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Writer's pictureCraig Lawrie

Liam Gallagher: The Rise and Fall of Oasis and his Solo Success

Updated: Apr 9, 2023

Liam Gallagher was born on September 21, 1972, in Burnage, a suburb of Manchester, England. He was the youngest of three siblings, and his parents were working-class. Liam's parents divorced when he was a child, and he and his brothers were raised by their mother.

 

Liam Gallagher image


Liam Gallagher Social Media

 

Growing up, Liam showed an interest in music, and he formed a band called The Rain with his friends when he was a teenager. However, it was not until his brother Noel joined the band that they changed their name to Oasis and started to gain attention.


Noel had been working as a roadie for the band Inspiral Carpets when he joined Oasis as the lead guitarist and songwriter. He brought with him a wealth of musical knowledge and experience, and he quickly took over the band's creative direction.


Oasis began playing gigs around Manchester, and their reputation quickly grew. They were signed to Creation Records in 1993, and their debut single, Supersonic, was released the same year. The song was an instant hit, and it led to the release of Oasis's debut album, Definitely Maybe, in 1994.


Definitely Maybe went on to become one of the most successful debut albums of all time, and it established Oasis as one of the biggest bands in the world. Liam's powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence were a key part of the band's success, and he became known for his distinctive voice and brash attitude.


Oasis's early success with Definitely Maybe was just the beginning of a meteoric rise to fame. The album's follow-up, (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, was released in 1995 and became an instant classic, featuring hits such as "Wonderwall" and "Don't Look Back in Anger."

 

What's the story morning glory album cover with the Gallagher brothers

 

The band's sound, which blended classic rock influences with a distinctly British sensibility, resonated with audiences around the world. Oasis became one of the biggest bands of the 1990s, with Liam Gallagher's powerful vocals and Noel Gallagher's songwriting skills leading the way.


However, Oasis's success was not without its challenges. The band's history was marked by frequent lineup changes, with original members Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs and Tony McCarroll leaving the band in the mid-1990s. There were also tensions between Liam and Noel, which reached a boiling point during a 1996 tour of the United States. The tour was marred by fights between the brothers, and Noel eventually quit the band temporarily.


Oasis soldiered on without Noel, releasing the album Be Here Now in 1997. While the album sold well, it received mixed reviews and is often cited as the beginning of the band's decline. Oasis continued to release albums throughout the 2000s, but their success began to wane, and they eventually disbanded in 2009.



After the breakup of Oasis, Liam Gallagher went on to establish a successful solo career. In 2017, he released his debut solo album, As You Were, which was met with critical acclaim and commercial success. The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and featured hits such as Wall of Glass and For What It's Worth.


Following the success of As You Were, Liam released his second solo album, Why Me? Why Not, in 2019. The album was again a critical and commercial success, debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart and featuring hits such as Shockwave and Once.

liam gallagher holding  shakers at the iconic Manchester Arena Charity Concert

In addition to his studio albums, Liam also released a number of live albums and EPs, including MTV Unplugged, which was released in 2020. The album featured stripped-down versions of songs from his solo career, as well as classic Oasis hits such as Some Might Say and Stand by Me.


Liam Gallagher's personal life has been the subject of much media attention throughout his career. He's been married twice, first to actress Patsy Kensit in 1997, with whom he has a son named Lennon, and later to singer Nicole Appleton, with whom he has a son named Gene.

Liam Gallagher posing with his three children

Liam has also been involved in a number of high-profile relationships, including journalist Liza Ghorbani, with whom he has a daughter named Gemma.


In addition to his personal relationships, Liam has become known for his outspoken and often controversial public persona. He is known for his sharp tongue and brash personality, and he has been involved in a number of public feuds with other celebrities, including his brother Noel Gallagher.


Liam has also been open about his struggles with addiction, and he has spoken publicly about his experiences with drugs and alcohol. He has been sober since 2018, and he has credited his sobriety with helping him to improve his mental health and focus on his music career.


Oasis's music, with its blend of classic rock and Britpop sensibilities, helped to define a generation of British youth and inspired countless other musicians. Liam's powerful vocal style and iconic stage presence have also made him a major influence on other singers and performers.


Throughout his career, Liam has remained true to his rock-and-roll roots, and his commitment to authenticity and passion for music have made him a beloved figure among fans. He has inspired countless musicians and helped to shape the sound of British rock music for generations to come.

 

Liam Gallagher, Beady Eye and Oasis Albums: A Rock 'n' Roll Anthology


Oasis


Definitely Maybe (1994) - Oasis's debut album, which quickly became a critical and commercial success, featuring hit singles such as Live Forever and Supersonic.


(What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995) - Oasis's second album, which cemented their status as one of the biggest bands in the world, featuring hit singles such as Wonderwall, Don't Look Back in Anger, and Champagne Supernova.


Be Here Now (1997) - Oasis's third album, which was highly anticipated but received mixed reviews. It still featured popular songs such as D'You Know What I Mean? and All Around the World.


Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000) - Oasis's fourth album, which marked a departure from their earlier sound and incorporated more experimental elements. It featured songs such as Go Let It Out and Who Feels Love?.


Heathen Chemistry (2002) - Oasis's fifth album, which saw the band return to a more straightforward rock sound, featuring songs such as The Hindu Times and Stop Crying Your Heart Out.


Don't Believe the Truth (2005) - Oasis's sixth album, which marked a return to form for the band and featured hit singles such as Lyla and The Importance of Being Idle.


Dig Out Your Soul (2008) - Oasis's seventh and final album, which saw the band experimenting with new sounds and incorporating elements of electronic music. It featured songs such as The Shock of the Lightning and I'm Outta Time.


Beady Eye


Different Gear, Still Speeding (2011): This is the debut studio album by Beady Eye, released on February 28, 2011. It features twelve tracks of rock and roll with influences from the 1960s and 1970s, including some psychedelic elements. The album received mixed reviews from critics, but still managed to reach number three on the UK Albums Chart.


BE (2013): This is the second and final studio album by Beady Eye, released on June 10, 2013. It features eleven tracks of rock and roll, with influences from funk, soul, and electronica. The album received mixed reviews from critics, but still managed to reach number two on the UK Albums Chart.


Solo Career


As You Were (2017) - Liam Gallagher's debut solo album, which drew on his rock-and-roll roots and was a commercial and critical success, featuring hit singles such as Wall of Glass and For What It's Worth.


Why Me? Why Not (2019) - Liam Gallagher's second solo album, which built on the success of his debut and featured songs such as Shockwave and One of Us.


MTV Unplugged (Live at Hull City Hall) (2020) - Liam Gallagher's live album, which featured stripped-down versions of his solo songs as well as a few Oasis classics, recorded during his MTV Unplugged performance.


C'mon You Know (2022) Gallagher announced the album in October 2021 where upon he stated the song More Power was dedicated to his brother Noel, calling it a naughty little tune but lovely.

 



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