Oasis Press Conference 25.08.99

Here's the transcript of the press conference given by Liam and Noel after the announcement of Guigsy's leaving the band. I got it from the NME.

Noel and Liam take the stage at the London King's Cross Water Rats, scene of their first London show. Behind them is a backdrop that looks as though it hails from this period. Both look healthy and relaxed, wearing tinted glasses.

Liam: Hello Wembley

Q: When did you hear and what did Guigsy actually say to you?

Noel: Well in the case of Bonehead, he couldn't commit to the tour or the videos or anything so it's better that he told us now instead of six months down the line when we're on tour. We've pulled enough tours in the past, so it's better that we know now. We were a bit shocked at first but we've just got to get on with it. We've got a record to finish off today and we've got to go and tour it."

Q: In 1995 you said there isn't a band without him, was it a bit more shocking Guigsy leaving or Bonehead?

Noel: I wouldn't say one was more shocking than the other, because they've been mates for 15 years it's going to be weird... trying to get a guitarist will be hard enough without trying to get a bass player as well...

Liam: And a mate, y'know...

Noel: But like I say, if we hadn't just recorded another record we might have though 'Was it the right thing to do? Is it right to carry on?' but we've done the record so we've got to go out and tour it. It's going to be weird but we've just got to get on with it.

Q: How can you reassure your fans that your going to continue?

Liam: There's two members in the band,y'know. Rehearsing and going on tour. We can't do it yet...

Noel: I know that we're lying bastards...but there you go.

Q: Are you going to be replacing both Bonehead and Guigsy and are you going to be touring this year, because originally you said you weren't.

Liam: We're touring in March. World tour in March. Next year. Not this year...March has gone.

Q: Anything to do with Tailgunner?

Noel: No, that's got nothing to do with it. That's not my band, it's my mate's band. I've been asked to play drums and that's as far as it goes.

Q: Will you have time to be in two bands?

Noel: It's only going to take a couple of weeks to record this other album...how are we going to let a band that doesn't exist hold up one that does?

Q: When did Bonehead actually leave? We heard he left in March but the statement never came out until two weeks ago and when did Guigsy leave?

Noel: Well Bonehead said he might want to leave in March or April and he left France and had a lot of time to think about it and then he told us two or three weeks ago. We found out last night or the night before about Guigs. But I suppose knowing them like we do, when you've been in a band for that length of time you know something's not right, and we could see it coming but we didn't expect to be sat here today saying this. It's a bit of a bummer, but like I say, the show's got to go on.

Q: Would you rather have made this album with new musicians rather than have to get guys in to play their parts?

Liam: You take it as it comes, we were planning to make the album as it is, we were planning it with five people but things change.

Q: Why did he want to leave, I mean he said he couldn't do the videos and the tours...

Liam: We know as much as you, we got the statement...and that's all we know.

Noel: If someone expresses their wish to leave the band, there's no point in forcing them to stay, because if they don't want to do it, there's no point in making them do it...

Liam: We're not social workers, you know what I mean?

Noel: We've been left holding a shit sandwich here, but we've just got to get on with it.

Q: Was there any bad blood in the studio?

Noel: No. Not at all.

Q: You said you heard by statement...

Liam: Through our manager we heard.

Noel: We spoke to him on the phone and that. It's not the same as being told face to face, but we're no good at goodbyes...

Q: 104.9 FM, London...

Liam: What kind of question's that?

Q: When you're auditioning for replacements what characteristics are you going to be looking for?

Liam: Well they've got be that taller than me, have nice taste in shoes and a decent haircut, and not Man United fans and if they can do thatthey're sweet... you're well out of the question!

Q: Will it change the sound of Oasis?

Noel: We don't know.

Liam: The song remains the same.

Noel: We don't know until we get into a rehearsal room with them.

Q: What about Johnny Marr?

Noel: Johnny who? Johnny's doing his own thing at the moment.

Q: Was Guigsy's departure accelerated by Bonehead's departure?

Noel: I'd say so, yeah. 'Cos he was his best mate...

Q: Will these two still get proceeds from this new album?

Noel: No. Oh, the one's who have left? I thought you meant the ones that were coming in...yeah, they'll get their one pound fifty.

Q: Have you two become bigger than the band?

Liam: What have they got to do with it? We're all taller than the band.

Noel: No-one is bigger than the band. If they don't want to do it that's it.

Q: Have you not considered that you'd just work together as brothers?

Liam: We do work together as brothers....If you'd read the statement it just says that they don't fancy touring...

Q: Just you two without a band?

Noel: No, Whitey's still in the band. The only reason he ain't here is because he couldn't be arsed getting out of bed this morning.

Liam: We're a five piece...

Noel: What are we gonna call ourselves...

Liam: Erasure, or something like that? Bronski Beat?

Q:How was the recording of the album? Were there any tensions?

Liam: No, it was really good. You should have been there.

Q: What were the signs that they were going to go?

Noel: Just that they weren't ...they didn't seem into it, a bit subdued. I mean, they've both got kids, you know. I suppose it's a natural thing that they don't want to leave their families. We've got to respect that...it's no use kicking in Bonehead's door and going you've got to come on tour. I mean, it might change when we have kids, I don't know, but you've got to respect their decisions as family men.

Q: You said in 1995 Paul is Oasis? What is Oasis now? Where do you go now?

Noel: Well, we're going back to the studio - I'm going to get something to eat on the way back - and then we're going to finish off the mixing then we're going to go on holiday for a couple of weeks...

Liam: And then rehearse.

Noel: We're not going to rush into anything.

Q: How long do you think it will take to get the five piece back together?

Noel: Couldn't say, mate, don't know. It's difficult because we don't want to get session musicians in... that would look stupid. We want people who we know...

Liam: Who understand...

Noel: And there might not be a stampede to join the band because we have a bit of a bad reputation.

Liam: We've got a couple of months anyway.

Q: Was it the thought of touring with you lot?

Noel: That's gotta come into it.

Q: Are you going to end up like Fleetwood Mac with lots of ex-members?

Liam: What, like having a bird?


At the point the press conference is called to a halt.