Andy Bell
Erasure
Erasure was formed from the ashes of Depeche Mode and Yazoo. Vince Clarke was keyboardist and songwriter to both bands before leaving to pursue other projects. He placed an ad in Melody Maker for a singer. Andy Bell responded, auditioned and in 1985, Erasure was born.
The band’s first three singles – ‘Who Needs Love Like That?’, ‘Heavenly Action’ and ‘Oh L’Amour’ - scraped the UK Top 100, although the latter was later covered in 1987 by Dollar and became a massive hit. Success came in 1987 with the release of the single ‘Sometimes’ which climbed to number two in the UK Singles chart. This boosted sales of their second album, ‘The Circus’. Both ‘The Circus’ and the duo’s follow-up album ‘The Innocents’ achieved platinum sales in the UK.
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The duo garnered a huge following, especially among the gay community where the openly-homosexual and flamboyant Andy Bell was an icon. Bell’s voice was often compared with that of Alison Moyet, Vince Clarke’s previous partner in Yazoo.
In 1988, Erasure released the ‘Crackers International’ EP. The lead single ‘Stop!’ gave the pair even more chart success. The ‘Abba-esque’ EP released in 1992 featured cover versions of four Abba songs and gave the band their first number one in the UK Singles chart (be sure to check online for the Halloween-inspired Top of the Pops performance of Take A Chance On Me!). This wasn’t their only foray into cover versions, however: 2003’s ‘Other People’s Songs’ album contained reworkings of ‘Video Killed The Radio Star’ by The Buggles and Peter Gabriel’s ‘Solsbury Hill’.
Erasure are currently in the studio writing and recording a new album. In the meantime, an EP of remixes and a remastered version of ‘The Innocents’ marking 21 years since its release will be available from August 2009.
Carly Page
This information is provided as a brief overview and not as a definitive guide, there are other sources on the net for that. If however you have a story or information that is not generally known we would love to hear from you. Content@rokpool.com
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OASIS
Oasis formed in 1991 (and initially called The Rain) by Liam Gallagher (vocals), Paul McGuigan (bassist), Paul Arthurs (guitar) and Tony McCarroll (drums) before being joined by Liam’s brother Noel Gallagher (vocals and guitar).
Oasis have sold more than 60 million records worldwide. Their string of hits includes eight UK No.1’s. Their many awards include 5 BRIT Awards, 15 NME Awards, 4 MTV Europe Music Awards and 9 Q Awards. In February 2007 Oasis were given a BRIT for their outstanding contribution to music. The Gallagher brothers are the main songwriters for the band and have been the only continual members. The present lineup is comprised of Gem Archer (guitarist), Andy Bell (bassist) and tour drummer Chris Sharrock.
Oasis grew up on the Manchester club circuit before being signed by indie label, Creation Records and releasing their debut album, “Definitely Maybe” in 1994. The album went straight to No.1 and became the fastest selling debut album to date. They followed this up with 1995’s, “What’s The Story (Morning Glory)” which included their first No.1 single, “Some Might Say” and successful follow-up’s with, “Wonderwall”, “Roll With It” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger”. The album also featured the critically acclaimed (and non-UK single), “Champagne Supernova” which featured guitar and backing vocals by Paul Weller. 1995 also saw the media rivalry between Oasis and Blur reach fever pitch when Noel Gallagher was quoted saying he hoped Damon Albarn and Alex James would “catch AIDS and die”.
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The eagerly anticipated follow up to “What’s the Story (Morning Glory)”, “Be Here Now” sold over 696,000 copies in the first week making it the fastest selling album in UK history. After a change in lineup and the Gallagher brothers setting up their own record label, Big Brother, the band released “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants” which had more psychedelic influences and remains their lowest selling album despite it still reaching No.1 in the UK. 2002 saw the release of “Heathen Chemistry” which again went to No.1 but received mixed reviews. Their next effort was the release of “Don’t Believe the Truth” which was a major success with both critics and fans alike. The bands seventh studio album, “Dig Out Your Soul” was released in 2008.
Noel recently announced his departure from the band, after a feud with brother Liam.
This information is provided as a brief overview and not as a definitive guide, there are other sources on the net for that. If however you have a story or information that is not generally known we would love to hear from you. Content@rokpool.com
