The new list features in today's Independent newspaper, and sets out to list not only all the artists considered to be the most powerful in the music scene, but also the company heads behind the hits.
While the top ten is unsurprisingly dominated by such industry moguls as the Chief Executives for Clear Channel, Universal and Sony, also included are Outkast's Andre 3000 (6), Apple pioneer Steve Jobs (2), Bono (9) and our very own Chris Martin from Coldplay at number 10.
Beating all these however is Eminem in the top spot.
His influence on American youth (he recently persuaded 75,000 young people to register to vote for the first time at the Hip Hop Summit Action Network) and culture as well as his massive market power, led the panel to vote him the most powerful figure in music.
"There's a generation of people who listen to what he has to say in the same way as the great spokespeople for previous generations, such as Bob Dylan and John Lydon," said Q magazine deputy editor of Gareth Grundy, whose magazine compiled the list (Now there's a surprise, a list? In Q Magazine?).
Elsewhere the old guard are represented by Paul McCartney (16), Bob Dylan (23), David Bowie (45), John Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono (32) (whose entry is deliciously justified as "without her there'd be nobody to say 'No' to Paul McCartney") and Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, who appear in the chart at 53 .
Alongside the predictable popstars (Madonna (27), Britney Spears (17), George Michael (56) and Robbie Williams (55)) there are also surprise entries for No Doubt's Gwen Stefani (56) remixer Danger Mouse (89), Muse's Matt Bellamy (80) and The Streets' Mike Skinner (98)
The list was drawn up by a 17-strong panel of 'experts' including Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie, Tim Westwood, Glastonbury organiser Michael Eavis and (bizarrely) 'School of Rock' and Tenacious D star Jack Black.
The full list is:
- Eminem
- Steve Jobs and Jonathan Ive (Apple)
- L Lowry Mays (Chief Executive Clear Channel)
- Doug Morris (Chief Executive Universal)
- Edgar Bronfman Jnr (Chairman Warner Music Group)
- Andre 3000
- Jimmy Iovine (Head of Interscope records)
- Sir Howard Stringer (Chief executive Sony)
- Bono
- Chris Martin
- 50 Cent
- Rick Rubin
- Rolf Schmidt-Holtz (Chief Executive of BMG)
- Clive Davis (Head of BMG North America)
- Simon Fuller
- Sir Paul McCartney
- Britney Spears
- Jack White
- Dr Dre
- Van Toffler (MTV President)
- Lyor Cohen (Chief executive Warner Bros)
- Kanye West
- Bob Dylan
- Michel Gondry
- Dave Grohl
- Alan Levy (Head of EMI)
- Madonna
- Beyoncé
- Michael Bebel (Head of Napster)
- Thom Yorke
- Rich Harrison
- Yoko Ono
- Terry McBride (Head of Nettwerk Productions - Dido)
- R Kelly
- Spike Jonze Music
- Antonio "LA" Reid
- Linda Perry
- The Neptunes
- Jay Berman (Head of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry)
- Dido
- Rod Smallwood & Andy Taylor (Sanctuary Records Group)
- Usher
- Jeff Kwatinetz (The Firm Mamagement - Limp Bizkit)
- Kevin Weatherly (Head of LA radio station KROQ)
- David Bowie
- Justin Timberlake
- Red Hot Chilli Peppers
- Jay Z
- Prince
- Norah Jones
- Korda Marshall (Managing Director - East West UK)
- Beastie Boys
- Mick Jagger & Keith Richards
- Simon Cowell
- Robbie Williams
- George Michael
- Gwen Stefani
- Tim Armstrong
- Christina Aguilera
- Big Boi
- Bruce Springsteen
- Cliff Burnstein & Peter Mensch (Q Prime Management - Metallica)
- Martin Dodd Senior (Sony Vice President)
- Timbaland
- David LaChappelle
- Cathy Dennis
- Courtney Love
- Metallica
- Axl Rose
- John Silva (ex-Nirvana, now Foo Fighters and Beastie Boys manager)
- Sharon Osbourne
- Alex Jones Donnelly
- Missy Elliott
- Nigel Godrich (Radiohead, Air, Beck and Travis producer)
- Kelly Jones
- Beck
- Morrissey
- Noel Gallagher
- Kylie Minogue
- Irving Azoff (Christina Aguilera and Eagles manager)
- Russell Simmons
- Matt Bellamy
- Josh Homme
- Geoff Travis (Head of Rough Trade)
- Janet Jackson
- Marilyn Manson
- Joseph Kahn (MTV video director)
- Lil' Jon
- Sean Paul
- Alicia Keys
- Danger Mouse
- Michael Parkinson
- Vince Power (Mean Fiddler Venues/Festivals Group)
- Jack Black
- Tim Westwood
- Liam Howlett
- Ryan Adams
- Rollo Armstrong (Dido's producer, co-writer and brother)
- Michael Eavis
- Mike Skinner
Noel Gallagher gestand daraufhin: 'Die Karten werden neu gemischt. Hoffentlich wird's mit dem Release noch was in diesem Jahr. Allerdings glaub ich es nicht.'
Anfang des Jahres trafen sich Oasis mit Death In Vegas Produzenten in einem Studio in Cornwall, aber die Zusammenarbeit wollten nicht recht funktionieren.
Wir müssen uns entscheiden, welche Art von Platte wir aufnehmen möchten. Was wir mit Death In Vegas versucht haben, hat nicht geklappt. Die Zeiten für solche Songs sind einfach vorbei', so Noel. (vs)
---
Oasis verschrotten neues Album
Oasis kloppen angeblich ihr neues Album, an dem sie gerade arbeiten, in die Tonne, berichtet eine britische Boulevardzeitung. Noel Gallagher soll gesagt haben: "Wir sind wieder beim Schreiben. Hoffentlich schaffen wir es noch bis Ende des Jahres fertig zu werden, aber ich glaube nicht daran." Möglicher Grund für den Neuanfang: Am Wochenende floppte der Oasis-Auftritt beim Galstonbury-Festival. Außerdem sollen sich die Brüder auch schon wieder in der Wolle haben.
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It's NOasis
OASIS have scrapped their new album - and will start it again from scratch.
The decision came after two new songs the band played at Glastonbury went down like lead balloons.
NOEL GALLAGHER confessed: "It's back to the drawing board.
"Hopefully it will be out by the end of the year but I wouldn't have thought so."
Earlier this year Oasis went into a studio in Cornwall with DEATH IN VEGAS as producers, but things didn't work out.
Noel added: "We've got to decide what kind of record we're going to do now. What we tried with Death In Vegas didn't happen. The moment's passed for those songs."
Come on lads, pull your finger out.
Sabine Rennefanz
GLASTONBURY, im Juni. Richard Starkey sollte auch kommen. Aus Los Angeles, wo er schon lange wohnt. Es war nur ein Gerücht. Aber es war überall zu hören an diesem Wochenende in Glastonbury, auf dem großen Musikfestival im Südwesten Englands, wo die Fans auf schlammigen Wiesen tanzten. Richard Starkey ist besser bekannt als Ringo Starr, als der Schlagzeuger der Beatles.
Allein die Erwähnung eines Namens eines der fabelhaften Vier bringt Engländer in Aufregung. Es mag unendlich viele gute jüngere Bands geben, doch in diesen Wochen befindet sich die Insel wieder im Beatles-Fieber. Es bricht alle Jahre wieder aus, und es kommt in Wellen, die immer stärker werden. Paul McCartney und Ringo Starr, die Überlebenden der Band, haben zuletzt den Verkauf von 24 Millionen "Greatest Hits"-Alben erlebt. Und gerade vor wenigen Tagen wurden die legendären LPs "Revolver" und "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" von Hundert Prominenten, darunter Morrissey, Spice-Girl-Erfinder Simon Fuller und Queen-Gitarrist Brian May zu den besten britischen Alben aller Zeiten gewählt.
Nun also Ringo Starr beim größten Musikfestival Europas, das jedes Jahr den Sound des Jahres vorstellt. Aber Ringo sollte gar nicht spielen. Wenn er käme, dann käme er vor allem, um seinen Sohn in Glastonbury spielen zu sehen.
Ringos Sohn trägt den lustigen Vornamen Zak. "Weil das stark klingt und man keine dummen Abkürzungen machen kann", wie der Vater einmal gesagt hat. Zak Starkey hat denselben Beruf ergriffen wie sein Vater. Und an diesem verregneten Tag in Glastonbury saß er zum ersten Mal am Schlagzeug einer anderen legendären britischen Band, Oasis - und damit schrieb er Popgeschichte. Es ist eine kleine feine Ironie, dass ausgerechnet der Beatles-Sohn Zak nun bei Oasis mitspielt, der Band der exzentrischen Gallagher-Brüder, die stets am lautesten das Erbe der Beatles für sich beansprucht haben. So zog Zak Starkey an diesem Tag denn auch ein wenig mehr Aufmerksamkeit auf sich als die Brüder Gallagher. Angenehmerweise machte der Trommler mit dem berühmten Vater nicht viel Aufhebens darum.
Zak Starkey, inzwischen 38 Jahre alt, gehört zu den wenigen Prominentenkindern, die sich nie besonders in den Vordergrund gespielt haben. Er hat sich nicht darüber beklagt, im Schatten seines Vaters zu stehen. Über ihn ist überhaupt wenig bekannt, vielleicht nur, dass er eigentlich immer sein Ding gemacht hat. Mit vier hat ihm der Vater die ersten Takte beigebracht, mit zwölf spielte er in seiner ersten Band. Mit sechzehn hat er sich mit seinem Vater zerstritten, weil der angeblich dagegen war, dass sein Sohn auch Drummer wird und die Schule schmiss. Zak ist dann einfach ausgezogen. Seine Geschwister Lee und Jason machten immer wieder von sich reden, weil sie in Entzugskliniken lagen. Von Zak hat man so was nie gehört.
Man wusste, dass er mit neunzehn geheiratet und ein Kind bekommen hat. Dann blieb er meistens zu Hause. Deshalb sieht Zaks Rockerleben auch so aus, dass er abends die britische Dauerserie "Eastenders" im Fernsehen guckt und Tee trinkt. "Ich bin eben ein fanatischer Engländer", sagte er in einem seiner seltenen Interviews.
In den letzten Jahren tauchte Zak Starkey immer dann auf, wenn eine gealterte britische Promiband einen Schlagzeuger brauchte. Schließlich landete er 1997 bei The Who. Angeblich hat Zak als Vierjähriger seine erste Trommel von Keith Moon bekommen, dem legendären Who-Schlagzeuger der ursprünglichen Besetzung. Keith Moon war damals ein guter Freund von Vater Ringo. Er spielte dem kleinen Zak angeblich regelmäßig den Viervierteltakt vor. Auch wenn es nicht stimmen sollte, ist das zumindest eine schöne Legende.
In den vergangenen zwei Monaten hat Zak Starkey das Oasis-Repertoire gepaukt. Und man konnte sich in Glastonbury davon überzeugen, dass er die einzige spannende Neuerung ist, die die Truppe aus Manchester nach knapp zwei Jahren Kreativpause vorzuweisen hat. Rein äußerlich hat Zak sich auch schon dem Oasis-Stil angepasst, er trug einen braunen Parka und diese typische Britpop-gerade-aus-dem Bett-gestiegen-Frisur. Und er trommelte die Hits wie "Wonderwall", "Supersonic" als hätte er nie etwas anderes gemacht - und mit soviel mehr Präsenz als sein Vorgänger Alan White. Auch das neue Oasis-Stück "A Bell will ring" mit seinem rollenden minutenlangen Solo schien wie für Zak Starkey gemacht.
Die sonst so rüpelhaften Gallagher-Brüder hatten sich denn auch Mühe gegeben, den Beatles-Sohn freundlich zu empfangen. Und der wiederum sagte höflich, er fühle sich wohl, was viel aussagt, denn wer bei Oasis ist und nicht Gallagher heißt, kann sich schnell zerreiben lassen im Dauerstreit der Brüder. Die sind zur Zeit wieder so verfeindet, dass sie beinahe das Konzert in Glastonbury abgesagt hätten, wenn sie keine weit von einander entfernt liegenden Umkleidekabinen bekommen hätten. So was halten nur uneitle Typen wie Starkey aus. Als Abschluss des Konzerts durfte er gar "My Generation" von seinen alten Arbeitgebern, The Who, trommeln. Es war wahrscheinlich das beste Stück des ganzen Konzerts. Und es passte in die sentimentale Retro-Stimmung, die England zu Zeit überzieht, und in die sich die Verpflichtung Zak Starkeys bei Oasis so schön einfügt.
Eine große Tageszeitung, der Guardian, klagte kürzlich, dass es erschreckend sei, wie sehr die britische Musikwelt derzeit von den Sirs des Landes dominiert werde. Tatsächlich ziehen Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, Sir Mick Jagger oder eben auch The Who mehr Publikum an als je zuvor. Es gibt wenig Neues und selbst das Neue klingt irgendwie alt. Die Schotten der Band Franz Ferdinand erinnern an den Glasgower Studentenrock der späten Siebziger, die amerikanische Combo Scissor Sisters mixt fröhlich Pink Floyd und Elton John.
Die ewige Wiederkehr des Alten hat auch mit der veränderten Altersstruktur der Musikkonsumenten zu tun. Die wichtigsten Plattenkäufer in England sind nach einer aktuellen Studie die 40-Jährigen. Auch der amerikanische Branchenverband RIAA hat eine Langzeitstudie veröffentlicht, die den Wandel in Amerika untersucht: Bis 1998 bestand die wichtigste Käufergruppe aus Teenagern von 15 bis 19 Jahren. Inzwischen sind es die über 45-Jährigen, deren Marktsegment rasch wächst: Im letzten Jahrzehnt hat sich der Umsatz, den sie machen, verdoppelt. Die ergrauten Rockfans mögen vielleicht schon zwanzig Paul McCartney-Tourneen hinter sich haben, sie sind aber immer noch dankbare und nun finanzstarke Fans.
Paul McCartney übrigens befand sich auch im Publikum von Glastonbury, um sich Oasis anzuschauen. Beim Anblick von Zak Starkey wird er sich vielleicht gefragt haben, warum der Vater noch nicht einmal halb so viel Talent hatte wie der Sohn. Zak, der neue Drummer von Oasis hätte wohl einen besseren Beatle gemacht.
McCartney selbst spielte dann auch noch in Glastonbury. Und irgendwie hatte sich dann das Festival fast in ein Beatles-Festival verwandelt. Auf einer Bühne spielten vier andere berühmte Liverpooler: die Beatles-Parodie-Band "The Rutles". Sie machten aus "Abbey Road" Shabby Road, die schäbige Straße und aus "All you need is love" All you need is cash. Und auf der großen Bühne verwandelte Sir Paul sein zweistündiges Konzert in eine Beatles-Hommage.
McCartney trug ein merkwürdiges, pinkfarbenes Hemd, schien ein bisschen aufgeregt zu sein und machte Witze ohne Pointe. Doch das alles war egal, denn er hatte die richtigen Songs und eine Stimme, der man die 61 Jahre nicht anhört. Er sagte, er danke John (Lennon) und George (Harrisson). Ringo dankte er nicht, und man weiß nicht, ob Zak Starkey ihm das übel genommen hat. Dann spielte er all die Songs, die die Beatles unsterblich machten. "Let it be", "Yesterday", "Yellow Submarine".
Und er spielte sie mit einer derartigen Perfektion, dass John und George in diesem Moment im Himmel wahrscheinlich ein Auge zugedrückt haben, als McCartney die Beatles-Klassiker in sein ganz persönliches Repertoire vereinahmte. Auf der Leinwand sah man die fabelhaften Vier zusammen in Liverpool, im berühmten Plattenstudio an der Abbey Road, vor kreischenden Fans in Amerika. Und auf einmal spürte man die Aufregung, all das Neue, das die Beatles in die sechziger Jahre brachten. Gleichzeitig geht von den Liedern etwas Vertrautes aus, man kennt die Texte, jede einzelne Melodie hat man tausendfach gehört. Sie sind wie ein alter Mantel, den man immer wieder gerne anzieht. Der Höhepunkt war wahrscheinlich "Hey Jude". Jeder im Publikum sang mit, Banker neben Teenagern, Hausfrauen neben Alt-Hippies. Auf einmal waren sie Teil eines emotionalen Ereignisses - und selbst der Guardian, der zuvor Paul McCartney als nervigen Dinosaurier verspottet hatte, fand nichts zum Mäkeln. "Ein authentischer Pop-Moment", lobte das Blatt.
Ringo Starr kam dann übrigens doch nicht nach Glastonbury. Sein Sohn sagte, der Auftritt Paul McCartneys sei das beste Konzert gewesen, das er in Glastonbury gehört habe. Vielleicht hätte Ringo gerade das gestört.
The World's Most Exciting Music Weekly
The Definitive Glastonbury Review Issue!
Featuring:
- Exclusive pics of Razorlight's illegal rooftop gig
- The ultimate opinion on Oasis' new songs
- The Polyphonic Spree reveal their brand new look
- Win! The Pixies' original 'Doolittle' artwork signed by creator, Vaughan Oliver
- The Thrills let us into the studio to hear the new album
- Are The Ordinary Boys the new Smiths? Their debut album goes under the microscope
Plus! Oasis, Macca, Kings Of Leon, Morrissey, Muse, Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, the English National Opera, Dot Cotton and all the weekend's gossip, celebrities and summer of love casualties!
GIANTS of the stage and screen met each other last night.
Oasis star Liam Gallagher didn't look too impressed by the jolly ogre lurking behind him.
But he was thrilled to be taking fiancée Nicole Appleton to the London premiere of Shrek 2.
He said: "I'm a huge Shrek fan and so is my son Lennon." Angel-voiced Charlotte Church, 18, saw the movie in Cardiff.
Pals say she thinks her boyfriend Kyle Johnson looks just like Shrek.
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Ear ear ... Giacomo, Anais and Gene try on Shrek ears
HERE'S a bunch of kids to watch out for in the future.
The most famous showbiz offspring in the country turned up at the Shrek 2 British premiere to get in some early party practice.
LIAM GALLAGHER's son GENE met up with STING's son GIACOMO and NOEL GALLAGHER's daughter ANAIS.
Be here...when?
OASIS have gone "back to the drawing board" with the follow-up to 'HEATHEN CHEMISTRY'.
The band, who headlined Glastonbury over the weekend (June 25), have been working on their sixth album for much of the year.
They originally recruited producers Death In Vegas before ending the sessions, and have also been recording without drummer Alan White, who has left the band.
Noel Gallagher told the BBC that "the moment has passed" for some of the songs that have been recorded so far, and Oasis will work on more new material before the album is released.
He said: "We've got to decide what kind of record we're going to do now, because the record that we tried to make with Death In Vegas, that kind of didn't happen and the moment has passed for that batch of songs. So it's back to the drawing board really. Hopefully, it will be out by the end of the year but I wouldn't have thought so."
Two new songs, titled 'A Bell Will Ring', and 'The Meaning Of Soul', were played at Glastonbury. A third unreleased song has also been played live in the past, titled 'Stop The Clocks'.
A band source has told NME.COM that the band are happy with a number of songs already recorded for the album, but that all four members of the band are working on material.
The US band, who wowed Glastonbury on Saturday with two live sets, said the Brit rockers looked miserable.
Singer ANA MATRONIC said: "They played an angry greatest hits set.
It's a shame at this stage in their career that nobody wanted to hear new material from them.
"They also didn't seem to appreciate the honour of headlining such a big event.
"They failed to address the audience and were just doing their own thing.
"They were even fighting before they went on stage."
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Scissor Sisters scathe Oasis gig
New York band Scissor Sisters were far from impressed with Oasis' headlining Glastonbury Festival gig on Friday, labelling the rockers "a tribute act to themselves".
The feisty disco pop ensemble agreed with Glastonbury organiser Michael Eavis, who admitted he was "disappointed" with the Gallagher brothers performance.
Singer Ana Matronic said; "They wasted it. They barely addressed the crowd and looked like they didn't want to be there.
"They played an angry greatest hits set. It's a shame at this stage in their career that nobody wanted to hear new material from them."
Bandmate Jake Shears added: "We heard they had a row before performing but that's become such a cliché. It's just boring now."
Oasis were the first band to headline the main stage at this year's Glastonbury Festival, but a lacklustre and uneventful performance prompted a mixed reception from fans.
Blast from the past: Oasis performing on Friday night
Having long cited The Beatles as a major influence, brothers Liam and Noel enlisted Ringo Starr's son Zak as their drummer for the night.
But while the band's Friday appearance was boosted by a light show colourful enough for one of the world's largest festivals, there were no fireworks onstage.
Their 70-minute set was a routine run-through of hits and fan favourites such as Live Forever, Champagne Supernova and Rock 'n' Roll Star.
The fact that Noel dedicated Stop Crying Your Heart Out to England's defeated Euro 2004 football team was the only hint that the band had not been in hibernation for the past two years.
The sole musical surprise came as the band performed an energetic cover version of The Who's My Generation.
Out of sync
An unsettling sound delay showed Liam singing on giant screens beside the stage before we heard the words coming from his mouth.
Likewise Oasis seemed out of sync with the rest of the 21st Century music being performed elsewhere at Glastonbury.
Despite the lack of excitement, Oasis received a warm reception from some Glastonbury revellers.
"It was a good gig," said Matt Strong, 23, from Newport.
"Nothing unexpected happened but they are a good festivals band, with the whole crowd dancing, cheering and drinking."
"Liam's white jacket was actually brighter than the stage lights," said Pete Fellows, 20, from Sussex.
"You could have seen it from outer space."
He added: "Zak Starr seemed like a better drummer than his dad."
'Classic band'
Twenty-two-year-old Becky Davies, from Cardiff, said: "It was great to see Oasis because they were a classic band playing their greatest songs. It was good to witness them in action."
Her friend Carey Ringwood, 22, from Cardiff, added: "They were good but their set did not begin amazingly well. Liam and Noel just did not seem that into it, they didn't seem that involved. After a while things improved, though."
The friends heard plenty of their favourite Oasis tunes but were left wanting renditions of She's Electric and The Masterplan.
Liam's status as a compelling frontman remains intact, however, even as he rewarded the audience with little onstage banter.
"He did look beautiful," said Berry White, 36, from Sussex.
"Near the end of the show he put his tambourine on his head and walked down to the front to meet everybody."
Long-time Oasis fan Kiernan Murphy, 34, from Sussex, was not as impressed.
"I felt that they were just going through the motions," he said.
"It was a very nostalgic gig, played to fans who liked the band 10 years ago."
The band, now joined by Ringo Starr's son Zak on drums, also treated fans to a taste of what's to come from their forthcoming sixth studio album.
Opening the set with 'Rock 'n' Roll Star', Liam Gallagher, dressed in a white parka jacket simply shouted to the crowd, "Glastonbury".
Oasis ripped through a career-spanning set including the tracks 'Cigarettes & Alcohol', 'Wonderwall', 'Live forever', 'Stop crying your heart out', 'Songbird', 'Columbia', 'Don't look back in anger' and the set-closer - a cover of The Who's 'My Generation'.
The band also gave the Glastonbury crowd an idea of what to expect from their forthcoming as-yet-untitled sixth studio album, with the new tracks 'A bell will ring', and 'The meaning of soul'.
Before playing 'Stop crying your heart out', Liam told the audience: "We'd like to dedicate this one to the England football team".
Tonight was the first time that the band have played at Glastonbury since their headlining 1995 appearance, and marked their biggest outdoor show since their gig at Manchester's Old Trafford cricket ground in 2002.
Last time Oasis took to the Glastonbury stage they were joined by Robbie Williams who, just after quitting Take That, came to the festival in 1995 and even joined the group onstage to dance.
To warm-up for tonight's performance Oasis played a warm-up show at Poole Lighthouse on Wednesday (June 23).
Starkey was adding his skills on the drumkit following the departure of former sticksman Alan White earlier this year.
Oasis are currently in the studio working on the follow-up to their last LP, 'Heathen Chemistry'.
Tonight's setlist was:
'Fuckin' in the bushes'
'Rock 'n' Roll Star'
'Bring it on down'
'Supersonic'
'Morning Glory'
'Columbia'
'A bell will ring'
'Stop crying your heart out'
'Little by little'
'Cigarettes & Alcohol'
'Live forever'
'The meaning of soul'
'Acquiesce'
'Champagne Supernova'
'Songbird'
'Wonderwall'
'Don't look back in anger'
'My Generation'
Alexis Petridis
Friday June 25, 2004
There is something oddly comforting about the rumour doing the rounds on the internet that relations between Liam and Noel Gallagher have plunged to such depths that the two have insisted their Glastonbury dressing room caravans be as far apart as possible.
Rock and pop may shift and alter, artists and whole genres may rise and fall with bewildering speed, the entire music industry may allegedly teeter on the brink of financial oblivion thanks to bad deals and illegal downloading, but one thing at least remains certain: there will always be some corner of a muddy field where Noel and "Our Kid" are locked in a bitter, inexplicable feud, ready to kick lumps out of each other at the slightest provocation. Oasis's sheer immutability has become a joke of which even the band's members are aware. Noel Gallagher is fond of saying both that Oasis will "go on and on and on", regardless of his fractious relationship with his brother, and that their forthcoming records will contain "the same old pub rock bollocks".
Nevertheless, they are a very different band from the Oasis that played Glastonbury a decade ago, in what turned out to be one of the pivotal shows of their career, and not just because the Gallagher brothers are the only members who have not quit or been fired over the intervening decade.
That Sunday afternoon Liam Gallagher strolled on stage with the cocksure swagger of an artist receiving an unprecedented level of blanket critical acclaim that was about to become an unprecedented level of blanket commercial success: "It's really rare that you put a band on that early and they fill the stage with such potential and arrogance," says festival organiser Emily Eavis, a teenager at the time. "You normally see shy indie bands, terrified because it's their first Glastonbury. Everyone was really taken by their how assured they were."
Ten years on "blanket critical acclaim" is not a phrase anyone could associate with Oasis. Since their mid-90s heyday they have released three new studio albums. Two, 1997's Be Here Now and 2000's Standing On the Shoulder Of Giants, were so flatly awful that Noel Gallagher felt compelled to apologise to fans, claiming drug addiction and intra-band ructions had contributed to their failure. The third, 2002's Heathen Chemistry, was even worse, but with nothing to blame for its shortcomings other than a lack of inspiration, Noel Gallagher brazened it out in the press. Virtually every one of Oasis's mid-90s achievements has been overshadowed. Other artists have sold more records, played bigger concerts, succeeded in countries where Oasis failed and even behaved more outrageously: the antics of current press darlings The Libertines, replete with heroin and crack addiction, prison sentences and security guards in the studio to keep warring band members apart, have made the Gallaghers' cocaine-fuelled fisticuffs seem rather quaint. As John Harris, author of definitive Britpop history The Last Party, notes no one in their right mind compares Oasis to the Beatles anymore. "It was a seductive idea, I thought that myself at the height of Britpop, but in the cold light of day it was an absolutely hysterical point of view, there was no excuse for it at all."
And yet Eavis believes the main reason this year's Glastonbury festival sold out so quickly is because word leaked out that Oasis were performing. Matt Allen, editor of the festival's daily newspaper, claims "there is a genuine excitement about Oasis playing this year. Their albums are greeted with muted enthusiasm, but they're very much seen as a band who, if they're in the mood, can get Glastonbury rocking on a Friday night." Despite the cool critical reception, Oasis records still sell in vast quantities: their last three albums all yielded number one singles.
Danny Eccleston of Mojo Magazine believes their ongoing success may be due to nostalgia for a period already being hymned as a halcyon age less than a decade later. "They were fortunate enough to define an era. We're meant to be sniffy about Britpop now, but at the time it was really exciting, there was a sense of the culture revolving around a relatively leftfield concept of rock and roll. Oasis were so central in that that I genuinely think their apogee was comparable to that of the Beatles and the Stones. There are an awful lot of people who came into loving music through liking Oasis and no amount of bad records will take that away."
Oasis's impact in the 1990s had two long-lasting effects. The first was fans who display an almost comical degree of loyalty. Deserted by the supermodels and fashionistas who packed the backstage area at their 1996 Knebworth shows, Oasis have been left with a fanbase that more closely resembles football supporters of tabloid myth than the traditionally fickle rock audience. They are predominantly male, occasionally given to violent outbursts and knuckleheaded anti-social behaviour (Edinburgh council complained about the amount of human excrement found around Murrayfield Stadium after an Oasis concert in 2000) and, despite the band's resolutely leftwing politics, dalliances with the far-right. At their July 2000 gig at Bolton Reebok Stadium, sections of the crowd chanted "no surrender to the IRA" and, more inscrutably, "Heil Liam", the latter slogan raising some intriguing questions about precisely what constitutes the Master Race in the eyes of your average Bolton fascist.
They are easy to mock - Harris describes the audience at a recent Oasis show as "70,000 people, all of whom looked like Grant Mitchell off EastEnders and believed only poofs don't like Oasis" - but they are also staggeringly faithful. Just as no self-respecting fan would desert their team if they were relegated, so Oasis's lacklustre musical output over the past eight years has had little effect on the band's popularity. Indeed, their fans' attitude towards Oasis occasionally looks less like standard rock star hero-worship than dogged Dunkirk spirit.
"It's a very passionate audience," agrees Allen. "When I went to see Oasis at Finsbury Park it was like going to see Millwall: bottles flying around, blokes in Hackett shirts and Burberry caps, a degree of testosterone-fuelled tension. If England get through the football it's made for a great Oasis show at Glastonbury because that whole sense of getting behind our boys is going to be right through the festival."
The second effect of their Britpop success was to fast-track Oasis into a very select bracket of rock royalty. They are the 90s' solitary contribution to a club largely comprised of 60s and 70s survivors - Paul McCartney and the Rolling Stones among them - who remain a vast concert draw, despite rather than because of, their ongoing recording career. "You go and see the Rolling Stones because you know they'll play Tumbling Dice and Brown Sugar - who cares about their new album?" says Harris. "That's where Oasis are now. I don't want to sound mean-spirited but I sincerely doubt whether their new album will be any great shakes. But it doesn't matter because their new album is just a glorified press release that says, 'we're going on tour to play all our great old songs'."
Eccleston agrees: "It's about the quality of emotional engagement with your audience. People turn up in their droves to see Bob Dylan every time he plays, unsure as to whether they're going to get a good gig or not. It's like Christmas. You have to meet up with your family and it might be a decent experience or it might be awful, but you have to go because it's your family."
And while Oasis may have stumbled musically in recent years, no artist has emerged to challenge their place in the public's affection. Robbie Williams may have played more nights at Knebworth, Radiohead may have sold more records, but somehow Oasis remain unique. That is at least partly down to the nature of their mid-90s fame, the brief, dizzying moment when everything from fashion to the incoming prime minister associated with them.
According to Harris, however, it has more to do with one man, who, if anything, seems even more unique in 2004 than at the height of his fame, and who was recently photographed walking around London, wearing on his head for reasons known only to himself a Paul Smith carrier bag with two eyeholes cut out of it: Liam Gallagher.
"The last time I saw them, Liam was pissed out of his mind," he says, "he'd been up for two days, he obviously wasn't talking to his brother and there was this magnificent moment at the end of the concert where he said to the crowd, 'I'm not going anywhere until you've all gone home'. It was great theatre." While the bands that followed in Oasis's wake are full of Noels, none of them boasts a Liam to give them a bit of flash, Harris says. "That's why no matter how washed out they become, no matter how awful their musical legacy is, on their day, Oasis can still be fantastic."
Life in short
Noel Gallagher
Born May 29 1967, Manchester
Education St Mark's High School, Didsbury, Manchester
Married Meg Matthews 1997, dissolved 2001, one daughter, Anais
Liam Gallagher
Born September 21 1972, Burnage
Education St Mark's, Didsbury
Family Married Patsy Kensit 1997, divorced 2000, one son, Lennon. Daughter, Molly, with singer Lisa Moorish. Son, Gene, with current partner, former All Saint Nicole Appleton
Albums Definitely Maybe (1994), (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995), Be Here Now (1997), Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000), Heathen Chemistry (2002)
Liam "If you're a rock star, be one."
Noel "Being me is best gig in the world."
However, the football also crept in, with the crowd chanting 'Rooney, Rooney' before the set, and Oasis changing the words of 'Cigarettes and Alcohol' to 'Cigarettes and Football'.
The rest of the set was also a real crowd pleaser with all the old favourites including, 'Rock and Roll Star', 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out', 'Wonderwall' with Liam on lead vocals, 'Morning Glory' and 'Live Forever' to name but a few.
Oasis introduced new drummer Zak Starkey, Ringo Starr's son and he got a great reception - there were even rumours Ringo was in the audience alongside other celebrities such as Jude Law.
They also debuted two new songs which were both very well received.
One of them was 'A Bell Will Ring' which is along the lines of 'Live Forever' and "The Meaning of Soul" which was written by Liam who, although quiet on stage, didn't dampen the euphoric atmosphere.
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Oasis air their new numbers
British rockers Oasis gave fans a taste of their upcoming album at a warm-up gig ahead of their appearance at the Glastonbury Festival tonight.
The band - Noel Gallagher, Liam Gallagher, Gem Archer, Andy Bell and drummer Zak Starkey - took to the stage at Poole Lighthouse in England on Wednesday night.
And although, as predicted, their set included mostly classic hits - new tunes A Bell Will Ring, written by Noel, and The Meaning of Soul, written by Liam, were given their first public airing.
NME described Noel's track as similar to slow number Songbird, while The Meaning of Soul reminded the reviewer of their classic big rock numbers.
"Great, you know. He's a really nice guy and he's a great drummer, and it'll be an honour for us to have one of The Beatles' kids in our band, you know"
"I'm looking forward to doing the gig. The bit leading up to the day, I don't like the hours leading up to these things. It can be a bit of a pain trying to get everyone in and all that ****, but the gig will be great and afterwards will be amazing!" [...]
The group warmed-up for this weekend's headlining slot on the Pyramid Stage with a show at the Poole Lighthouse, Dorset (June 23).
The gig is their first since a small run of dates in Germany and Ireland in March 2003, and their smallest UK show with the full band since 2002.
The band's 90 minute set was mainly comprised of greatest hits, but also featured two songs set to appear on their as-yet-untitled new album - 'A Bell Will Ring' and 'The Meaning Of Soul'.
'A Bell Will Ring' has been described by NME.COM's reporter at the gig as a mid-tempo track in a similar vein to 'Live Forever' or 'Songbird', while 'The Meaning Of Soul', written by Liam, is a full on rock number reminiscent of 'Bring It On Down'.
The set ended with a cover of The Who's 'My Generation'.
It was the first chance fans had to see new drummer Zak Starkey, who filled in for Alan White, who left the band earlier this year.
The setlist ran:
'Fuckin' In The Bushes'
'Rock & Roll Star'
'Bring It On Down'
'Supersonic'
'Morning Glory'
'Columbia'
'A Bell Will Ring'
'Stop Crying Your Heart Out'
'Little By Little'
'The Hindu Times'
'Cigarettes & Alcohol'
'Live Forever'
'The Meaning Of Soul'
'Acquiesce'
'Champagne Supernova'
'Songbird'
'Wonderwall'
'Don't Look Back In Anger'
'My Generation'
Support at the show came from The Bees.
Everything you need for the best Glastonbury ever!!!
- Glossy Pull-out Glasto kit - Who's playing where and when! A full site map! Signs to help you find your tent!
- How Glastonbury changed Oasis forever!
- "I asked for a toilet and they pointed to a hole in the ground" Morrissey on why he's not the festival type
- Franz, Muse, Scissor Sisters, Kings Of Leon, Kasabian and The Others recall sex in tents, shitting in tents and those other memorable Glasto moments!
- The five must-see new bands at Glastonbury!
- New LPs by Razorlight and The Bees go under the NME microscope!
- Live! Red Hot Chilli Peppers play Edinburgh, PJ Harvey at a secret NYC club show and a whole host of oldies at Isle Of Wight
PLUS 22-20s, The Bees, The Black Eyed Peas, Chikinki, Franz Ferdinand, The Hives, Kasabian, Kings Of Leon, The Libertines, Morrissey, Muse, Oasis, Pixies, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Ordinary Boys, Razorlight, Scissor Sisters, The White Stripes, PJ Harvey and loads more...
The group warm-up for this weekend's headlining slot at Glastonbury with a show at the Poole Lighthouse, Dorset (June 23).
The gig is their first since a small run of dates in Germany and Ireland in March 2003, and their smallest UK date with the full band since the start of 2002.
It will also be the first chance fans will have to see new drummer Zak Starkey, who will be filling in for Alan White, who left the band earlier this year.
Noel Gallagher recently said the band were planning on playing two new songs from their currently unfinished album during their Friday (June 25) night slot at Glasto, so there's also a chance they'll road test them tonight as well.
He said: "We weren't going to do any (new songs) but we timed the set and we came up short. We were doing all the ones that we wanted to do and then the tour manager said 'That's about an hour', so I said 'How long do we have to play? And he said 'An hour-and-a-half'. We'll be doing two new songs I think."
Click back to NME.COM tonight for the first setlist and report from the show, minutes after the Gallagher brothers have walked offstage.
Sie haben bei den Veranstaltern auch verlangt, auf keinen Fall mehr Zeit gemeinsam verbringen zu müssen als unbedingt nötig ist. In den vergangenen Monaten hatten die Brüder mehrfach den Eindruck erweckt, als seien die spektakulären Streitigkeiten der Vergangenheit überwunden. «Jeder ist überrascht, dass sie überhaupt nichts miteinander zu tun haben wollen, sofern sie nicht gerade auf der Bühne stehen», sagte einer der Organisatoren. Die Arbeiten am neuen Oasis-Album gehen schon seit Monaten nur schleppend voran.
The two bands have been bitter chart rivals since they released albums (What's the story) morning glory? and The great escape within a month of each other in 1995.
Since then the two groups have enjoyed a war of words in the media - so Gallagher was stunned to be mistaken for Albarn, who also performs with animated dance act Gorillaz.
He explains, "This bloke said, 'I'm a massive fan. When's the next album out?' So I said, 'Some time next year.'
"He asked, 'Will it be with the band or with Gorillaz?'"
The Oasis frontmen have told organisers at the music festival they do not want any trace of illegal substances backstage.
The Gallaghers, who have been known for their bad boy image and divorces, say that is all behind them now - fatherhood has made them more mature.
"They have done the whole bad-boy rock thing and now they are respectable adults with children," a source close to festival organisers told the Daily Star.
"Glastonbury to them is the ideal place for them to show off the new Gallagher style and prove that they are back after such a long time away."
But critics should not be so surprised by the new attitude. When the boys first made it famous, they scrubbed themselves up for a drinks evening at Downing Street hosted by Tony Blair.
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Oasis in crisis as brothers feud
Oasis stars Noel and Liam Gallagher have stunned organisers at this year's Glastonbury Festival - by requesting to be kept as far apart as possible while off-stage.
The temperamental twosome have endured a rocky relationship throughout the Live Forever band's 10-year career, but insiders say the recent rift is threatening the future of the rock outfit.
And confirmation of just how bad the relationship between wildman Liam and his older brother came when Glastonbury bosses received a request not to put them in neighbouring dressing rooms for the show.
A source told British newspaper the Daily Star: "Noel and Liam seem to have a real problem with being around each other.
"Everyone is quite shocked. Obviously, we are all aware there have been problems in the past, but they haven't performed a gig this big for years.
"Everyone is surprised that they are so intent on staying apart other than when they're on-stage. The Gallaghers very nearly didn't take part, so there is no way in the world they are going to upset them."
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Gallagher-Brüder schwören den Drogen ab
London (dpa) - Liam (31) und Noel Gallagher (37), die führenden Köpfe von Oasis, wollen künftig nur noch auftreten, wenn der Bereich hinter der Bühne garantiert drogenfrei ist. Wie der «Star» berichtet, haben die Gallagher-Brüder vor einem Auftritt der Band beim Open-Air-Festival von Glastonbury am kommenden Wochenende verlangt, dass sich dort im Bühnenbereich «keine verbotenen Substanzen» befinden dürften.
«Sie haben diese ganze wilde Rock 'n' Roll-Zeit hinter sich und sind jetzt verantwortungsvolle Erwachsene und Familienväter», sagte ein Freund. «In Glastonbury wollen sie den neuen Gallagher-Stil zeigen.» Noel Gallagher hat sich in Interviews dazu bekannt, wesentliche Teile seines früheren Lebens im Drogenrausch verpasst zu haben. Und auch Liam Gallagher ist nicht nur wegen seines übermäßigen Alkoholkonsums, sondern auch wegen der Liebe zu stärken Drogen bekannt gewesen.
Two out of five ain't bad: Whitey, Bonehead and Guigsy line up with the Gallaghers in 1996.
Photo: David Sillitoe/Guardian
Tony McCarroll
Who? The band's first drummer, apparently expelled for a combination of the following reasons: his shoddy drumming; his often-referenced "punch-up in Paris" with Liam Gallagher; his arguable resemblance to someone from the Merseyside area.
What's the story? The ousted McCarroll, buried by his bandmates in the Live Forever video, came back to haunt them. In 1999, after the departure of Guigsy and Bonehead, he even offered to rejoin as bass player. More seriously, that same year he was awarded £550,000 in a one-off payment against future royalties, prompting one tabloid to ask, "Is this the most stupid man in showbiz?"
And then? In 2000, he debuted a new band, Raika, formed with his brothers. "I'm not interested in all that being-seen-on-a-yacht-with-Kate-Moss-business," he remarked. Which is probably just as well. Last sighted at the helm of another unsuccessful legal action.
Alan McGee
Who? Creation Records boss, who legendarily signed Oasis after seeing them at a gig in Glasgow.
What's the story? Escort to Noel when Britpop drinks were held at 10 Downing Street, the public image of McGee and Oasis was as a very tight unit indeed. By 1999, though, he was moving in less grand circles, hearing the playback of the Go Let It Out single in the company of the Belgian licensee. "I thought, 'Fuck this for a game of soldiers'," said McGee. Liam countered by accusing McGee of spending the label's money signing "a load of dickheads".
And then? McGee sets up the Poptones label which, initial losses aside, had the prescience to license the Hives. Now manages the Libertines. Well, someone's got to.
Ian 'Robbo' Robertson
Who? Ex-paratrooper bodyguard to the band. Wrote one of the first biographies of Oasis, called, as it would almost have to be, What's The Story? It is weirdly filled with quotes from Proust and the like.
What's the story? Said eldest Gallagher brother, Paul: "Liam hated him after several incidents including being dragged out of bed one morning when he was entertaining, and being pushed up against the wall with no clothes on."
Who? Excuse me Liam, since you're enjoying your evening out, would you mind if I took a... Ow! Not in the... OW!
What's the story? Liam Gallagher has enjoyed a turbulent relationship with the gang of long-lensed money-printers that comprise the professional photography community. In March 1998, he cut his teeth on an amateur, clouting a backpacker with a camera in Brisbane. By November he was brawling with snapper Mel Bouzad in London. After a quiet couple of years, in 2001 there was a tussle at a Black Crowes aftershow in New York, and an altercation with photographer John Lillington in London.
And then? In the main the scales of justice have weighed Liam's aggro leniently. It's worth mentioning, though, that in 2001 he was voted Madame Tussaud's "Most Hated And Feared Waxwork", romping home ahead of Saddam Hussein.
Scott McLeod
Who? Former member of Oldham band the Ya Ya's, fleetingly fancied in NME in 1993.
What's the story? The Oasis life had taken its toll on Paul McGuigan by 1995, resulting in a bout of nervous exhaustion. Or as the ever-sensitive Bonehead called it, his throwing "a crispy". McLeod was drafted in, found it tough, then one morning, after a gig in Pittsburgh, left without warning on a plane back to England.
And then? A couple of weeks later he phoned Noel to say he thought he'd made the wrong decision. "I think you have too," said Noel. "Good luck signing on."
Alan White
Who? Younger brother of Steve White, the longtime drummer with Paul Weller's band, "Whitey" was Oasis drummer from (What's The Story) Morning Glory? until the beginning of this year.
What's the story? At present, it's hard to tell, with both parties tight-lipped about his departure. Whatever, the official explanation - White's ongoing hand problems, which surfaced as early as 1999 - seems a bit insubstantial. Or as White has deemed it, "bullshit".
And then? One would imagine a lengthy legal wrangle. Always one to enjoy a drink on the town with Liam, White's involvement in last year's "German fiasco" (he was also detained by police) may be at the root of all this.
Paul 'Guigsy' Guigan/ Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs
Who? In a band led by two fighter aces, Guigsy and Bonehead were, as Peter Stringfellow memorably called them, "the tailgunners". One a deadpan football fan and pothead. One a man who chased two souvenir hunters down the street in his wife's nightie when they stole his doorknocker.
What's the story? The making of Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants seems to have been the final straw for these two. Recorded under a Noel-imposed, Liam-calming prohibition, the strains start to show. One night Bonehead gets extremely drunk, breaks down a door and then leaves. Guigs is not far behind.
And then? Noel is unmoved. "It's hardly Paul McCartney leaving the Beatles," he says. Bonehead (singer/songwriterly stylings) and Guigsy (dub-influenced noodling) have since been looking for deals.
Noel and Liam Gallagher
Who? To the newspaper-reading public, "The Battling Gallagher Brothers". To the rightly-enthused record-buying public, "the heart and soul of Oasis".
What's the story? What began as the tale of a band's breathtaking ascent to greatness quickly became the soap opera of this two. Fights. Some storming off-stage. Some ruined American tours. Two broken marriages. Though the pair have come through the last 10 years reasonably unscathed physically (until Liam's altercation with some German estate agents, during which he lost two front teeth), they have their scars. The sole original members of the group, they are, as Noel has often said, "chained to each other".
And then? The saga continues. Having quickly become the rock'n'roll stars they aspired in their best songs to be, the appetite for greatness quickly evaporated, but Noel and Liam retain a magnetic power for audiences. Sometimes it's like a car crash. Sometimes, though, it can still be magnificent.
Cast no shadow
A few did get out of the Oasis wars unscathed
Richard Ashcroft
Verve frontman, band chum, and inspiration for Cast No Shadow. Now writes songs about the missus, and lives happily ever after.
Robbie Williams
Feuds aside, "Robster" remains unharmed, not to mention the bigger draw. Sensibly moved to another country, mind.
Matt Deighton
Stand-in for Noel during brief fit of pique. In quick. Out quick. Sound judgment there from the former Acid Jazzer.
Paul Weller
Spiritual leader, guest artist, man of fine footwear. Still plays grumpily to large devotional assemblies of bellowing dads.
Damon Albarn
Didn't like him much, did they? However, unlike other people we could mention, he still makes good records.
Oasis play Glastonbury on Friday
Family holiday ... Liam and Co
EVEN mad fer it dads can't resist taking the family for a dip at the pool.
Judging by this snap, it seems mellowing Oasis rocker LIAM GALLAGHER is getting even softer.
Holidaying in Marbella, he looked every inch the family man as he joined fiancée NICOLE APPLETON, mum Peggy and son Gene by the poolside.
But Liam either can't swim or doesn't like getting wet - because he avoided the water all day.
Looking Back In Anger ...
Liam Galllagher
LIAM GALLAGHER went on a shopping spree in Spain - then lost his luggage.
Brother NOEL says: "Liam's not in a good mood. Some baggage handler is larging it in a furry parker and big shades."
The OASIS pair headline Glastonbury this month.
Noel told Radio 1: "If I ramble in between songs it's to stretch it out. We'll only be doing two new songs."
Noel Gallagher has been talking to Chris Moyles about Oasis' upcoming Glastonbury performance.
Noel und Chris Moyles in Portugal
He dropped into the Radio One villa in Portugal this morning after watching the England match last night.
But he is flying back to the UK tonight to carry on rehearsing for their headlining performance.
They haven't played Glastonbury for almost ten years and Noel told us what we should expect from their set:
"The last time we played Liam managed to talk me into doing six or seven songs from 'Morning Glory', which we had just finished the night before, and it sort of fell a bit flat."
"We won't be doing too many new songs this time round so it should be alright."
"Actually, we weren't going to do any, but we started rehearsing, and we timed the set and it come up short."
"We were doing all the ones we wanted to do and then the tour manager said 'Well, that was about an hour', and so we said ' Well how long do we have to play for?' and he said it was about an hour and a half."
"So, if people are there and I look like I'm rambling between songs - that's just to stretch it out."
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New Oasis Songs at Glasto!
NOEL GALLAGHER has revealed OASIS will play new material during their headlining at GLASTONBURY
Gallagher explained that the band are planning on playing two new songs from their currently unfinished album during their Friday (June 25) night slot, but the decision to include them did not come out of choice.
"We weren't going to do any (new songs) but we timed the set and we came up short!" he explained to Chris Moyles on Radio 1. "We were doing all the ones that we wanted to do and then the tour manager said 'That's about an hour', so I said 'How long do we have to play? And he said 'An hour-and-a-half'. We'll be doing two new songs I think."
Oasis will play a sold-out warm-up show two days before their Glastonbury appearance at Poole Lighthouse, Dorset on June 23.
Picture this; it's a hot sunny day, you've got yourself comfortable on a nice patch of shaded grass for a bit of a chill out when you notice a familiar looking Mancunian, donning sunglasses, swaggering confidently over. In this case the man in question, dressed discreetly in a white tee and blue faded jeans, is a music icon; part pioneer of the so-called 'Brit pop' music genre, and part all round contemporary rock music legend in his own right. His name, as he reliably informs me when he introduces himself, is Noel. And he's brought with him two pints of cold beer. Sweet as!
Not known as a particularly forthcoming person when it comes to press interviews, (and fair enough, he's done enough of them), it comes as a bit of a surprise that it was Noel who decided to talk to us, unaided by PR or record company pressures and currently in between albums, he comments to long-term girlfriend (Sara), now standing proudly beside her man, that he thinks the other journos who have been clustering around him are "pretentious t***s" and as "they" (me and my colleague) "aren't up their own arses", he doesn't mind speaking to us. Nice of him to say so. Anyway, I digress. Read on for a few of the Glastonbury related gems revealed during the interview and find our what our kid Noel had to say on whats next for Oasis and some of the people he thinks we should watch out for in 2004.
Before we start, remember if you will, just a few things: Oasis are a band who on their own sell 120,000 tickets in just a few hours. In just one world tour they performed to a combined audience of 1.2 million people across some 23 different countries. They are one of the most successful music acts of all time, and they're here for you, at Glastonbury 2004.
Currently in the studio recording what is now their sixth album, Oasis are taking some time out to headline at this years festival, silencing the critics with their first major gig for months. With a special 10 year celebration DVD released in September and the new album to follow shortly after, Oasis have got a lot to shout about. So, why choose Glastonbury and what makes it so special for them? If you weren't a fan before - and lets face it how could you not be? - but if you weren't, then put any pre-conceptions painted by the press of Noel and Oasis' supposedly increasingly bizarre behaviour aside as all notions of this kind of behaviour are immediately dispelled as it becomes clear that in fact, as many of their hardcore fans already know, Noel Gallagher is a pretty top bloke...
Noel, Glastonbury Festival; how would you describe it to someone who maybe hasn't ever been before?
Glastonbury Festival is something very, very, very special. Everything you've ever heard about it still can never really prepare you for the whole event once you get here and it can't ever really be put into words. (Smiles a cheeky grin), And if there are good bands on at the same time, its even better.
Which festival acts would you suggest people make sure they get along to see?
As far as line-ups go, having Morrissey there makes a festival for me. I'm looking forward to seeing Kings of Leon. (Second on the bill, playing just before Oasis on the Friday night - Ed). They're a really good band. The Stands are a great live band also.
As a festival regular now, have you got any stories from Glastonbury Festivals past that you can legally share with us?
(Laughs and thinks for a LONG time). The first year I came here I remember sitting up in one of the fields somewhere and it was about half past one on the Saturday afternoon. I had been at the festival since the Friday and all I remember from then is being tapped on the shoulder on that Saturday afternoon and turning around to see that it was two official looking chaps who had come to tell me that I was due to play on the stage in about 15 minutes! (Laughs) I spent my time then trying to convince them that i'd played the day before. I didn't know where I was, I was out of it, (sunstroke perhaps? - Ed) but I got there in the end and it was great!
How was it for you when you popped your Glastonbury cherry?
I could take that question some well rude places, man! (Grins). Seriously though, the first time at Glastonbury is always the best. The second time there's not quite the same impact but perhaps you enjoy it more, although you don't have the surprise of seeing just how many people there are there, and how big it is. You know your way around though when you go the second time, and in the Glastonbury environment, thats a definite advantage.
We've heard lots of different stories about Oasis taking a new direction with the sound on the next album, whats the latest?
We're all in the studio writing separately at the moment and we don't put timescales on these things anymore. We've all got stuff thats sounding really good now. I'm really proud of Liam with some of the stuff he's been writing and the album will be ready when its ready. Its just one of those things and we've never listened to the pressure that other people try to put on us, just hopefully deliver the goods in the end, in our own time and in our own way.
All bands seem to get on the collaboration bandwagon at some point or another, is there anything new like this in the pipeline for Oasis?
Well, if we could collaborate with anyone, for me it would be Neil Young. I'd only choose Neil Young slightly above Morissey because for me they're both legends in my house and I think it would be really cool. There's nothing sorted in the form of a collaboration as yet.
What do you think of the current trend by the majority of the music press in constantly feeling the need to pigeon-hole bands and put them all under a certain label, which if you don't fit sometimes means you're not acceptable?
Pigeon-holing bands is a sign of the times. Its the 21st century and this is a sad sign of the times and I think that its really bad that this is the way that the music industry is going. You have to have a badge on you that labels you by the rest of music industry before you're accepted and its not just about the music anymore, its got to be either one thing or another and thats really bad for the whole industry. Don't even get me started on all that Pop Idol shite either - more bands like The Stands, The Bandits and Basement; that's what the UK needs right now. Thats just my opinion though and people can always take it or leave it.
Whats your opinion of Glastonbury in comparison to other festivals?
They should actually ban all other festivals and just hold Glastonbury for a whole week at the end of August each year and make it the people's festival.
The rest of the festivals out there don't even match up. -The rest of the festivals are all only good until you've been to Glastonbury, and then once you've been to Glastonbury you think well (clenches fist and sticks middle finger up) to everything else! All the other events are gigs - Glastonbury is a festival; the other festivals are just big gigs in a field and Glastonbury is a proper festival. The mother of all festivals!
You can see Noel, little bro Liam and the rest of Oasis performing live on the Pyramid Stage, Friday night, headline slot at Glastonbury 2004. If you weren't one of the lucky people to get a ticket this year, you can catch the whole thing live on the good old BBC; one not to miss!
On 6th September 2004, Oasis release 'Definitely Maybe - The DVD' to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of this landmark album's release. Including rare vinyl-only track 'Sad Song', the DVD also contains over four hours-worth of archive and new footage, including an hour-long documentary about the recording of the album featuring interviews with the band, label, friends and entourage. Memorable live and TV performances of 'Definitely Maybe's twelve era-defining tracks and more extras besides make up the rest of what is a treasure chest of classic Oasis music and footage.
Noel Gallagher was interviewed exclusively by Glynn Pegler from Culture Magazine.
NOEL GALLAGHER has given his tips for this year's GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL and said the band's new album will be "ready when it's ready".
Oasis headline the Pyramid Stage at this year's festival. Speaking on the official festival website, Noel said that this year he'll be looking forward to seeing Morrissey, The Stands and Kings Of Leon, who are on just before their headline slot.
Noel revealed: "Glastonbury Festival is something very, very, very special. Everything you've ever heard about it still can never really prepare you for the whole event once you get here and it can't ever really be put into words.
"As far as line-ups go, having Morrissey there makes a festival for me. I'm looking forward to seeing Kings Of Leon. They're a really good band."
Noel also revealed what the festival has meant for him in the past. He continued: "The first year I came I remember sitting up in one of the fields somewhere and it was about half past one on the Saturday afternoon. I had been at the festival since the Friday and all I remember from then is being tapped on the shoulder on that Saturday afternoon and turning around to see that it was two official looking chaps who had come to tell me that I was due to play on the stage in about 15 minutes! I spent my time then trying to convince them that I'd played the day before. I didn't know where I was, I was out of it, but I got there in the end and it was great."
The band are currently working on a new album, which is scheduled for either late this year or at the start of next.
In the interview Noel said the band are "all in the studio writing separately", and that the album will be "ready when its ready".
The band warm-up for the festival with a sold out gig at the Poole Lighthouse (June 23).
The first album of new material from The Prodigy in seven years will feature a guest appearance from Noel and Liam Gallagher from Oasis.
The album titled 'Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned' will be released on August 16.
The album will be a star-studded affair with Princess Superstar, Kool Keith, Twista and Juliette Lewis also making appearances.
The last album from The Prodigy was 'Fat of the Land' in 1997. It featured the controversial 'Smack My Bitch Up' as well as the song 'Firestarter', recently covered by Gene Simmons of Kiss on his solo album.
'The Fat of the Land' was a platinum album in the USA. Collectively, The Prodigy have sold more than 600,000 units in Australia alone.
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New Prodigy Album To Feature Oasis
Reports suggest that the new Prodigy record 'Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned' will feature a collaboration with Oasis' Liam and Noel Gallagher. The band have also confirmed the release date for the record and hinted at an extensive Prodigy tour in the autumn.
'Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned' is currently set for an August 16 release and is reported to be a star studded affair with guest appearances from Noel and Liam Gallagher, Princess Superstar, Kool Keith, Twista and, as already announced on Xfm Online, actress Juliette Lewis.
While not involved in the recording of the album, Maxim and Keith Flint are both reported to be joining Liam Howlett on an extensive Prodigy tour rumoured for the Autumn.
As previously reported, the album is set to feature the tracks 'Girlz' (rumoured to be the first single), 'Get Up Get Off', 'Wake Up', 'Ice', '1.9.6.5', and 'Hotride' featuring actress Juliette Lewis on vocals.
Speaking to fansite nekozine.co.uk about the new record, Liam Howlett explained that the new album is a return to the band's dancier roots.
"The new Prodigy album is finished! We got 11 possibly 12 fist in the air traks [sic]. It sounds sinister, electronic, trashy, sexy and fresh to my ears. This album is about reminding people what the Prodigy was always about - the beats and the music. The vocals on this record are mostly used as an extension of the sound rather than the main focal point."
"Like Jilted ['Music for the Jilted Generation' Prodigy's 1995 album], Keef and Maxim weren't involved musically and they are not on this album," he explains, "All 3 of us will be together to do what we do and play this record live and rock it later in the year, we can't fukin [sic] wait!"
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LIAM GALLAGHER's long-rumoured guest appearance on the next PRODIGY album has been confirmed - and his brother NOEL appears on the same song.
The Oasis singer has long been touted as a guest on the long-awaited 'Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned', which is released on August 16.
However, the tracklisting has now been finalised, and Liam Gallagher's contribution has definitely made the final cut. Also, his brother Noel plays bass on the song, which is called 'Shoot Down'.
Other collaborators include Princess Superstar, Kool Keith, Twista and Hollywood actress Juliette Lewis, who recently told NME.COM how the collaboration came together.
She said: "I went to England. I didn't want to do the taping, that was too frustrating. I wanted to know what Liam (Howlett) had in mind. I wanted to get closer to him and collaborate in a real way. We had an amazingly creative process.
"I think what [Liam] is doing is really amazing because he's not trying to repeat old successes with the Prodigy. He's actually taking it up a notch."
- WIN - Win the world's final 5 pairs of Glastonbury tickets! Check NME for your unique magic number to see if you're going.
- Euro 2004 Special - What Becks listens to before a match!, The shameful music tastes of the England squad exposed!, They gave up the premiership glory to be in a band, but how do The Delays rate Europe's teams?, The most rock n' roll footballers ever revealed!
- Razorlight - Johnny Borrell on the new album, paranoia, pills and going to football matches dressed as a glam transvestite!
- Oasis - the first pictures of the new line-up!
- The Beastie Boys - the definitive verdict on 'To The 5 Boroughs'
- Live! - The Ordinary Boys set us free in Newcastle, The Datsuns salvage their career in Manchester and !!! transform Shoreditch's 93 Feet East into the Hacienda!!!
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For more information on the charity check out the below link:
www.abctrust.org.uk
Liam ... own mug on T-shirt
BELIEVE it or not LIAM GALLAGHER's ego has got even bigger. The OASIS star stepped out in London yesterday wearing a T-shirt - with his own face on it.
The rocker, returning from a shopping trip with his mum PEGGY, sported a pair of khaki shorts and a red top featuring a picture of himself singing. The slogan underneath reads: "F**k the Rock 'n' Roll."
I'm surprised Peggy didn't give him a clip round the ear.
On 6th September 2004, Oasis release 'Definitely Maybe - The DVD' to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of this landmark album's release.Celebrated as the best British album ever by Q Magazine in June 2004, 'Definitely Maybe' became the fastest selling debut album ever upon its release in August 1994.
The classic audio version (including rare vinyl only track 'Sad Song') is accompanied by over four hours-worth of archive and new footage, including an hour-long documentary about the recording of the album featuring interviews with the band, label, friends and entourage. Memorable live and TV performances of 'Definitely Maybe's twelve era-defining tracks and more extras besides make up the rest of this treasure chest of classic Oasis music and footage.
Make sure you keep checking back to the site for more information on this amazing release and forthcoming competitions!!
Oasis headline Glastonbury on 25th June 2004 and play a small warm up show on the 23rd June at the Poole Lighthouse - both shows are sold out. The band are currently in the studio recording their sixth studio album.
Mit einer Gesamt-Chartspräsenz von 47 Jahren und zwei Monaten ist Elvis Presley der unangefochtene Rekordhalter in Großbritannien.
Diese Charts-Spanne, die Presleys Longplay- und Singles-Notierungen im Vereinigten Königreich zusamenfasst, ist deutlich länger als das Leben des "King", der 1977 im Alter von 42 Jahren starb.
Elvis rangiert damit auf Platz eins im "Guiness Book of Hit Singles". In den Top5 der Dauerbrenner-Statistik folgen Cliff Richard, die Beatles, Queen und Madonna. Phil Collins sowie Paul McCartney tauchen als einzige Künstler doppelt unter den 50 Acts mit der längsten britischen Charts-Karriere auf. Sie sind sowohl mit ihren Solohits als auch den Hits ihrer jeweiligen Band, Genesis bzw. Beatles, vertreten. Oasis (27) und Robbie Williams (50) sind die einzigen Acts der 90er, die es auf die Liste geschafft haben.
Zur beliebtesten Song-Zeile wurde John Lennons "Imagine all the people, living life in peace..." gewählt. Auf den Positionen zwei und drei haben sich Songzeilen aus "Bohemian Rhapsody" von Queen und "Angels" von Robbie Williams platziert.
BONO has dismissed tabloid reports that he's planning on organising a LIVE AID II concert next year to help with Third World Debt.
The Sun newspaper (May 31) quoted Government sources as saying the U2 singer is hoping to organise the event next summer, backed by Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Not true, according to the man himself. Speaking in Dublin today (June 1), where he was meeting with EU leaders, he said: "At this point there are no plans for a Live Aid 2. It's always there in the background but right now, no. Right now we're after billions (of dollars) not millions. A Live Aid 2 would help, but it wouldn't fix the problem."
The original Live Aid took place in 1985 in Britain and the US, and saw appearances from the likes of Queen and David Bowie. It raised tens of millions of pounds for Africa which was suffering a catastrophic famine.
The newspaper also said that Bob Geldof, who organised the 1985 event, could also be involved in 2005. He's also said he won't be taking part.
He said in a statement: "I told The Sun this afternoon it was not true. This only serves to undermine the concerted efforts of those concerned with the tragedy of poverty in Africa. However, if the Prime Minister wants to organise a Live Aid II, then good luck to him."
Oasis, Kings of Leon, PJ Harvey, Groove Armada and Elbow will be among the acts on the Pyramid Stage on Friday. On Saturday it'll be graced by, among others, Paul McCartney, Black Eyed Peas, Starsailor, Lostprophets and Scissor Sisters. On Sunday you can catch Muse, Morrissey, The Libertines, James Brown and Joss Stone.
On the Other Stage, highlights will include The Chemical Brothers, Goldfrapp, Franz Ferdinand, Snow Patrol, Jet, Basement Jaxx, Damien Rice, The Von Bondies, Orbital (for their last ever England gig), Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Belle and Sebastian.
Acts to appear in The Dance Tent include Dave Clarke, Kosheen, DJ Fergie, Tim Deluxe, Sister Sledge, Scissor Sisters, Stanton Warriors and Goldie Lookin' Chain.
In the New Tent, Spiritualised, The Bees, Zero 7, Tim Booth, Hope of the States, The Killers, The Stills, Television and The Broken Dolls will be among the many acts to perform.
Fergie, Fabio and Grooverider, Seb Fontaine and The Essential Mix will also be playing live for Radio 1.