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Oasis are an English rock band that formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as The Rain, the group was formed by Liam Gallagher (vocals), Paul Arthurs (guitar), Paul McGuigan (bass guitar) and Tony McCarroll (drums, percussion), who were soon joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher (lead guitar and vocals).

Oasis have sold over 50 million records worldwide, have had eight UK number-one singles and have collected fifteen NME Awards, five BRIT Awards, nine Q Awards and four MTV Europe Music Awards. In February 2007, Oasis received the BRIT Award for outstanding contribution to music. The Gallagher brothers are the band's leading songwriters and the only continual members. The present lineup is completed by guitarist Gem Archer and bassist Andy Bell, as well as unofficial drummer Chris Sharrock. The band initially gained prominence performing on the Manchester club circuit. They were signed to independent record label Creation Records and afterwards released their debut album Definitely Maybe in 1994. The following year, the band recorded (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995) with their new drummer Alan White in the midst of rivalry with Britpop peers Blur in the charts. The Gallagher brothers featured regularly in tabloid newspapers for their sibling disputes and wild lifestyles. Oasis released their third album, Be Here Now in 1997, which was the fastest-selling album in UK chart history at the time. The band lost two long-time members Paul McGuigan and Paul Arthurs as they went onto record and release Standing on the Shoulder of Giants in 2000 and Heathen Chemistry in 2002. Don't Believe the Truth, released in 2005, was voted in the top 50 of best British albums of all time in a Q Magazine poll. Oasis' latest album, Dig Out Your Soul (2008), reached number one in the British charts with a platinum certification.
Musical style and influences
Oasis are most heavily influenced by The Beatles. This influence is frequently labelled as an "obsession" by the British media. Musically and lyrically, they have also cited bands such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, Sex Pistols, The Smiths, Neil Young, The Stooges and The Stone Roses as their major influences. Several bands have cited Oasis as an influence or inspiration, including Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, The Coral, & Kasabian, whose singer Tom Meighan is a close friend to Noel. No Way Sis were a cover band from Glasgow who had a top 40 hit in the UK with "I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing" a cover of the New Seekers song sung in the manner of Oasis. The Japanese band Little by Little derived their name from the Oasis song of the same name. Other, 'direct' influences have led to court cases; Neil Innes sued after the song "Whatever" borrowed from his "How Sweet to Be an Idiot". He was awarded royalties and a co-writer credit. Oasis were also sued by Coca Cola and forced to change lyrics after it was alleged that the song "Shakermaker" lifted words and melody from "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing".
Discography
* Definitely Maybe (1994)
* (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
* Be Here Now (1997)
* Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000)
* Heathen Chemistry (2002)
* Don't Believe the Truth (2005)
* Dig Out Your Soul (2008)
Members
* Liam Gallagher – lead vocals, tambourine (1991–present)
* Noel Gallagher – guitars, vocals, keyboards, bass, drums (1991–present)
* Colin "Gem" Archer – guitars, keyboards, harmonica, bass (1999–present)
* Andy Bell – bass guitar, keyboards (1999–present)
* Chris Sharrock – drums, percussion (2008–present)
Past members
* Zak Starkey – drums, percussion (2004–2008)
* Alan White – drums, percussion (1995–2004)
* Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs – rhythm guitar (1991–1999)
* Paul McGuigan – bass (1991–1999)
* Tony McCarroll – drums, percussion (1991–1995)
Live and temporary members
* Jay Darlington – keyboards, hammond organ (live, 2002–present)
* Mike Rowe – keyboards, hammond organ (1994–2002)
* Terence Kirkbride – drums, percussion (2004, 2006-2007)
* Matt Deighton – guitar (live, 2000)
* Steve White – drums, percussion (live, 2001)
* Scott McLeod – bass (live, 1995)
* Mark Coyle – effects technician (live, 1994–1995)
* Zeb Jameson – keyboards (live, 2000)