Oasis – A band signed by chance, courage and fate? Published at 14:57 BST
14:57 BST
Alex Taylor
Culture reporter
As Oasis prepare to take stadiums by storm next year, it's worth remembering the typically hectic atmosphere when the band was originally signed.
These events are steeped in rock and roll mythology.
On May 1, 1993, Oasis decided on a whim to travel 200 miles (320 km) across the border to Glasgow and crash a concert where their friends (the Sister Lovers) were playing at King Tutts Wawa Hut.
He fought to get on the performer list, but eventually had to settle for an earlier slot. But then a stroke of luck struck: Sitting in the sparse audience was Alan McGee, president of Creation Records, home of Teenage Fanclub, The Boo Radleys and Primal Scream.
He claims he had had a bad day, missed his train and stopped off at a bar for a drink.
It was a life-changing drink.
“There was this lad sitting at the table and he was really good looking, he looked like Paul Weller – I didn't realise it was Liam[Gallagher],” Maggie said.
“Sure enough, this band came out with this kid as their frontman and he was very defiant as a frontman, and I thought, 'What an attitude,'” Maggie recalled, adding that by the third song, “I had already decided to sign them.”
Image Source, Getty Images Image Caption,
Alan McGee on stage with Oasis at the 1996 Brit Awards
Speaking on the BBC podcast “Rise and Fall of Oasis,” 6 Music DJ Steve Lamacq softened the story, but added that “it all depends on which version you want to believe.”
But, he continues, “They've only played fewer than 20 shows at this point. How many bands can get a deal for fewer than 20 shows? There was definitely excitement in the air.”
Thirty years later, the story continues, ready to delight and share (and profit) with millions.
Please fasten your seat belt.
