Gallagher brothers: Dramatic childhood, music and metamorphosis
This is the colorful life story of the creators of the greatest band in the UK, the Gallagher brothers. This is the story of the Oasis members who escaped the depressing streets of Manchester and a violent home environment to become one of the best bands of all time.
The Gallagher brothers, emerging from the streets of Manchester, have a remarkable story closely intertwined with the backdrop of their youth. During a period when Manchester was characterized by a somber atmosphere, Noel and Liam Gallagher found their beginnings on the city’s streets.
The depressive childhood of the Gallagher brothers
Manchester in the 1980s was marked by high unemployment and social challenges, which gave rise to a prevailing sense of depression among its residents. The Gallagher brothers grew up in this environment and were confronted with the hardships of life at an early age. With limited opportunities and scant prospects, they spent their days on the streets of Burnage, Manchester.
Their time on the streets was marked by playing football, consuming alcohol, and occasional substance use. They were part of a generation of young people searching for ways to escape the drudgery of their daily lives.
The depressed mood could be observed by the Gallagher brothers not only on the streets of Manchester but also at home the kids also had to fight for survival. The abusive father of the Gallagher brothers made life very difficult for the family.
Abusive father
The childhood of the Gallagher brothers who grew up in a family with an abusive father was a challenging and traumatic experience. In such an environment, the effects of the abuse on their young minds were immeasurable.
The three brothers, Liam Gallagher (William John Paul Gallagher), Noel Gallagher (Noel Thomas David Gallagher), and Paul Anthony Gallagher (elder brother of Oasis members), shared not only blood but also the dark secret of their family home. During their childhood, a constant shadow hung over their lives, cast by a father driven by uncontrolled anger and violence.
Their days often began with anxiety when they heard their father’s footsteps in the hallway. The morning tea, a ritual of relaxation for most people, turned into a time of fear for the brothers. They learned early on how to tread softly and move silently to avoid awakening their father’s rage.
Memories of physical and emotional abuse were ever-present. Beatings, cries, and humiliations were part of their daily existence. The brothers had no refuge, no place where they could feel safe.
In an interview with SBS The Feed, Liam talked about his father:
Interviewer: Do you have to be a little bit angry to be a good rockstar? Is there some element to that?
Liam Gallagher: Yeah, yeah. It was pretty hard, but you get over it. I mean, that was when I was about eight or nine, so I’ve been here 45 years so. You learn to get over it.
Interviewer: Your brothers are a fair bit older than you though. They copped the brunt of it, didn’t they?
Liam Gallagher: Oh yeah, they’re a lot older than me.
Interviewer: So what do you reckon the difference in impact for you and for them was?
Liam Gallagher: Because if they copped the brunt of it, and you were kinda at the tail end of it… I didn’t cop anything. But see even if like… People go, listen it’s terrible what happened with abusive families, and all that stuff but watching it can just be as bad as copping it, you know what I mean?
Interviewer: How do you mean?
Liam Gallagher: Well, if you’re seeing something abusive, you know what I mean. Alright, the abuse is getting done to someone else, and obviously, it’s terrible for that person, but watching it is equally as mad, it’s mental. It can be just as bad. Even though you’re not physically getting a dig, you’re seeing it. So yeah, it was shit times growing up.
Like many children and young people facing the same problems, in order to suppress these bad feelings and not to feel them, the two Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel threw themselves into soaks and tried to forget and suppress the depression they were experiencing through alcohol and substance abuse.
While this period may have been characterized by uncertainty and difficulties, it also contributed to shaping the brothers into the artists they are today.
Escape plan: The Gallagher brothers exploring music
Nevertheless, Noel and Liam were also bonded to each other. In their shared history of suffering, they found comfort and support. They stood together, shared their fears, and dreamed of a future where they could escape this dreadful reality.
The story of the two brothers, shaped by a traumatic childhood in a violent home, takes a turn marked by determination, a will to survive, and the healing power of music. Despite the terrible circumstances they had faced, they found refuge in the world of sounds and melodies.
If we look at the life story of Freddy Mercury, lead singer of Queen, we see that he already wanted to become a musician as a kid and dreamed about it. But the Gallagher brothers did not have such dreams as a child. Did you know that Liam never wanted to be a musician, even hated music? In an interview with MTV Liam said the following:
Let’s get that straight: Liam Gallagher has never been in a band called The Rain.
The history of Oasis
Not only Liam, but Noel also had no plans to make music professionally. However, he was no stranger to the music industry. In 1990, he was working as a drum technician in a band called Inspiral Carpets. The band was touring all over the world. During his time with the band, he slowly began to dream of becoming a musician.
On a tour with Inspiral Carpets, Noel called home to talk to his brother Paul and his mother Peggie. His mother told him that Liam had formed a band and was playing music as the lead singer. This information came as a shock to Noel because while Noel had spent months in his room playing guitar and writing lyrics, he had never seen Liam interested in music. Shortly afterward, in 1991, Inspiral Carpets fired Noel Gallagher for being unprofessional and not taking the job seriously. That same year, Noel returned home to Manchester.
By the time Noel returned home, Liam had already formed the band, started practicing, and was having his first experiences in the studio.
Before Oasis, the band was called “The Rain“. It was comprised of guitarist Paul Arthur, bassist Paul McGuigan, drummer Tony McCarroll, and vocalist Liam Gallagher. The lineup was solidified later that year when Noel Gallagher came on as the band’s leader and main guitarist.
Over time, Noel and Liam not only honed their musical skills but also developed a deep bond with each other. Liam Gallagher was very confident and really believed that they could become successful musicians.
Oasis was born in the bustling city of Manchester, England, in 1991.
How did Oasis get their name?
The band Oasis got its name from Liam Gallagher’s former bandmate and Inspiral Carpets keyboardist, Mark Coyle. When Noel Gallagher joined Oasis and became the primary songwriter and creative force, Coyle suggested the name “Oasis” for the new band. The name was inspired by a venue poster for a gig by the band Inspiral Carpets, which featured the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon. Noel liked the name, and Oasis was born. It’s worth noting that Noel has mentioned in interviews that he initially didn’t like the name but eventually came around to it.
Oasis was born
The Gallagher Brothers had changed their long monotonous life, were making music together and continuing to develop themselves. Noel was writing songs for fun. His songs were not taken very seriously by the band. Until one day Noel wrote Live Forever.
The band members were ecstatic when they heard Live Forever. They didn’t even want to believe that Noel could have written it. Little did they know that here was the author of songs like “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger” that millions would one day sing in unison.
The iconic albums of Oasis
“Definitely Maybe” (1994)
Oasis burst onto the scene with their debut album, Definitely Maybe. Released in 1994, this album became a defining moment in the Britpop movement. Tracks like Rock ‘n’ Roll Star, Live Forever, and Cigarettes & Alcohol captured the spirit of a generation and set the stage for the band’s meteoric rise to stardom. The album exuded youthful exuberance, swagger, and a belief in the power of music.
“(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” (1995)
Oasis followed up their debut with (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? in 1995, an album that elevated them to international superstardom. This record featured some of their most enduring hits, including Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back in Anger, and Champagne Supernova. Its iconic cover art and timeless tracks solidified Oasis’s place in music history.
“Be Here Now” (1997)
Be Here Now marked Oasis’s attempt to maintain its monumental success. Released in 1997, this album was both highly anticipated and polarizing. While some fans and critics found it to be overblown, with epic-length tracks and excessive production, it still contained gems like D’You Know What I Mean? and Stand by Me. Be Here Now remains a snapshot of Oasis’s ambition and the challenges of following up on a masterpiece.
“Standing on the Shoulder of Giants” (2000)
The turn of the millennium saw Oasis release “Standing on the Shoulder of Giants.” Though not as commercially successful as their previous efforts, this album demonstrated a more experimental side of the band. Tracks like Go Let It Out and Who Feels Love? showcased Oasis’s willingness to evolve and take risks.
“Heathen Chemistry” (2002)
In 2002, Oasis returned with Heathen Chemistry, featuring the hit single The Hindu Times. The album was a mix of classic Oasis rock and more introspective tracks, reflecting the band’s continued evolution as songwriters and musicians.
“Don’t Believe the Truth” (2005)
Don’t Believe the Truth marked a rejuvenation for Oasis, with Noel Gallagher sharing songwriting duties with other band members. This album included songs like Lyla and The Importance of Being Idle, showcasing a fresh energy that resonated with fans.
“Dig Out Your Soul” (2008)
Oasis’s final studio album, Dig Out Your Soul, was released in 2008. It featured tracks like The Shock of the Lightning and I’m Outta Time, emphasizing the band’s enduring ability to create memorable music.
Until 2009 Oasis had managed to produce some of the most successful albums of all time, but in 2009 they split up.
The end of the band: Why did Oasis split up?
The breakup of Oasis in 2009 marked the end of an era for one of the most iconic bands in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. With a string of hit albums, unforgettable anthems, and the fiery Gallagher brothers at the forefront, Oasis had become a symbol of British music culture.
Oasis split due to Liam and Noel Gallagher’s volatile relationship. Their well-known sibling rivalry and personal conflicts, simmering for years, often led to heated arguments, especially during the recording process.
Their sibling rivalry and personal conflicts were no secret, and these tensions had been simmering beneath the surface for years. Heated arguments, both on and off stage, were not uncommon, and their differences in musical direction and creative control often came to a head during the recording process.
Over the years, there were occasional hints of reconciliation between Liam and Noel, raising hopes among fans for an Oasis reunion.
However, these hopes often proved fleeting, as public disputes and harsh words continued to dominate their interactions. Despite occasional expressions of regret for the band’s breakup, it appeared that the wounds ran too deep for a full-scale reunion.
Despite the traumas of their childhood, the Gallagher brothers never gave up the fight for life and realized their dreams.
All the emotions they tried to suppress in their childhood were reflected in the music and the unforgettable songs they produced. This helped them to heal their wounded souls.
We thank Oasis, one of the best British bands of the 90s, for the beautiful moments they gave us and for the songs they brought to the world, which we will never forget.
