band, it is perfect.
They will come back down from the clouds here. They have to be down to earth with people here.”
The butcher Yves Chiari (Virginie’s dad) supplies meat to the chateau but says he hasn’t had any special requests for meat and potato pie yet. “I don’t think they are famous here anyway.”
The fan “They have gone over the top trying to look like normal folks,” sayd Yvette Centofanti.
“Liam is bordering on the unclean. His hair is long and scruffy. My friend started singing one of their songs in the bar and they cracked up. I put a can of Oasis on top of their car and Liam started laughing. They were all very kind and signed my CD.”
The record dealer Claude Avogardo sells tapes and CDs in his newsagent. “I only sell French artists’ music and clasical. I have never heard of them. I am afraid I don’t have popular English papers either. I wouldn’t order special deliveries for them, it wouldn’t really be worth it.”
The baker Seventeen-year-old Virginie Chiari runs the local boulangerie: “Liam comes in with Patsy for bread in the mornings. I have to say that he is not what you would expect from a pop star. He is gentle and relaxed and he always has a ready smile. I had heard Liam was wild. But here, he is just like the local lads.”
From The Sun, 29 Apr 1999:
Here’s ruckin’ at you our kid
The pressure of making the fourth Oasis album seems to be getting to the Gallagher brothers. Liam and Noel’s famous tempers erupted during recording at a French chateau. The pair were heard screaming and shouting at each other inside the studio, when Noel walked out to get some fresh, snarling Liam stormed out after him and starting screaming. After a bit of verbal, Liam went back inside to collect his bag – emblazoned with the words The Modern Man in French. Then he disappeared into a local bar for the day. One witness said: “They were really going for it and it was classic Liam and Noel behaviour. “Liam was a real little terrier and wouldn’t let go but Noel didn’t seem that interested. Liam stormed off and wasn’t seen for the rest of the day.”
The band are holed up in the £32,000-a-month chateau in the South of France. It has 17 rooms and was once owned by designer Christian Dior. Liam’s wife Patsy Kensit has been at the chateau and Oasis guitarist Bonehead has even shipped out his Aston Martin with personalised number plate.
From The Mirror, May (?) 1999:
Soft man of rock
Nice guy Liam offers beer and crisps to fan lost in France
WILD man Liam Gallagher dropped his hard-as-nails image to give a penniless fan crisps and alcohol.
Kevin McCarthy and his wife travelled more than 1,000 miles to see their heroes in the south of France but got lost on the way.
By the time they arrived at Christian Dior’s chateau in Cannes – where Liam’s band Oasis were staying – the exhausted pair were skint.
So Liam, brother Noel and guitarist Bonehead – who quit this week – turned softie, offering the couple a wad of cash and carrier bags full of food and booze.
“We just couldn’t believe it,” said 24-year-old Kevin, from Bedwas, Caerphilly.
“You expect them to be arrogant but they were real gentlemen.”
Unemployed Kevin saved for three months for his cross-Channel trip where the band were recording their new album Where Did It All Go Wrong?
He got off the ferry in Le Havre but a series of misunderstood directions left him miles from the group’s Riviera recording studio.
“It took us three days to find the place where Oasis were staying,” said Kevin, who spent most of his pounds 800 spending money on excess travel fares.
“We were the only British fans outside the gates and the boys came out to see us.”
After signing CDs and posing for pictures, the band retreated inside their hideaway and Kevin pitched his tent outside.
“Liam came back out with a handful of cash,” said Kevin.
“He told me to take my wife out for a good time – there were hundreds of pounds’ worth of francs.
“I didn’t take it because I didn’t want him thinking I wanted his money.”
Generous Liam then emerged from the chateau again – this time with bags full of beer and crisps.
Kevin added: “They even left the studio doors open so we could hear them recording.
“Noel invited us to his house in London to get some pictures signed – I hope to take the kids there this weekend.
“Hopefully we won’t get lost this time.”
From Sonicnet, 14 May 1999
Oasis Experiment With Electronics, Big Beats
British pop-rockers Oasis are in French studio working on demos of 17 new songs for their fourth studio album.
Senior Writer Gil Kaufman reports: British pop-rockers Oasis have squirreled themselves away in a studio in France to begin recording demos of 17 new songs for their next album, which by all indications will signal a sonic departure for the band.
The Brit-pop act is experimenting with electronic elements and synthetic drum beats for many of its new tunes, according to a representative from the band’s American label. However, some songs fit closer to the style of its popular early work.
“I think it will really surprise some people,” said David Massey, executive vice president of A&R (artist and repertoire) at Epic Records. “There’s some songs that are almost quite acoustic and others that have [big] beats.”
“It’s not a dramatic departure for [Oasis], but it’s very contemporary and significantly different from the last album.” — David Massey, Epic Records vice president
The 17 songs he’s heard so far, Massey said, are too eclectic to pigeonhole. But the band seems to be stepping away from the heavy, ominous beats that propelled such Be Here Now (1997) songs as its first single, “D’You Know What I Mean”, he added.
In a move beyond the band’s trademark mix of soccer-lad swagger and Beatles-styled pop, “D’You Know What I Mean” featured a drum loop from pioneering gangsta-rap group N.W.A, as well as a Led Zeppelin-like crush of heavy guitars and a wash of electronic noise.
The new album, so-far untitled, is being co-produced by the band and Mark “Spike” Stent (U2, Madonna) and isn’t expected for release before early next year, according to an Epic spokesperson who requested anonymity.
The band entered the French studio in April to begin work on the new tracks, which may include a song written by vocalist Liam Gallagher, 26, brother of the group’s main songwriter/guitarist Noel Gallagher, 31. Last year the irascible singer penned an untitled homage to his 5-year-old stepson, James, said a spokesperson at the band’s English management company, Ignition.
It is still unclear whether that song — a version of which was recorded with Steve Craddock, guitarist for British rock band Ocean Colour Scene — will make it onto the new album.
“It’s not a dramatic departure for them,” Massey said, “but it’s very contemporary and significantly different from the last album.” The Epic spokesperson said the band is believed to have already recorded a handful of the new songs, but the titles were not available at press time.
This would be Oasis’ first release of new songs since Be Here Now, the commercially disappointing follow-up to their sophomore album, 1995’s (What’s the Story) Morning Glory, which sold more than 5 million copies and propelled the band to superstardom in its motherland, Great Britain.
From MTV, 21 May 1999:
Oasis recording new album in remote chateau
A spokesperson for Creation Records confirms that Oasis has nearly completed recording all the tracks for its new album and will soon be ready to mix the record.
The follow-up to 1997’s “Be Here Now” is not scheduled to hit the stores until the year 2000, although a single may be issued at an earlier date.
Bandleader Noel Gallagher told the British press earlier this week that since his brother, Oasis lead vocalist Liam Gallagher, quit drinking, the recording process has been a “breeze.” Noel, appearing at an awards show sponsored by (appropriately enough) “Loaded” magazine, was refreshingly candid, fessing up that singer Liam has been sober for three months and that Oasis may not have been able to finish the record at all had Liam not quit drinking.
Noel imparted that he had given his brother an ultimatum: he either had to stop drinking or there would be no record. Noel jokingly complained that his brother has since gotten quite “boring.”
Oasis has been holed up in a remote chateau in France owned by fashion designer Christian Dior for a little over a month. Prior to that, the group had spent two months in pre-production mode, demoing the songs in London. The band took a break this week with Noel heading to London for the awards show while Liam attended the Cannes Film Festival with actress wife Patsy Kensit.
The Creation spokesperson told MTV News that it’s simply too early to tell what the record is going to sound like. Apparently there have been somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 songs recorded, and it remains to be seen which of the varied tracks will actually make it onto the finished product.
From NME, 25 May 1999:
Noel Lets It All Out
OASIS will release a new single called ‘Go Let It Out’ later this year or early next, according to Noel Gallagher. Noel also revealed that the band’s fourth album, currently being recorded in a French chateau, is provisionally titled ‘Where Did It All Go Wrong?’ Noel talked exclusively to NME’s Jody Thompson at last week’s Loaded Carling Good Work Fella Awards at the Talk Of London where he was collecting an award for Album Of The Deacade (for ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?’) as well as Band Of The Decade and Live Performance of the Decade.
Meanwhile, today’s Daily Mirror reports that a well oiled Liam Gallagher was spotted by two British holidaymakers in the South Of France last week, despite Noel telling everyone that he had been on the wagon for three months.
Liam told them that the new album was like “…Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’. Fucking brilliant. The best record we have ever done. Do you wanna hear some of it?”
Liam then apparently mumbled some of the songs at the bewildered Brits.
From NME, 26 May 1999:
It’s all gone right!
NOEL GALLAGHER has said that the new Oasis album is still at an early stage, though he hopes that the album will start to take shape soon. Despite Liam telling two British holidaymakers that the album sounded like Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’, the final album is still a long way from completion.
Talking exclusively to NME at the Loaded Carling Good Work Fella Awards last week (May 17) at the Talk Of London in Covent Garden, Noel said: “I’m getting pretty bored over there, so I just came over here for a piss-up. The album’s going alright, just a little bit slow.”
I’m sick of it! “Y’know, Liam hasn’t sung in the studio for the best part of three years and we haven’t played together in the studio for the best part of three years. These things tend to take time. But it’s alright, apart from the fact that Spike Stent (their new producer), the fattest man on the planet, has eaten all the equipment which tends to put a fuckin’ mockers on things.”
He continued: “I don’t know what it’s going to sound like yet. I mean, we’re not even half way through it yet so… We leave France on Friday or Monday I think (May 21 or 24)… then the overdubs start and we’ll start getting into how it’s going to sound.”
Noel said that he was determined not to hype the record as much as their last album release, 1997’s ‘Be Here Now’.
“I ain’t gonna start bigging it up like other bands do saying it’s 21st-century rock’n’roll or, y’know, ‘This is going to be like the watershed of music by any band’, because at the moment, right, I really don’t know what it’s going to end up like ‘cos me and Spike are producing it and it’s the first time we’ve worked with anybody else other than Owen (Morris, Oasis’ longtime producer who stands down for this album).”
“The first single is definitely called ‘Go Let It Out’ and the album’s got a working title of ‘Where Did It All Go Wrong?’ – so that’ll be the end of that!”
He also said that Let Forever Be will be released as a single in July through Virgin Records.
From NME, 30 June 1999:
Bonehead’s early bank holiday
OASIS have finished the first phase of their new album – and already a number of rumours are flying around.
The band returned from France at the end of last month, where they were recording in a chateau near Nice, and are now taking a short break before embarking on the next leg of recording.
One persistent rumour is that guitarist Bonehead has left. The rumours were sparked when Bonehead returned from France days before Alan White, Guigsy, Liam and Noel.
However, Oasis spokesman Johnny Hopkins denied Bonehead had left and said that he had simply returned to Britain early in order to move house. He had already laid down all his guitar tracks.
From Oasis’ official site, 03 July 1999:
Oasis Continue Work on Album #4
The band are back from the studio in France and in the second phase of recording. They’ve retreated to a studio nestled in the UK countryside, where they are recording over-dubs. They will then move on to mixing the album. Everything is running right on schedule and it is anticipated that the album will be released in the first quarter of 2000.
From NME, 10 August 1999:
Bonehead out
Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs, 34, officially quit Oasis last night ending months of speculation about his future.
In a statement he said: ”After a lot of consideration I have decided to call it a day with Oasis. I’ve had a fantastic eight years in one of the best bands ever to come out of Britain, and now feel I have come to the stage where I’d like to concentrate on other things in my life, outside the demands of being in a successful rock and roll band.” A spokesman said there were no plans to replace Bonehead.
He added: “Bonehead was often the peacemaker in the early days. It will be different but Oasis will definitely continue. The Gallaghers have settled down and they have matured a lot over the years. There are fewer of those kinds of incidents and they have become as harmonious as any band ever gets.”
From the BBC, 25 August 1999:
Bass Player Quits Oasis
Oasis bass player Paul “Guigsy” McGuigan has left the band – the second key member to announce their departure this month.
The departure follows that of guitarist Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, who announced he had left the band on 9 August.
A statement from the band, issued by their label Creation Records, said the 28-year-old opted to leave before Oasis became heavily involved in promoting their new album, due out in the New Year.
It read: “Paul has finished his work on the recordings of the new album and feels now is an opportune time to leave before the band undertakes touring and promotional activities later on this year.
“He’s like to thank the fans, as well as everyone he’s worked with along the way, and wishes Oasis all the best for the future.”
The departure leaves singer Liam Gallagher and songwriter Noel Gallagher with just their drummer, Alan White.
More details are expected when the band hold a press conference in London on Wednesday afternoon.
From NME, 25 August 1999:
Press Conference Transcript
Noel and Liam take the stage at the London King’s Cross Water Rats, scene of their first London show. Behind them is a backdrop that looks as though it hails from this period. Both look healthy and relaxed, wearing tinted glasses.
Liam: Hello Wembley Q: When did you hear and what did Guigsy actually say to you?
Noel: Well in the case of Bonehead, he couldn’t commit to the tour or the videos or anything so it’s better that he told us now instead of six months down the line when we’re on tour. We’ve pulled enough tours in the past, so it’s better that we know now. We were a bit shocked at first but we’ve just got to get on with it. We’ve got a record to finish off today and we’ve got to go and tour it.”
Q: In 1995 you said there isn’t a band without him, was it a bit more shocking Guigsy leaving or Bonehead?
Noel: I wouldn’t say one was more shocking than the other, because they’ve been mates for 15 years it’s going to be weird… trying to get a guitarist will be hard enough without trying to get a bass player as well…”
Liam: And a mate, y’know…
Noel: But like I say, if we hadn’t just recorded another record we might have though ‘Was it the right thing to do? Is it right to carry on?’ but we’ve done the record so we’ve got to go out and tour it. It’s going to be weird but we’ve just got to get on with it.”
Q: How can you reassure your fans that your going to continue?
Liam: There’s two members in the band, y’know. Rehearsing and going on tour.
We can’t do it yet…”
Noel: “I know that we’re lying bastards…but there you go.”
Q: Are you going to be replacing both Bonehead and Guigsy and are you going to be touring this year, because originally you said you weren’t.
Liam: We’re touring in March. World tour in March. Next year. No, this year…March has gone.
Q: Anything to do with Tailgunner?
Noel: No, that’s got nothing to do with it. That’s not my band, it’s my mate’s band. I’ve been asked to play drums and that’s as far as it goes.
Q: Will you have time to be in two bands?
Noel: It’s only going to take a couple of weeks to record this other album…how are we going to let a band that doesn’t exist hold up one that does?
Q: When did Bonehead actually leave? We heard he left in March but the statement never came out until two weeks ago and when did Guigsy leave?
Noel: Well Bonehead said he might want to leave in March or April and he left France and had a lot of time to think about it and then he told us two or three weeks ago. We found out last night or the night before about Guigs. But I suppose knowing them like we do, when you’ve been in a band for that length of time you know something’s not right, and we could see it coming but we didn’t expect to be sat here today saying this. It’s a bit of a bummer, but like I say, the show’s got to go on.
Q: Would you rather have made this album with new musicians rather than have to get guys in to play their parts.
Liam: You take it as it comes, we were planning to make the album as it is, we were planning it with five people but things change.
Q: Why did he want to leave, I mean he said he couldn’t do the videos and the tours…
Liam: We know as much as you, we got the statement…and that’s all we know.
Noel: If someone expresses their wish to leave the band, there’s no point in forcing them to stay, because if they don’t want to do it, there’s no point in making them do it…
Liam: We’re not social workers, you know what I mean?
Noel: We’ve been left holding a shit sandwich here, but we’ve just got to get on with it.
Q: Was there any bad blood in the studio?
Noel: No. Not at all.
Q: You said you heard by statement…
Liam: Through our manager we heard.
Noel: We spoke to him on the phone and that. It’s not the same as being told face to face, but we’re no good at goodbyes…
Q: 104.9 FM, London…
Liam: What kind of question’s that?
Q: When you’re auditioning for replacements what characteristics are you going to be looking for?
Liam: Well they’ve got be that taller than me, have nice taste in shoes and a decent haircut, and not Man United fans and of they can do that they’re sweet…you’re well out of the question!
Q: Will it change the sound of Oasis?
Noel: We don’t know?
Liam: The song remains the same Noel: We don’t know until we get into a rehearsal room with them.
Q: What about Johnny Marr?
Noel: Johnny who? Johnny’s doing his own thing at the moment.
Q: Was Guigsy’s departure accelerated by Bonehead’s departure?
Noel: I’d say so, yeah. ‘Cos he was his best mate…
Q: Will these two still get proceeds from this new album?
Noel: No. Oh, the one’s who have left? I thought you meant the ones that were coming in…yeah, they’ll get their one pound fifty.
Q: Have you two become bigger than the band.
Liam: What have they got to do with it? We’re all taller than the band.
Noel: No-one is bigger than the band. If they don’t want to do it that’s it.
Q: have you not considered that you’d just work together as brothers?
Liam: We do work together as brothers….If you’d read the statement it just says that they don’t fancy touring…
Q: Just you two without a band?
Noel: No, Whitey’s still in the band. The only reason he ain’t here is because he couldn’t be arsed getting out of bed this morning.
Liam: We’re a five piece…
Noel: What are we gonna call ourselves…
Liam: Erasure, or something like that? Bronski Beat?
Q: How was the recording of the album? Were there any tensions?
Liam: No, it was really good. You should have been there.
Q: What were the signs that they were going to go?
Noel: Just that they weren’t …they didn’t seem into it, a bit subdued. I mean, they’ve both got kids, you know. I suppose it’s a natural thing that they don’t want to leave their families. We’ve got to respect that…it’s no use kicking in Bonehead’s door and going you’ve got to come on tour. I mean, it might change when we have kids, I don’t know, but you’ve got to respect t heir decisions as family men.
Q: You said in 1995 Paul is Oasis? What is Oasis now? Where do you go now?
Noel: Well, we’re going back to the studio – I’m going to get something to eat on the way back – and then we’re going to finish off the mixing then we’re going to go on holiday for a couple of weeks…
Liam: And then rehearse.
Noel: We’re not going to rush into anything.
Q: How long do you think it will take to get the five piece back together?
Noel: Couldn’t say, mate, don’t know. It’s difficult because we don’t want to get session musicians in…that would look stupid. We want people who we know…
Liam: Who understand…
Noel: And there might not be a stampede to join the band because we have a bit of a bad reputation.
Liam: We’ve got a couple of months anyway.
Q: Was it the thought of touring with you lot?
Noel: That’s gotta come into it?
Q: Are you going to end up like Fleetwood Mac with lots of ex members?
Liam: What, like having a bird?
At the point the press conference is called to a halt.
From Melody Maker, 05 September 1999:
Guigsy’s left, but Noel has a dream
Noel Gallagher has exclusively told The Maker about his ideal replacements for Bonehead and Guigsy, the latter of whom quit Oasis last week.
In a revealing interview conducted at Olympic Studios, Barnes, London, where Oasis were mixing their new album, Noel hypothesized “Johnny Marr would be good, but he’s started his own band. The obvious choices are Nick McCabe and Simon Jones from The Verve.” However, Noel admitted the dream team would probably no work out: “I don’t think they would be right. People have to want to do it. People have to be into all the old songs and the news songs. At least the two members left at the right time. It gives us six months, but we’ve got to do it now. We’re not panicking yet.”
How’s the new album sounding?
“It’s rock ’n’ roll pop music. It’s not fucking drum ‘n’ bass. It’s not a dance record. It’s typical Oasis, but it’s a little different. It’s not a radical departure – we like the way we sound. We’re not into 21st-century rock ‘n’ roll, but it doesn’t sound like 1969 either.”
Is it a harder Oasis sound?
“One song should have been written by the Sex Pistols.”
What’s the first single called?
“I’ve been told to say fuck all! The single is out in January. That’s the most poppy-sounding on the album. The rest is pretty heavy. We’ve already written the stuff for the next record. So we can get on with it with the new lads, whoever they will be. If we leave it too long, people will continue to speculate about the band.”
Has Liam written anything for the album?
“There is a Liam song on there. He plays guitar, I think. I sing two songs on it. It’s half an hour shorter than ‘Be Here Now’ – there’s no eight-minute songs. The lyrics will take on a new meaning now [that Bonehead and Guigsy have quit}. People will read thing into it.”
Is Oasis still a tightly knit unit?
“Everything is fine. People are saying it won’t be the same. Of course it’s not. We had eight years together. Of course it is going to be different. We toyed with the idea of changing the name. But we didn’t spend eight years together to just break up, restart under a different name and still sound the same.”
Did you seriously think about ending Oasis and starting with a new name?!
“Of the original members, there’s only Liam left – they were Oasis. There would be no point in renaming the band and sounding exactly like Oasis. We’re spent eight years around the world as Oasis.”
Any possible name changes?
“It never got to that point. We just laughed and said ‘fuck it!’”
With your wife, Meg, expecting a baby at the end of the year, might that mean you could quit Oasis too?
“I can’t say. I love my family. I’ve got a record coming out and I’ve got a baby coming out. We’re still together, the three of us, the music will still go on.”
Who’s producing the new album?
“Mark Stent. We worked with Owen [Morris] for so long and you get to know people so well. We liked the stuff he [Stent] has done with U2. Whish is not to say this sounds like U2. When we told people at the record company about Mark, they were a bit worried because of the Spice Girls [who Stent has worked with]. But it was more because of U2. It’s worked very well. We’ve not sacked him.”
What have you been listen to while making the album?
“The Travis album. I haven’t really listened to much – The Chemical Brother. I was planning to get to the festivals, because it’s a good way to see all the bands. I was going to Reading, but I’ve got to go shopping for baby clothes. We’ll see them all at the festivals next year.”
Are you still going to tour the world?
“There’s seven million people that brought the last record and lots of people to play to. I think this time we’ll want to play England last, as opposed to first. I don’t think England has seen the best of us. We usually start here with six massive gigs, but we don’t hit our stride until after a month or two. I don’t think we played particularly well on the last tour. Coming out onstage in a big red fucking telephone box threw us a bit. That was a bad advert for drugs.”
Will the new Oasis material be just as commercial?
“It’s always going to be a commercial record. I write records to sell records. We’re a big fuck-off rock ‘n’ roll band. I was getting bored of it, but we’ve been at it for six years solid. The year off was designed for everyone to sit down and see if we wanted to do it again. That’s what they [Bonehead and Guigsy] have done. They have given it on last go and got out while the going was good. I totally respect that.”
Are you still mates?
“Yeah, I don’t fall out with people easily. Apart from that knobhead in Blur. He looks like a dustbin man these days, but good luck to him.”
Does Oasis need to be a five-piece with a rhythm guitarist?
“I can’t carry the band with one guitar. I’m not that good. Ideally, I would like the play rhythm guitar and get Jimi Hendrix to play lead. But that would change the sound.”
Are you just mixing the record now?
“Yeah, we have to finish tonight [Thursday, August 26]. We’ve got no more time left. We’re finishing the single, them I’m going home to listen to it on my stereo and then coming back to cut it. Then I’m going to the pub to get smashed. Later this week, we’ve leaving for the USA to cut the record and we’re doing the video.”
Is Tailgunner still a going concern?
“I start Tailgunner next week. Mark [Coyle] has written all the songs. While I’m in the USA, he’s going to lay down the tracks and I will come back and play the drums. I’ve got my own studio in the country.”
There are newspaper reports that there’s an on-going row between your wife, Meg Matthews, and Liam’s wife, Patsy Kensit, because of the double pregnancy. And that this has caused tensions which were felt among the band members.
“That’s not even worth answering. If there is a row, then I haven’t noticed one. There’s a few between me and my wife! That’s something the lads were pissed off about. Things get written that don’t concern the band.”
How’s your relationship with Liam been during the making of the record?
“Superb, as a matter of fact. We have not had one disagreement.”
What’s his voice like on the songs?
“It just sounds like Liam. But with more attitude, if that’s humanly possible.”
There was talk a few months ago of this record having a punkier sound. Any truth to that?
“It’s quite loose. We didn’t fancy about doing a hundred takes, or on the mixing. The last record we mixed the life out of, and played the life out of.”
We left Noel to carry on with the recording and, contrary to talk of a more punky new record, could hear “Wonderwall”-esque acoustic guitars emanating from the studio.
Liam, who seemed anxious to get on with the album, was unusually quiet. “We’re too busy,” he said. But he did agree to pose for a picture when he left the studio with a minder at 10pm. “Oh, if it’s for The Maker”, he joked, before being driven off in a red Audi.
Earlier that afternoon, Richard Ashcroft had arrived at the studio with wife Kate (from Spiritualized). When asked how things were going, he said “Splendid.” But what was he doing at the studio? What exactly was going splendidly? Is he contributing backing vocals to the album? With no Bonehead, is he playing guitar on any tracks?
Guigsy’s departure was announced on Wednesday, 25 August, at a press conference at pub music venue The Water Rats in London’s King Cross, much to the shock of music industry and Oasis insiders. His reason for leaving seems to echo Bonehead’s desire to spend more time with his family away from the unrelenting stress of touring.
From NME, 09 September 1999:
Ex-Heavy Stereo man tipped as new Oasis guitarist
GEM, ex-Heavy Stereo guitarist and singer, was reported to have joined Oasis in a story in today’s Sun.
A spokeswoman for Creation confirmed that Gem was one of the names in the frame to replace Bonehead.
Gem is a friend and occasional drinking buddy of the Gallaghers but Creation insist that no replacement has been made as yet.
From NME, 05 October 1999:
What’s the story? Noel will let it out!
OASIS are to announce their replacement guitarist and bassist later this month following the departure in August of founder members Paul ‘Guigsy’ McGuigan and Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs.
As speculation mounts as to who the replacements will be, Oasis press officer Johnny Hopkins denied that Richard Warren of Echoboy had turned down the bassist position.
“Richard (formerly of The Hybirds) was one of the names flying about, but there was never any meeting with the Gallaghers,” he said. “Apparently, he was in to doing the job, but it was never pursued by us as he was still under contract to Mute so he couldn’t give a long-term commitment to Oasis.”
He also refused to confirm that Gem from former Creation band Heavy Stereo was the frontrunner in the race to become the new Oasis guitarist. Hopkins said: “It’s not definitely going to be Gem, because no-one’s actually tried out for the band yet. But that will take place relatively soon and there should be some sort of decision made in a few weeks.”
Hopkins also confirmed that Noel was in the process of selling his London residence Supernova Heights in Belsize Park.
However, he denied reports that Noel and his wife Meg Mathews were about to buy a house in Ibiza, which sparked speculation that he was to become a tax exile.
Hopkins said that even though Oasis were to start a world tour in March and would be on the road for much of the year to promote their forthcoming new album – provisionally titled ‘Where Did It All Go Wrong?’ – the band would still spend most of their time at home.
Hopkins said that Noel and Meg were simply moving to their country home in Buckinghamshire in order to bring up their baby, which is due in February.
He added that Oasis had just finished mastering the new album in New York. A single, ‘Go Let It Out’, is expected early next year.
Also, reports elsewhere quote Liam as saying that Oasis plan to make six US radio appearances before the end of the year. This has yet to be confirmed.
From MTV, 22 October 1999:
Oasis Mulls December Dates In The States, Selects New Guitarist
The Gallagher brothers will bring their brand of rock-and-roll yuletide cheer to the States in December, as a refurbished Oasis apparently plans to play a series of radio-sponsored concerts and benefit shows.
The battling Britrock band has only been confirmed for one such gig so far, a December 3 show at the First Union Center in Philadelphia, backed by local radio station Y100 and also featuring performances from the Foo Fighters, Beck, and Moby.
Proceeds from the concert, dubbed the Y100 FEASTival, will go to the Greater Philadelphia Food Bank, a nonprofit organization that provides donated food to various agencies that serve the needy in the Philadelphia area.
The are also rumors that Oasis will play at least five other U.S. shows in December in such cities as Boston, Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, though a publicist for Epic Records indicated that the band hadn’t announced or finalized plans for any such gigs.
In related news, Oasis has filled one of the two vacancies left open by the recent departures of bassist Paul McGuigan and rhythm guitarist Paul Arthurs.
According to a spokesperson for Oasis’ British label, Creation Records, the guitarist known as Gem from Heavy Stereo has joined the band, and he appeared with Liam and Noel Gallagher at a party Thursday in London celebrating the release of the Jam tribute album, “Fire And Skill.”
The Creation Records rep also said that Oasis had yet to decide upon a new bassist and that the position would likely be filled in the next few weeks in order to give the new lineup enough time to gel before the December shows.
From NME, 26 October 1999:
Gem and Pottsy: happy days here again?
OASIS are on the point of recruiting a new bassist. David Potts, formerly the guitarist in Monaco, the band formed by New Order’s Peter Hook who were recently dropped from their contract with London records, has emerged as a serious contender to replace founder member Paul McGuigan.
Together with ex-Heavy Stereo guitarist Gem, who replaces Bonehead, the new Oasis line-up is almost in place and ready to begin rehearsals.
Sources close to the band say that if the sessions go well the line-up will be confirmed as the band that will tour Oasis’ fourth LP, due for release on February 22 next year.
Gem has been tipped for some time as the replacement for Bonehead, who left the band earlier this year following the completion of his parts for the new LP, provisionally titled ‘Where Did It All Go Wrong?’.
Gem joined Noel and Liam Gallagher last Thursday (October 21) at the launch party for the Jam tribute album ‘Fire And Skill’ at The Gallery in Hackney, London.
Noel confirmed that a new line-up was rehearsing on the Monday, and that the new bassist was a fan of Manchester City, though he remained coy about revealing his name.
However, sources close to the band said that David Potts was the man in question. Creation confirmed that he was a contender for the job.
At the party, NME also spoke to Gem, who said things were going “very well”.
When asked if he could confirm that he had secured the Oasis job, he said: “Easy, easy, we’ll see, we’ll see. You know, but yeah, I’m minding my Ps and Qs.”
Creation Records later confirmed that Gem has been appointed guitarist.
Potty meanwhile will join the band if rehearsals go well.
From NME, 29 October 1999:
So Near, So Marr
A spokesman for Oasis denied that Johnny Marr was ever in the frame to replace Bonehead and said he ‘couldn’t understand’ why Bernard Sumner had said it.
BERNARD SUMNER was speaking to Radio 1 to say that his partner in Electronic ex-Smith Johnny Marr was approached to replace Bonehead in Oasis.
“We’ve known Noel for a long time, he’s a good friend,” said the New Order/Electronic frontman. “He did approach Johnny, I believe, to be a guitarist in Oasis. But Johnny‘s working on stuff of his own, solo projects and I think he wants to pursue that and finish that really. I think the timing was just bad. He can’t play guitar good enough!” Meanwhile the new lineup are rehearsing and will play US dates in December.
From Oasis’ official site, 29 October 1999:
NEW OASIS LP DUE FEB 28 2000
Oasis have announced the tracklisting of their upcoming fourth studio album
‘Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants’ and also the release date of February
28th 2000.
The album includes the first song Liam Gallagher has written for Oasis,
“Little James”. All other songs are written by Noel Gallagher, who
co-produced the album with Mark ‘Spike’ Stent
‘Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants’, a title taken from the edge of a two
pound coin, was recorded at Wheeler End, Olympic Studios, Supernova Heights,
England, and Chateau De La Colle Noire, France.
** FULL LP TRACKLISTING **
Fuckin’ In The Bushes
Go Let It Out!
Who Feels Love?
Put Your Money Where Yer Mouth Is
Little James
Gas Panic!
Where Did It All Go Wrong?
Sunday Morning Call
I Can See A Liar
Roll It Over
** DECEMBER USA GIGS! **
This December Oasis will be warming up with appearances at three American
Radio stations’ annual holiday festival concerts:
Fri 3rd December, Philadelphia, First Union Centre (Station Y-100)
Sat 4th December, Chicago (Station Q101)
Sun 5th December, Detroit (Station CIMX)
From NME, 12 November 1999:
Ex-Hurricane # 1/Ride man passes on Gay Dad gig for Oasis bass slot
Oasis have announced their full line-up and their new bass player is Andy Bell, ex-Ride guitarist, who until recently looked set to join Gay Dad.
The surprise announcement, just confirmed by Creation Records, comes a week after the first pictures of Oasis with new guitarist Gem, ex of Creation act Heavy Stereo was released.
Bell, also a Creation labelmate with Ride and then Hurricane # 1, was a guitarist but now takes over Guigsy‘s bass role. It is not yet known if Bell, an accomplished songwriter himself, will contribute anything other than his hired-hand musician’s skills to the band.
He has already started rehearsing with the band and will accompany them on their US Radio dates in December and their 2000 world tour which kicks off in Japan in February.
Andy said: “I’m very excited. When I got asked, it was not a difficult decision to make. Oasis have always been an inspiration. I’m looking forward to it.” When asked how Gay Dad were likely to take it, a band spokesman said: “I’m sure they’ll take it like men.”
From dotmusic, 16 November 1999:
Andy Bell speaks!
The new Oasis bass player Andy Bell has spoken for the first time about his shock and delight at being offered one of the biggest jobs in rock and roll.
Bell, former guitarist and songwriter for Ride and current musical brain behind Hurricane #1, said he had been overwhelmed by the offer: ‘I’m still celebrating. Since their first album, I’ve been in love with Oasis. It feels great,’ he explained, talking to a UK tabloid.
‘I was at home with my wife and daughter when the phone rang and it was the band’s manager asking me if I wanted to replace Paul McGuigan in the line-up. I showed up and did my bit for two days and then they said the job was mine if I wanted it. I took it straight away,’ explained Bell.
The Chief's Guitars - Noel Gallagher's guitars: a complete guide - Oasis and NGHFB 