There are some bands that seem like they’ll live forever. For any Brits around during the nineties and noughties, Oasis were one such band. And it felt like every two-bit pub covers band was required by law to play Wonderwall during this time. Well, that or Brown Eyed Girl, rattling out over pint glasses crushed into the pavement.
But now the boys are back in the flesh!
With that we’ll look at the best Oasis reads out there, providing an insight into the highs and lows of the band itself. You’ve maybe, definitely seen the Oasis: Supersonic documentary, so here we’ll give you our top five reads to date.
Forever the People: 6 Months on the Road With Oasis, Paolo Hewitt (1999)
View on Amazon.comIt’s a little hagiographic in places. If you’re not already completely sold on the Gallaghers, then the relentless hero worship might have you rolling your eyes. But for the rest of the dyed-in-the-wool fans out there, this is perfect. Filled with anecdotes and juicy tidbits from life on the road, it’s like being regaled by some roadie with stories from back in the day.
Because, well, that’s exactly what’s going down here.
Honest and authentic, NME journalist Paolo Hewitt tags along with the band, keeping a diary. Also, pair it with Hewitt’s earlier Getting High: The Adventures of Oasis (1997) for the full picture, if you haven’t already.
Oasis: What’s The Story?: Life on tour with Liam and Noel Gallagher, Iain Robertson (2016)
View on Amazon.comFor those looking for a more sober approach (or not, as is the case with the brothers), you can’t go wrong with this account from their road manager. Written in an accessible, informal style, it’s easy to read, and free from bias. And while there’s no looking back in anger (Robertson’s not on bad terms, it seems), he definitely doesn’t hold back from speaking freely.
It’s a straightforward inside account of life as a roadie.
There are moments when tensions rise (and we all know they were at odds), but these make it all the more thrilling. Plus, Robertson isn’t just any manager; his credentials include working with legends like Johnny Rotten. It’s a clear-headed account of the chaos, alcohol and drugs behind the scenes.
View on Amazon.comSo where was their drummer while they were getting high? Well, let Mr. Tony McCarroll tell you, warts n’ all…
By all accounts, it wasn’t a champagne supernova (for him at least). Arguments and grudges don’t so much bubble to the surface as erupt in substance-fuelled crescendos. The history between Tony and the band is complicated (he said, she said), but the book itself is well-written and rings painfully true. For fans wanting a more balanced portrait of Noel (particularly after Hewitt’s lovefest) this is essential reading.
And Liam, interestingly, comes off better.
Anyway, definitely one for fans wanting the unfiltered story of what really went down.
Supersonic: The Complete, Authorised and Uncut Interviews, Simon Halfon, Oasis (2021)
View on Amazon.comThis is the ultimate gift for fans, arriving in time for the reunion.
Leaving no pint unturned, this is the definitive collection for any Oasis-head. Compiling over thirty hours of interviews, it deliver all the rants and raves, with not one snark aside left out.
You can even hear what they drank for breakfast.
Released years after the documentary, it won’t surprise hardcore fans with anything new. But as the final word on their nineties heyday, complete with sleek images and presentation, it makes for the perfect coffee table book.
Just make sure to grab a hardcover copy.
My Magpie Eyes are Hungry for the Prize, David Cavanagh (2000)
View on Amazon.comOkay, this might not focus exclusively on Oasis, but it’s a history lesson for anyone wanting to learn their origins.
Cavanagh dives into the roots of British rock and indie, chronicling the rise of Creation Records. From its inception with Alan McGee back in 1983, bringing on-board seminal bands like Primal Scream and The Jesus and Mary Chain (who here really put the glaze in shoegaze, apparently having had less work ethic than your pub garden-variety garage punk outfit), right through to Oasis hitting-up Knebworth.
More than just a revelation for music fanatics, it’s an introduction into how scenes come about. Showing the scene built from the ground up, Creation paved the way for the Oasis we know today. And for that we should all be grateful…
Even those sick of Wonderwall.
If we’ve missed any books or classic compilations (or you just want to sound off on the reunion ticket prices), drop us a comment below.