Oasis: We're the best band in the world
By Christopher Toh, TODAY | Posted: 20 March 2009 1140 hrs

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SINGAPORE: The last time we spoke to Oasis, Liam Gallagher said he’d come up with a perfume called Mad Ferret if there was new line of work he could do. But some six months down the road, when we mentioned that to him, he thought we were mad.

In fact, don’t even suggest that there’s anything else he’d rather do than be in Oasis (even if you’re right and you’ve got the tape recording to prove it).

“Not interested in anything that’s not Oasis,” he said over the phone from London. “Oasis is my thing. I was born to be in Oasis. I was born to make Oasis the best. That’s what my goal is.”

Part of that goal is touring for their current hit album, Dig Out Your Soul. They have a scheduled stop in Singapore on April 5 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The album — one of the best albums of last year, declared Britain’s NME magazine — has sold over 1.6 million copies worldwide since its release last October, and is the latest feather in the cap for a band that’s sold more than 50 million records and has had eight Number One singles in Britain.

“Them songs are amazing (sic),” said Gallagher, adding that he couldn’t wait to show off the new album to the audience here.

“I love the music. I love playing it. I love going around the world, seeing the fans and stuff. I can’t wait to get back there.”

You guys played Singapore about three years ago. Can you remember what that show was like?
You know what? I can never remember that far back. I imagine that it was a good show. At least I thought it was good. Er, was it any good?

I thought so. How’s the tour going so far?
It’s been going really good, we’re playing really well, I’m singing really well. I think we’re rockin’. If we’re all well and I haven’t got a sore throat or anything, then it’s all good as far as I’m concerned.

Have there been any Spinal Tap moments?
I mean, being in a band with your brother is Spinal Tap, full stop. It’s always Spinal Tap.

What can we expect this time?
Well, you’re going to see the best rock n’ roll band in the world, as far as I’m concerned. I mean, we’re not daft, we don’t jump around and get our socks off. We’re not like Guns N’ Roses. We know what we’re doing. (But) you want people to join in, don’t you, and feel good. That’s the kind of band we are.

We’re not a band of miserable arty-farty outfit. We want people to get in and have a lot of fun. It’s all good, mate.

Do you get bored singing the early stuff?
I like everything to do with Oasis. Otherwise I wouldn’t do it, know what I mean? No, I don’t get bored at all. I mean there’re days when you get bored — full stop. It’s got nothing to do with music. It’s to do with life in general.

So no more sex, drugs and rock n’ roll?
I dunno. What do you reckon? I’m definitely into the sex, and I’m definitely into the rock n’ roll, but the drugs, well ... I can do without.

Do you miss your kids while on the road?
Well, they do their thing and I do my thing, but I’ve found that after three weeks, I start getting a bit mental and I want to go home. When you get older, you start appreciating your family more. But this is what I do, this is my job. I’ve got to pay the bills.

You consider being in Oasis a job?
Of course, it is a job, but it’s the best job in the world.

What’s your philosophy?
Just don’t think about it.

Describe Oasis in less than 10 words.
The best band in the world.

As a performer...
(Interrupting) I don’t see myself as a performer. I’m not. Robbie Williams, Mick Jagger — they’re performers. I’m just a rock n’ roll singer. I sing songs and that’s the end of it.

What’ll you do when the music’s over?
It’s never going to be over. But who knows, mate? Hopefully, we’ll all be well. And keep producing great music. I’m never going to split this band up. I love it. I’m having such a good time.

Do you want to continue playing forever, like The Rolling Stones?
I don’t want to be like anyone. I want to be like Oasis. If we’re fit and keep writing good music, then that’s what I’m going to do till I die. Forget the Stones, who gives a s**t about the Stones?

Oasis will perform April 5, 8pm at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Tickets from S$48 available at Sistic outlets. - TODAY/yb