Roll With It
The Birth, Death and Resurrection of Oasis
Few bands in British musical history have achieved the mythical status of Oasis. Emerging from the streets of 1990s Manchester, their meteoric rise was fuelled by a relentless drive and swagger that left an indelible mark on pop history. Roll With It is a comprehensive account of that journey – from their humble beginnings and label signing in King Tut’s to Britpop jousts with Blur and Knebworth.
Bollen explores the Gallagher brothers’ chemistry and rivalry, the backstage fights, their Irish blood and English hearts, the substance abuse and intense media circus that swirled around them. Oasis became the band of the people by giving the people what they wanted: rock ‘n’ roll. They were Artful Dodgers from a housing scheme, who enjoyed their fame and created stadium anthems that connected with millions.
In May 1993, Andy Bollen witnessed one of the most talked-about nights in rock ‘n’ roll history: Creation’s Alan McGee signing Oasis in Glasgow. His music books include the critically acclaimed Nirvana: A Tour Diary and Labelled With Love: A History of the World in Your Record Collection. He is also a freelance comedy writer and drummer.