#liveforever

01

[Noviembre de 2025]

10/11 Cigarrettes & Alcohol - A los 13 años estudiaba inglés en contraturno, en una escuela pública de Lugano. A veces llegaba con un cassette sobregrabado y le pedía a mi profesora que me ayudara a descifrar las letras de Definitely Maybe. Era 1996 y todavía faltaban varios años para que llegara internet a casa donde no nos sobraba nada. Comprar un CD era imposible para mí. Desde ese cassette escuchaba un acento ajeno y fabuloso, que nunca me iban a enseñar en la escuela. Tenía un mundo entero para equivocarme y descubrir.

11/11 Who feels Love? - Standing on the Shoulder of Giants fue el último disco que me importó. En el año 2000 era una de las tantas adolescentes que esperaban la libertad prometida por el cambio de siglo, de milenio. Mi entorno familiar y cercano se caía a pedazos y no tenía dónde escaparme. La primera vez que usé internet fue en un puesto frente a la Biblioteca Nacional. En la prehistoria de las listas de correo y los foros sobre bandas, creí haber encontrado algo. 12/11 D'You Know What I Mean? - Un carácter fuerte, difícil de tratar fue el escudo que elegí cuando me harté de la constante mirada severa y conservadora de los adultos que me rodeaban. Crecer en los 90 se sintió por momentos demasiado doloroso. La misma bravuconería impostada que no se me perdonaba por ser una chica, era lo que hacía gloriosa a mi banda. Arrogancia y juventud, tuve nada y tuve todo al mismo tiempo.

18/09/25

This is one book I've been waiting to read for some time, and of the many Oasis books I've read over the years, this one most certainly tops the lot. As a long time fan of the legendary influential ground-breaking Manchester musical group fronted by iconic brothers Liam Gallagher and Noel Gallagher, the suspense to own a copy of 'Live Forever: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of Oasis' was more than I could ever imagine. Also being a huge fan of highly respected author of the book John Robb made for an epic combination to say the least. The story starts from the very beginning like most books do. How the band first became acquainted with Liam joining Bonehead, Guigsy, and Tony McCarroll's band The Rain later to become Oasis. That was the core to begin. Noel being present at a show at Manchester's toilet venue The Broadwalk where they even rehearsed in a back room. Noel later joining the clan and as John puts it; forming one of the greatest bands in the world, not only in Manchester, but the entire planet. From those early sessions featuring songs such as 'Take Me' to morphing into one of the greatest rock phenomenon's the United Kingdom had seen since the 1960's. No one expected them and they were more than ready to take on the globe with their attitude, ambition, sheer chaotic behaviour, and bags full of stomping tunes echoing influence of The Beatles, The Stones, T-Rex, Bowie, Who, Pistols. Roses, you name it. John goes into detail about that night at King Tuts where they land their 6 album deal with Alan McGee of Creation Records. That was it after that night, everything from there on was the climb and climb high they did, more than anyone. One key moment in the book is the famous boat arrest on the way to Holland. Loads of West Ham FC fans start kicking off and Liam flies in there like a raging banshee so the rest follow. Noel already there ahead of the show receives the news. Everyone's been arrested and then when McGee finds out he couldn't be happier "Fuckin' brilliant' in his strong jock accent well mimicked by Noel every time he tells it. The argument between Liam and Noel over the incident after they all get back to Manchester even made it on a 7" released by Fierce Panda Records as John recalls. Then onto the highly stressful set backs regarding the recording of what would be one of the greatest debut albums of all time 'Definitely Maybe'. On to the Monnow Valley in Wales. It's not coming together. The sound is weak and tinny. Not how anyone would imagine it to sound after a whole heap of thunderous live performances. That magic was just not there coming through the mixing desk for some reason. Maybe the inexperience due to not being familiar with having the pressure to put out their first full record as John explains it. After a few heated discussions between Noel and McGee, it's decided to try again at Sawmills in Cornwall, but with Mark Coyle their live sound engineer on board. The result is titanic though needed the right man to mix it enters Owen Morris. The album is ready to hit the shops and the group are fully confident people are gonna eat it right up. Following a summer of major festival slots Christmas arrives with a non album single titled 'Whatever'. Enter 1995 with Noel's next big plan album number 2. During the sessions Tony is ultimately sacked from the band being quickly replaced by the brother of Paul Weller's drummer cockney sticks man Alan White. Funny enough John Robb is actually present during the sessions as he bumps into Liam down the pub near to Rockfield Studios where what would become (What's The Story) Morning Glory ? the follow up Oasis record and their gateway to the world stage would be created. John goes back to the studio after an invite from Liam and the lads out of the group Cable accompany them. This leads to Noel's fury that Liam has brought people back and one of the worst fights of the earlier days of the band ensued. John tells it well so go out and buy this amazing book about one of the greatest musical forces to grace the known universe. You would be a fool not to.

5/5 STARS *****

By Gavin Tate