Oasis

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English pop group formed in Manchester in 1993. Although their style is based on 1960s and 70s rock and roll groups such as the Beatles and T-Rex, their confident reworking of the genre has won them much praise. The original members were brothers Liam (1972– ) (vocals) and Noel Gallagher (1967– ) (guitar and vocals), guitarist Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs, bassist Paul ‘Guigsy’ McGuigan, and drummer Tony McCarroll. In 1999, Arthurs and McGuigan left the group, to be replaced by guitarist Gem Archer and bassist Andy Bell.

Their debut single ‘Supersonic’ (1994) was received with acclaim, and the album Definitely Maybe, released later the same year, was considered by many to be one of the all-time greatest debut albums. A second album (What's the Story) Morning Glory? was released in October 1995 and went straight to No. 1. By now Oasis was firmly established as the biggest pop phenomenon in the UK since the Beatles, resulting in almost continuous exposure in the tabloid press. The third and fourth albums, Be Here Now (1997) and Standing on the Shoulders of Giants (1999), both received mixed receptions.

Green expresses hope. White symbolizes peace. It is said that the saltire may have been based on the former flag of Belgian airline, Sabena. Red represents the blood shed in the struggle for independence. Effective date: 27 September 1982. >>