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Oasis

Oasis is an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991 and associated with the Britpop movement of the 1990s.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Oasis is an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991 and associated with the Britpop movement of the 1990s. Led by brothers Liam Gallagher and Noel Gallagher, the band became one of the best-known and most commercially successful British groups of its era. After splitting in 2009, Oasis reformed in 2024 and announced a reunion tour for 2025.

History

Oasis began in Manchester in 1991, evolving from an earlier group called The Rain. The band rose to international prominence in the mid-1990s and later disbanded in 2009 after Noel Gallagher’s departure.

Musical style

Oasis are most closely associated with Britpop and rock. Their sound blended British guitar pop, melody-driven songwriting, and anthemic choruses.

Commercial success

The band achieved major chart and album success, especially with Definitely Maybe and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?. Their recordings and singles made them one of the defining British bands of the 1990s.

Reunion

Oasis reunited in 2024 and announced a tour for 2025. The reunion marked the first major return of the band after its 2009 split.

Key facts

  • Oasis formed in Manchester in 1991 and became a leading act in Britpop during the 1990s.
  • Noel Gallagher was the chief songwriter and Liam Gallagher the lead vocalist.
  • The band split up in 2009 after Noel Gallagher left the group.
  • Oasis reformed in 2024 and launched the Oasis Live '25 Tour.
  • Their best-known songs include "Wonderwall," "Don't Look Back in Anger," "Champagne Supernova," and "Live Forever."
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Canadian context

Oasis has had strong popularity in Canada as part of the wider international Britpop wave, with songs such as "Wonderwall" and "Don't Look Back in Anger" remaining familiar on Canadian radio and streaming services.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Oasis?
Oasis is an English rock band from Manchester, best known for its Britpop-era success and the brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher.
What genre is Oasis?
Oasis is mainly classified as rock and Britpop.
When did Oasis form?
Oasis formed in 1991 in Manchester, England.
Why did Oasis break up?
The band broke up in 2009 after Noel Gallagher left following long-running conflict within the group, including a backstage fight before a Paris show.
What are Oasis' biggest hits?
Their best-known songs include "Wonderwall," "Don't Look Back in Anger," "Champagne Supernova," "Live Forever," and "Supersonic."
Are Oasis getting back together?
Yes. Oasis reunited in 2024 and announced the Oasis Live '25 Tour.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oasis_(band)
    Supports: Formed in Manchester in 1991; band split in 2009; reformed in 2024; current tour announcement; basic membership and genres.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Oasis-British-rock-group
    Supports: Oasis as a British rock band central to Britpop; formed in Manchester in 1991; major hits including Wonderwall, Champagne Supernova, Don't Look Back in Anger, and Live Forever.
  3. Victoria and Albert Museum — https://www.vam.ac.uk/mused/music/oasis-all-you-need-to-know/
    Supports: Formation in Manchester in 1991; original members; Britpop description; 2009 split after conflict; 2024 reunion and 2025 tour.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:North_West_England/Selected_biography/2
    Supports: Commercial success, Britpop leadership, sales and UK number-one singles; significance in British music.