Oasis: The Importance of Staying Relevant

Oasis: The Importance of Staying Relevant

Ever since Noel Gallagher left Paris, a former member of Oasis in 2009, the rumours of a glorious reunion have never really gone away. With each interview the feuding brothers did, the same question was asked. With each upcoming anniversary, speculation would only intensify. Liam always wanted it. Noel never did.

They went their separate ways after that pivotal backstage row that ended a band a brotherly relationship that was always beyond fragile, to say the least. Both brothers had previously left the band on numerous occasions. Only for tempers to lessen and for common sense to prevail. But a more permanent split was always a case of when and not if it would happen.

Liam and the remaining members of Oasis were first out of the blocks. No Noel but more of the same. A new name in Beady Eye. Some old songs were remastered and finished. They lasted for two albums. Beady Eye more than had their moments. But they eventually went their separate ways also. Liam went to the brink, but he found himself again when he returned as a solo artist. He also found mainstream success again. Something he couldn’t quite manage with Beady Eye.

Noel had a break before he returned with his High Flying Birds. The sound changed as each album dropped. He repeatedly said he had no interest in returning to the past. But on Tuesday, he will indeed be doing exactly that.

Some will say the reunion was always inevitable. All bands get back together was the constant narrative. But it all seemed more in hope. Noel repeatedly said he had no intention of revisiting what had gone before. The reasons he left Oasis in 2009 were still there was a constant line he fed whenever he was asked about getting the band back together. Noel seemed happy with his music. He was evolving as an artist. I was one of those who didn’t see a new beginning for the Manchester rock icons. But in recent times, it was apparent something was happening. A change was in the air.

The tone was softening. The feud was fading away. A reunion had suddenly gone from unlikely to inevitable. The imminent announcement of a new era for Oasis was confirmed on Sunday evening. The war of words had given way to a mutual harmony. The only questions are now who will form the rest of the band, and will the massive headline gigs that will be announced on Tuesday morning, be accompanied by news of new music.

Despite splitting in 2009, Oasis never really went out of fashion. The music never stopped being played. Both brothers included Oasis classics in their live sets. The crowd’s reaction to those timeless Oasis songs was very different from the newer breakaway material. But the constant speculation of the band reforming kept them relevant. It seemed everyone wanted it, except Noel of course. But at 8am on Tuesday morning, everyone will now get what they have wished for since 2009. Despite his strong resistance, even Noel had to eventually give in to the inevitable.