The Rain
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The Rain were the Manchester band that eventually evolved into Oasis. The band formed in Manchester, England in 1991, getting their name from The Beatles' B-side, "Rain". Founding members were Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs (guitar), Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan (bass), Chris Hutton (vocals), and a drum machine (soon replaced by drummer Tony McCarroll). Hutton was replaced as vocalist by Liam Gallagher, who became the band's songwriter, in partnership with Bonehead. According to Liam's brother, Noel, this writing partnership’s output was not strong and was in desperate need of good songwriting. The band rehearsed only one day a week and did not perform at shows often.
Shortly after Liam joined, the band were renamed Oasis, at his suggestion. Various explanations of the origins of the name have been offered, however, it came about when Liam’s older brother, Noel Gallagher, roadied for the Inspiral Carpets at a venue in Swindon called the Oasis Leisure. Liam happened to like the name "and its resonance of imagery."[1]
One day in August 1991, Noel, having recently returned from the Inspiral Carpets' tour of America, went to watch his brother’s band perform at one of their rare gigs. They were playing at the Manchester Boardwalk, supporting a band called Sweet Jesus. Noel was highly critical of his younger brother's band, describing them as "utter shite." Conversely, Liam realised Noel's potential in his songwriting skills and asked him to join. Noel said he would join only if he could be the lead guitarist and only perform his songs. Needing his help, the band agreed to his terms. Thus, Noel became the leader and the band were on their way to international success.
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[edit] References
- ^ Mathur, Paul (1996). Take Me There: Oasis the Story. introductions by Noel & Liam Gallagher. Woodstock, NY: Peter Mayer Publishers. ISBN 0-87951-853-7.
