What Part Of Manchester Are Oasis From?

Oasis. The name stirs up so many images and thoughts. The 90’s… Monobrows… Brotherly rivalry… Dynamic pricing, and a lot more! Since their meteoric rise in the '90s, Oasis became synonymous with British music, and for most of the world, they (along with The Spice Girls) represented all Brits. Luckily, they were brilliant at writing music too, carving out their unique place in history with sing-a-long bangers like "Wonderwall" and "Don't Look Back in Anger." 

In the minds of many, Oasis is Manchester - a band that captured the essence of the city’s gritty spirit and bold attitude. But the truth is a little more specific. You’d expect Liam and Noel to have maybe grown up in the rough terraced streets of Moss Side, perhaps. But no, they actually grew up in a semi-detached house in a (comparatively to Moss Side!) quiet little suburb of South Manchester. The area played a key role in shaping the iconic band, so, let’s take a closer look at Oasis’ roots and see how this small part of Mancunian suburbia contributed to the band's music, image, and place in Manchester’s musical legacy.

So where did Oasis grow up?

While Oasis might be deeply synonymous with Manchester, the band’s true origins lie in the quiet suburb of Burnage, located in the southern part of the city. This is where Noel and Liam Gallagher spent their formative years and where their musical journey began. Burnage, with its working-class roots, is often overlooked in the grand tale of Manchester’s music scene. Yet, it was this unassuming area that helped shape the sound and attitude of one of the biggest bands in the world.

The former Gallagher family home in Burnage

The Gallaghers grew up in a council house on the now-famous Burnage estate, an area known for its modest homes and close-knit community. The family lived a typical working-class life, marked by struggles and hardship, which would later influence many of Oasis' most memorable tracks. From an early age, both brothers were surrounded by music - with their father, a former singer, playing records at home and their mother encouraging them to find their own creative outlets.

For Noel, Burnage was a place of rebellion. His relationship with his family, particularly with his father, was strained, and it was here that he first began to develop his songwriting abilities, writing tracks that would later form the backbone of Oasis' early success. The Gallagher brothers' passion for music was evident, but it was Burnage that gave them the gritty, no-nonsense attitude that became synonymous with Oasis.

As for Liam, his early years in Burnage were marked by the kind of wildness that would eventually become his signature. With a love for punk rock and a penchant for causing trouble, Liam’s defiant spirit matched the rough-and-ready nature of Burnage. It was the perfect breeding ground for the band’s brash, unpolished sound.

Burnage is where the seeds of Oasis were planted, with the brothers often hanging out with mates in local pubs, jamming with friends, and dreaming of bigger things. While they would later go on to conquer the world, it’s Burnage that remains their true home, a place forever etched in the complicated history of Oasis.

Where were the other founding members from?

It sounds like the answer to a pub quiz question, but the founding members of Oasis, aside from the Gallagher brothers, were Tony McCarroll, Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, and Paul “Guigsy” McGuigan.

1. Tony McCarroll (Drummer):Tony McCarroll was born in Manchester, specifically in the suburb of Levenshulme, which is also located in the southern part of the city. His drumming was a crucial part of the band's early sound, although he left the group in 1995.
   
   
2. Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs (Guitarist):Paul Arthurs, known as Bonehead, grew up in Manchester as well. He was from a working-class background and, like the Gallagher brothers, shared a love for the city's music scene. He played rhythm guitar for Oasis and was a key part of the band until he left in 1999.
   
   
3. Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan (Bassist):Paul McGuigan, also known as Guigsy, was from Salford, a city that is part of Greater Manchester. Like the other band members, he came from a working-class background, and his basslines helped shape the band's early sound. He remained with Oasis until 1999.

These 3 very normal blokes (just normal innocent men!), together with the heartbeat of the band in the Gallaghers, formed the iconic lineup that propelled Oasis to fame. Their collective working-class Manchester roots influenced both the band’s music and their rebellious public image, even though in the end, the Gallagher brothers on their own have eventually come to represent Oasis completely.

Burnage vs. Manchester

It’s easy to think of Oasis as quintessentially Manchester, and to some extent, that’s true. The band’s success helped define the city’s cultural identity in the '90s, and the Gallaghers’ outspoken love for Manchester contributed to their public image as the city’s musical royalty. However, there’s a distinction to be made between Manchester itself and the specific suburb of Burnage, where Oasis actually originated.

Burnage is a small, working-class area, much quieter and more residential than the bustling heart of Manchester. It’s a far cry from the lively city centre that birthed iconic venues like The Hacienda or the influential Madchester movement. Yet, Burnage’s influence on Oasis is undeniable. While the band’s rise took them into the heart of Manchester’s music scene, their early sound and attitudes were forged in the streets of Burnage, with its humble pubs, local football fields, and tight-knit community.

The Gallaghers often referred to their hometown in interviews, but the image of Oasis as "the boys from Manchester" helped cement their place within the larger musical narrative of the city. Burnage, after all, is only a short distance from the centre, and its proximity to the city means it has always been part of Manchester’s broader identity. But Burnage also gave Oasis a kind of outsider edge. They weren’t from the centre of the scene; they were from the edges - and that, perhaps, was part of what made them stand out.

In many ways, Burnage acted as a perfect launching pad. It gave Oasis the rough, raw energy that was missing from the more polished, centralised music scene. Burnage wasn’t the kind of place where music scenes were born; it was a place where working-class kids made their own fun, wrote their own rules, and learned to fight for what they wanted. That ethos - not the glitzy side of Manchester - is what Oasis embodied in their music and their attitude.

So, while Oasis did become a symbol of Manchester, Burnage is the true birthplace of their sound. It was where the brothers honed their craft, sharpened their punk-infused rock style, and developed the swagger that would become their trademark. In the end, Burnage might not have the iconic landmarks or vibrant nightlife that define the centre of Manchester, but it provided Oasis with something more important: an identity forged by the everyday struggles and spirit of the people living there.

Oasis and Manchester’s Music Scene

While Oasis’ roots lie in Burnage, their rise to stardom was intricately tied to Manchester’s already world-famous music scene. By the time the band formed in 1991, Manchester had already established itself as a city known for its musical innovation. Bands like The Stone Roses, The Smiths, and Happy Mondays had already left their mark. Oasis, with their much rawer, rockier sound and their massive tunes, were perfectly primed to take their place in this rich musical lineage.

Although they started out playing small venues in and around Manchester, the band’s big break came when they were noticed by Alan McGee, the founder of Creation Records. Their music - a blend of guitar-driven rock with a catchy, football chant-influenced style - was perfectly suited to the era’s growing demand for bands that could do both rock and sing along anthems. Oasis brought back the big guitars, the bombastic choruses, and the kind of attitude that Manchester was known for.

Their rise coincided with a resurgence of interest in Manchester’s music scene during the early '90s, a time when the city was once again at the forefront of British music. Venues like The Boardwalk and The Hacienda had already been a proving ground for many Manchester bands, and Oasis quickly became staples on the local live music circuit. These venues provided the platform for Oasis to hone their sound and build a loyal local following. But it wasn’t just about the music; it was the way they embodied the rebellious, in-your-face spirit of Manchester’s working-class ethos. They very much gave you the impression that they didn’t just play the music; they lived the lifestyle too! 

Oasis' connection to Manchester was as much about their attitude as their sound. They didn’t shy away from boasting about their roots or throwing punches at other bands. This attitude - that brash confidence and swagger - resonated with fans who saw Oasis as a reflection of their own working-class values. The Gallaghers embodied Manchester’s gritty, no-nonsense approach to life, and that made them stand out from other bands of the time, who all seemed rather meek or middle class in comparison.

As the band’s success grew, so did their association with the city. While the world embraced Oasis as a symbol of Manchester, the band never forgot their working-class beginnings. Their lyrics, filled with references to life in the city, became anthems for a generation of Mancunians.

Ultimately, Oasis wasn’t just part of Manchester’s music scene - they helped define it during their peak years. Through their music, their attitude, and their undeniable connection to the city’s cultural pulse, Oasis cemented their place as one of the most influential acts to come out of Manchester.

The Most ‘Manchester’ Oasis Songs

From their early days, the band embraced the city's working-class roots and the rebellious spirit that defined Manchester’s music scene. While their origins in Burnage were the real starting point, the "Manchester" branding became synonymous with their sound and swagger. The Gallaghers’ larger-than-life personalities and their unapologetic attitudes made them the perfect ambassadors for the city (depending on your point of view!).

The band’s connection to Manchester was apparent not just in interviews or the music itself but in how they presented themselves to the world. They made no effort to distance themselves from their roots, often calling out other cities and bands in interviews. This boldness became part of their charm - they weren't trying to be anyone else; they were unapologetically Mancunian and unapologetically loved their city. They wore their Manchester identity on their sleeves, quite literally in their promotional images and album covers, with references to the city splashed throughout their early work.

The song "Shakermaker," for instance, pays homage to Manchester's musical history, with references to the city’s past and its iconic sounds. Meanwhile, tracks like "Slide Away" and "Rock ‘n’ Roll Star" were built on themes of aspiration and defiance, two qualities closely linked to Manchester’s reputation as a city that produced rock stars who didn’t conform to the norms of the mainstream. Oasis, with their unmistakable Mancunian accents and brash demeanor, became the embodiment of the city’s musical attitude, a symbol of working-class pride and defiance against the odds. 

There are also some Oasis songs which more directly reference the area:

“Half the World Away”

This track has often been associated with Noel Gallagher’s homesickness and longing for Manchester. The melancholic tone of the song suggests a sense of distance from home, with Noel himself stating in interviews that the song reflected feelings of isolation, particularly when he was away from his hometown. While it doesn’t directly reference any particular place in Manchester, the themes of yearning and missing one’s roots are clear.

“Burnage” 

Though it didn’t make it onto any official album, the track "Burnage" is an interesting and direct reference to the Gallaghers' roots. The song was recorded during the Be Here Now sessions but was never officially released. As expected, it reflects the band’s pride in their hometown of Burnage, a suburb in the southern part of Manchester. The lyrics are filled with nostalgic references to the area, making it a rare glimpse into the Gallaghers' personal connection to their origins.

“Morning Glory”

The title track from (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? includes references to his Mancunian lifestyle at the time. Noel Gallagher has explained that the song’s creation came during a period of heavy drinking and nights out in Manchester. While it doesn't directly name-check places in the city, its anthemic chorus and lyrics convey the energy and vibe of Manchester during the Britpop era. The song really captures the chaotic and vibrant nature of the city at the time.

“The Masterplan”

In "The Masterplan," Noel Gallagher weaves a more reflective, almost nostalgic narrative that many fans link to his roots in Manchester. While the song doesn’t mention the city directly, the themes of looking back on past decisions and life’s unpredictability mirror the working-class experience that defines Manchester. The song encapsulates the ethos of the city - people who take charge of their destiny despite the odds.

This "Manchester" branding wasn’t just a marketing gimmick though. It was authentic. The Gallaghers never tried to make themselves anything other than what they were: two lads from Burnage, who happened to grow up in the city that shaped the way they saw the world. The pride they had for their hometown was palpable in everything they did, from their music to their public personas. For many fans, Oasis were not just a band; they were the embodiment of Manchester’s spirit, and even British spirit. 

Oasis' Legacy in Manchester

Oasis’ impact on Manchester transcended their music. The band not only helped shape the city’s sound during their heyday, but they also became a symbol of the city’s cultural identity. Their success, along with that of The Stone Roses and The Happy Mondays helped catapult Manchester back into the global spotlight after a period of musical uncertainty in the late '80s. Oasis put the city on the map once again, reminding the world what a strong musical heritage the area has.

In the years following the band’s split, even though neither of them have lived there for many years, the Gallaghers have remained loyal to their Manchester roots. While they experienced tensions within the band (to put it mildly), their loyalty to Manchester never wavered. Whether performing at iconic venues like the Manchester Arena or making public statements about the city, Oasis were always there to reinforce their connection to the city that made them.

Their influence, however, went beyond their own music. Oasis became a point of reference for new bands emerging from Manchester and beyond. The success of Oasis led to a resurgence in interest in Manchester as a music hub. Bands like The Verve, Elbow, and Arctic Monkeys followed in their footsteps, drawing inspiration from both Oasis and the city’s rich musical history. The cultural energy that Oasis reinvigorated in Manchester permeated throughout the wider British music scene, contributing to the Britpop movement that defined the '90s.

Oasis’ legacy also lives on in the streets and landmarks of Manchester. Fans continue to visit Burnage and other locations tied to the band, making pilgrimages to see where Oasis began their journey. Even today, the iconic "Oasis" image - that raw, working-class energy - continues to resonate with Manchester’s younger generation. The Gallaghers may have moved on, but their influence remains woven into the fabric of the city and the wider area.

In the end, Oasis became an inseparable part of the city's cultural history. They took the spirit of Manchester - its resilience, its pride, its swagger - and carried it to the world. And in return, Manchester will forever be remembered as the place where two brothers from Burnage took on the world and made it their own.

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