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Noel and Liam Gallagher bidding to lure Beatles legend’s son to join Oasis reunion as rest of line-up is confirmed
Oasis have had several line-up changes over the years
FORMER Oasis bassist Andy Bell is back for the band’s reunion, The Sun can reveal.
He will join guitarists Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs and Gem Archer alongside Noel and Liam Gallagher when the comeback gigs kick off next July.
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Insiders close to the band said the three musicians had been confirmed for the 19-date run, while they were also keen to get Ringo Starr’s son Zak Starkey back on drums.
A source said: “Noel and Liam are slowly putting Oasis back together and they’re hoping to get Zak on board for drums. Andy has confirmed he is free for the tour now, with Bonehead and Gem both signed up, too.
“Alan White, who was the drummer with Oasis until 2004, isn’t returning. Zak was probably the best live drummer Oasis ever had and to get him back on board would be amazing.”
Oasis have had several line-up changes over the years. Bonehead was a founding member but left in 1999 alongside bassist Paul McGuigan, to be replaced by Gem and Andy.
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Original drummer Tony McCarroll left in 1995, with Alan White taking over until 2004. Zak then joined five years later and played until 2008, when Chris Sharrock grabbed the sticks before the band split in 2009.
Oasis drummer vacancy is a two horse race
By Ellie Henman, Bizarre Editor
THE reconciliation of music powerhouses Noel and Liam Gallagher was something us fans dreamed of, but never really thought would happen.
So, when little over ten weeks ago, solid sources started calling our team with the news myself and all previous Bizarre editors had dreamt of…I couldn't believe my luck.
And now with 19 huge stadium dates looming, Noel and Liam have started preparing to get the band back together again.
Bonehead, a founding member of the original Oasis line-up was a no-brainer, as were Gem Archer and Andy Bell - who went on to form Beady Eye with Liam following Oasis’ bitter split back in 2009.
And while I understand the group will also be supported by musicians from Noel’s exceptional High Flying Birds band, the only question mark now remains over who will come on as the drummer.
People close to the band told me original drummer Tony McCarroll and Alan White - who then picked up the sticks - are both out of the frame.
Leaving, in my eyes, a two horse race between Chris Shamrock and Zak Starkey.
Chris, like Gem, plays with Noel’s HFB and is, undoubtedly, brilliant at his craft.
But Zak, the son of Beatles legend Ringo, is who many of the fans, myself included, are backing to be brought into the fold.
Zak, who took over when Alan quit, is, in my opinion, the best drummer Oasis ever had and is the most accomplished.
He currently drums with The Who and last year teamed up with Andy again as part of Shaun Ryder and Bez’s Mantra Of The Cosmos supergroup.
One of his first live performances with Oasis was on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury in 2004 - with his heavy, rhythmic drumming providing the perfect sound for that kind of crowd.
Put that man behind the kit in the stadiums next summer and it'll be electric.
But the decision lies in the hands of Noel and Liam.
And given they've yet to strike a deal, that I know of, I can imagine the choice is not an easy one.
Last week, The Sun revealed that Oasis had added two further dates at Wembley Stadium, amid a backlash over ticket sales policy.
The Competition and Markets Authority has launched an investigation into seller Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing policy.
Many fans were angry to see prices rocketing while they waited in a queue.
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Yesterday those who failed to get tickets during the first sale were told whether or not they were eligible to enter a ballot for the two extra Wembley dates on September 27 and 28.
Fresh blow for Oasis fans as 'furious' band reveal resale tickets from major site will be 'CANCELLED' before shows
A statement said: “Once successfully registered, you will be entered into the ballot for a code for access to the final Wembley dates on sale.
“Due to demand for the shows and to avoid last week’s long queues, codes will be strictly limited.
“Entry to the ballot does not guarantee you will receive a code.”
They added: “If you do not receive an email then unfortunately you will not be eligible for the ballot.”
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Those close to the band told The Sun that Noel, 57, and Liam, 51, put on the additional tickets for their fans as they were overwhelmed by the huge response to their reunion.
A source added: “If Noel and Liam can add more shows on to their run in the UK, they will.
“It’s logistically a massive task and their teams are working hard on trying to see if they can make it happen.”
The brothers are also expected to announce dates in the US in the coming weeks. The UK tour kicks off in Cardiff on July 4, followed by gigs in Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Dublin.
Oasis 2025 tour dates
OASIS brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher have revealed a 17 gig comeback tour next summer - here are the details
The Wonderwall hitmakers will delight crowds as follows:
JULY 2025
4th - Cardiff, Principality Stadium
5th - Cardiff, Principality Stadium
11th - Manchester, Heaton Park
12th - Manchester, Heaton Park
16th - Manchester, Heaton Park
19th - Manchester, Heaton Park
20th - Manchester, Heaton Park
25th - London, Wembley Stadium
26th - London, Wembley Stadium
30th - London, Wembley Stadium
AUGUST 2025
2nd - London, Wembley Stadium
3rd - London, Wembley Stadium
8th - Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
9th - Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
12th - Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
16th - Dublin, Croke Park
17th - Dublin, Croke Park
SEPTEMBER 2025
27th - London, Wembley Stadium
28th - London, Wembley Stadium
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