Beady Eye
Beady Eye | |
---|---|
![]() Beady Eye at Paradiso. | |
Background information | |
Origin | London, England |
Genres | Rock, indie rock, alternative rock, britpop |
Years active | 2009–2014 |
Labels | Beady Eye, Sony, Dangerbird, MapleMusic Recordings (Canada) |
Past members | Liam Gallagher Gem Archer Andy Bell Chris Sharrock Jay Mehler |
Website | beadyeyemusic |
Beady Eye were an English rock band formed in 2009, by lead singer Liam Gallagher, guitarists Gem Archer and Andy Bell, and drummer Chris Sharrock, all former members of Oasis. In 2013, former Kasabian guitarist Jay Mehler joined the band playing bass guitar on tour.
The band's origins lie in the break-up of Oasis, after chief songwriter and lead guitarist Noel Gallagher quit acrimoniously in August 2009. The remaining members gathered on and decided that they would "not quit making music together" and so they formed the band Beady Eye.[1]
The band released two studio albums: Different Gear, Still Speeding (2011) and BE (2013). Both have reached the Top 5 in the UK Album Chart, but as of November 2013 they had only one UK Top 40 single "The Roller", peaking at number 31. However, Beady Eye received some acclaim for their music by Oasis fans, with Q claiming that their debut album is the best Liam has performed on since (What's the Story) Morning Glory?.[2]
On October 25, 2014, Liam Gallagher announced, via twitter, that Beady Eye had disbanded.[3]
History
Formation and first singles: 2009–2010
In November 2009, Liam Gallagher announced that he and former Oasis band members had written new material as part of a new project, and could be gigging as early as a couple of months, and stated that "Oasis are done; this is something new".[4] On 19 November 2009, Liam Gallagher announced that he would be recording an album with Gem Archer, Andy Bell, Chris Sharrock around Christmas time, with a possible release date in July 2010.[5] It is unknown whether guitarist Jeff Wootton recorded for the album as well.
He told MTV: "We've been demo-ing some songs that we've had for a bit. Just doing that, on the quiet, not making a big fuss about it. After Christmas we might go in the studio and record them and hopefully have an album out in July." He later said that the band would "do it in a different kind of way now. I'll try and reconnect with a new band, new songs, and I'm feeling confident about the songs." He was reported to be "feeling a million per cent confident that they could be better than Oasis."[6]
On 16 March 2010, Liam announced that his new band would be releasing their first single in October with an album to follow the next year. On 9 November 2010 Beady Eye released their first single "Bring the Light" as a free download.[7][8]
The band released "Bring the Light" as a promotional single on 15 November 2010, as a free download.[9] A limited physical release followed, and charted at number sixty-one on the UK Singles Chart, topping the Indie and Rock charts. A second promotional single, "Four Letter Word", was released on 26 December 2010.
Different Gear, Still Speeding: 2010–2012
"The Roller" was announced as the band's first commercial single, and preceded Different Gear, Still Speeding which was released on 28 February 2011.[10][11] The album was recorded in London at RAK studios in Autumn 2010 and produced by Steve Lillywhite. The band then undertook a short promotional tour of the UK and Europe in March 2011. A second single, "Millionaire", was announced for 2 May.[12] Following a performance at Brixton Academy, they released a cover of "Across the Universe", originally by The Beatles, as a download only single, with proceeds going to the British Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal.[13]
The third single from their debut album, "The Beat Goes On", was released on 18 July 2011 with a new B side, "In the Bubble with a Bullet".
In July 2011, Beady Eye recorded the song "Blue Moon", which is sung by Manchester City fans during matches, in support of Manchester City Football Club's new 2011/12 kit. Liam Gallagher said "I've been a City fan since I was a kid, so to be involved with the launch of a new kit is colossal. Manchester City fans are known for having a lot of style and the new shirt looks mega. I love the soundwave idea and the Mod-inspired collar looks proper smart. "Blue Moon" is a top tune and has been City's song for as long as I can remember. It's been covered by loads of people but the only good one until now was the one Elvis did. I hope the fans buzz off our version and sing along to it at the stadium".[14]
The band toured UK, Europe and America from March to December 2011,[15] initially shying from playing Oasis songs, because Liam Gallagher wanted the band to "become known for what it is".
BE and break-up: 2012–2014
In February, Liam stated that Beady Eye would play Oasis songs.[16] On 28 June 2012, Beady Eye played at Warrington's Parr Hall in which they played two Oasis songs: "Morning Glory" and "Rock 'n' Roll Star". During the same gig, they also showcased a new song entitled "The World's Not Set in Stone".
On 12 August 2012, Beady Eye performed Oasis classic "Wonderwall" at the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony.
After continued writing and sporadic recording in 2012, in November the band started recording the follow up to Different Gear, Still Speeding with musician and producer Dave Sitek. Jeff Wootton who was present for recording of the album has confirmed he will not tour with the band via Twitter.[17] Replacing Jeff will be Jay Mehler, former guitarist of Kasabian.[18]
"Flick of the Finger", the first song from the band's upcoming album debuted on Californian radio station KCRW in 5 April.[19]
On 10 April 2013, Liam Gallagher announced that Beady Eye's second album will be released on 10 June 2013 and will be titled BE.[20] The album was produced by Dave Sitek who has previously produced records for Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV on the Radio and Jane's Addiction. The first single "Second Bite of the Apple" was released in May. The album charted at Number 2 in the UK on its release. The double A-side "Shine a Light" / "The World's Not Set in Stone" was released on 19 August.
Beady Eye opened the 2013 Glastonbury Festival with an unbilled performance on the Other Stage on Friday 28 June, despite Liam previously claiming he would never return to the festival.[21] Their August tour with dates including V Festival was cut short, due to a head injury sustained by guitarist Gem Archer at his home.[22]
On 18 October 2013, Beady Eye played at A Night For Jon Brookes, a tribute concert for the Charlatans' former drummer, the late Jon Brookes. Former Oasis guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs joined the band in place of Archer, who reportedly was in the audience. Included in Beady Eye's set were covers of Oasis' "Live Forever" and "Columbia." [23]
Their new double A-side "Iz Rite" /"Soul Love" was released on 25 November 2013. The band are on ongoing European Tour and were set to play at Coachella Festival 2014.[24] before canceling their appearance.
On 25 October 2014, Liam Gallagher announced that Beady Eye have disbanded. His post on Twitter states that the band are "no longer" and thanks fans for their support.[25]
Beady Eye Records
Beady Eye Records Ltd. is a record label set up by the band to release their material in the UK and Ireland.[citation needed] It serves the same purpose as Big Brother Recordings did for Oasis. Different Gear, Still Speeding was released on Beady Eye Records. On 24 January 2011 it was announced that American Indie label Dangerbird Records would release Different Gear, Still Speeding in North America on 1 March 2011.[26]
Discography
- Studio albums
- Different Gear, Still Speeding (2011)
- BE (2013)
Awards
NME Awards
The NME Awards are an annual music awards show, founded by the music magazine NME. Beady Eye received one nomination in 2011.[27][28][29]
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2011 | "Beady Eye" | Best New Band | Nominated |
Beady Eye's debut album Different Gear, Still Speeding has been shortlisted for XFM's New Music Award to find the best debut album from a British band in 2011.
Beady Eye's debut single "The Roller" has been announced as the best selling vinyl single of 2011 in the UK. Follow up release "Millionaire" was the second best selling, and "The Beat Goes On" the fifth.
The documentary 'Start Anew? A Film About Liam Gallagher and Beady Eye' has won the People's Choice Lovie Award.
Shine A Light has been nominated for Q Awards' Best Video.
Band members
- Liam Gallagher – lead vocals, tambourine (2009–2014)
- Gem Archer – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals (2009–2014)
- Andy Bell – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals (2009–2014)
- Chris Sharrock – drums, percussion (2009–2014)
- Jay Mehler – bass guitar (2013–2014)
- Live and session musicians
- Matt Jones – keyboard (2010–2014)
- Jeff Wootton – bass guitar (2011–2013)
- Paul Arthurs - rhythm guitar (2013)
References
- ^ "Beady Eye - Full Zane Lowe Radio One Live Session & Interview 23/02/2011 (PART 1)". YouTube. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
- ^ Goddard, Simon (25 January 2011), Liam Gallagher strikes first blow as post-Oasis years begin..., vol. March 2011, Q, pp. 102–103
- ^ [http://www.nme.com/news/beady-eye/80649 Liam Gallagher says Beady Eye are 'no longer' Read more at http://www.nme.com/news/beady-eye/80649#15fFBFuFUcvWtkcB.99]
- ^ "Liam Gallagher: 'I'll play my first post-Oasis gigs in a couple of months' | News". Nme.Com. 13 November 2009. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
- ^ "Liam Gallagher outlines solo LP plan". BBC. 19 November 2009. Archived from the original on 20 November 2009. Retrieved 19 November 2009.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Yahoo! UK & Ireland omg! - Celebrity Gossip | News | Photos | Videos". Uk.news.launch.yahoo.com. 20 April 2011. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
- ^ "Liam Gallagher's New Bands Single Is Out In October ~ Latest Oasis, Beady Eye And Noel Gallagher News". Stopcryingyourheartoutnews.blogspot.com. 16 March 2010. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
- ^ "asahi.com(朝日新聞社):オアシス「以外で」ブランド設立 リアム・ギャラガー来日 - 音楽 - 映画・音楽・芸能" (in Japanese). Asahi.com. 12 March 2010. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
- ^ "Beady Eye 'Bring the Light' – Free Download!". Beady Eye. 9 November 2010. Archived from the original on 10 November 2010. Retrieved 10 November 2010.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Liam keeps Beady Eye on new band". London: The Guardian. 25 May 2010. Archived from the original on 28 May 2010. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
{{cite news}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help); Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Liam Gallagher's post-Oasis band planning October single and gigs". NME. 8 April 2010. Archived from the original on 29 May 2010. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
{{cite news}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help); Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Beady Eye : Official Website : News". Beadyeyemusic.com. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
- ^ "Beady Eye : Official Website : News". Beadyeyemusic.com. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
- ^ "Beady Eye : Official Website : News". Beadyeyemusic.com. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
- ^ "Beady Eye announce trio of North American tour dates". Consequence of Sound. 7 March 2011. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
- ^ "Corus Radio - YouTube". Exploremusic.com. 3 July 2009. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
- ^ Steve Myall (2 February 2013). "Oasis stars Noel and Liam Gallagher refuse to kiss and make up for mum's 70th birthday - 3am & Mirror Online". Mirror.co.uk. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
- ^ Sergio speaks on Jay's move to Beady Eye
- ^ "New Beady Eye track 'Flick Of The Finger' premieres on US radio - listen | News". Nme.Com. 6 April 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
- ^ "Beady Eye | Beady Eye name album BE". Contactmusic.com. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
- ^ "Liam Gallagher returns to open Glastonbury 2013 with Beady Eye". The Independent. London. 28 June 2013.
- ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/23628458
- ^ http://www.nme.com/news/beady-eye/73315
- ^ http://www.songkick.com/artists/3741146-beady-eye
- ^ http://www.nme.com/news/beady-eye/80649
- ^ Beady Eye – Debut Album – American Release Details Spin.com, Retrieved 26 January 2011
- ^ "Shockwaves NME Awards 2011". Nme.com. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
- ^ "Beady Eye: Official Website: News". Beadyeyemusic.com. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
- ^ "Shockwaves NME Awards 2011". Nme.com. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)