"Liam Leads Media Blitz"

"Go Let It Out"

Oasis were "trouncing everything else" last week with sales of "Go Let It Out" according to HMV. Midweek figures showed that it was outselling its nearest competitor, 'Rise' by Gabrielle, by five to one.

Virgin Megastores, meanwhile, announced sales of 10,000 after the first day of release, with London's Oxford Street branch notching up the most. Despite sales falling short of "D'You Know What I Mean?", it was shifting three times more than 'Rise' at Virgin. Overall, the single sold more than 66,000 copies on its first day.

The 'Go Let It Out" campaign sees Liam appearing on breakfast TV - and forgetting how to swear.

Liam Gallagher was the star of Oasis' latest media blitz, chalking up more TV appearances than any other member of the band. This is a new and unusual development, since the more PR-consaous and amiable Noel Gallagher has traditionally handled the bulk of Oasis' promotional duties. Liam has previously been a bit of a risk, espeaally in live interviews, due to his legendary volatility and almost unstoppable use of the F-word.

Back In October '97, he got Steve Lamacq into trouble after swearing during a interview on the "Evening Session". He later stormed out, leaving Noel behind with Lamacq.

Liam, however, was a model of good behaviour during last week's TV campaign. He was only bleeped out a few times when he was interviewed separately from Noel, on "CD:UK" on Saturday, February 5.

The following Monday, MTV broadcast parts of a more typically X-rated Liam interview, and only a few hours later, the great man was up and about for a grilling on "The Big Breakfast". He gave two separate interviews, one with Johnny Vaughan - during which he uttered the immortal words "mad for it". He later returned to answer viewers' questions sent by e-mall. Despite the early hour, he managed the morning without a single naughty word.

A "Top Of The Pops" appearance and a live recording on Friday - for an April 1 "Later" special - ended a busy week for Liam and the band, who also showcased new material on Steve Lamacq's show. As The Maker went to press, Noel was set for a live interview on Virgin Radio on Tuesday (February 15).

Meanwhile, The Maker presents the best of Liam on "The Big Breakfast", answering questions presented by Johnny Vaughan and Helen Chamberlain.

Johnny: "What is your first childhood memory?"

Liam: "Getting stung by a bee...never mind where! [I was] about three months, four months, something like that. I was in a big pram outside my grandma's house in Ireland...and that's when I developed my voice. . ."

Helen: "David Beckham has been quoted as saying he wears a thong. What is your preferred type of underwear?"

Liam: "I don't wear underwear."

Helen: "No kecks at all? You're keckless?"

Liam: "I'm hanging, man."

Johnny: "If you had to choose between playing football for Manchester City or having the chance to meet John Lennon, which one would it be?"

Liam: "Man City."

Helen: "You've had your baby son that you called Lennon. What would you have called a daughter?"

Liam: "Grace."

Helen: "Is there any reason behind that, or do you just like the name?"

Liam: "I just like the name. I think it's ladylike."

Johnny: "You're renowned for your punch-ups. If you could punch anyone in the world, who would it be?"

Liam: "Oh, it's easy, man. My old man. I'd have to give him a slap, yeah."

Johnny: "Would it be a combination of punches, a flurry of punches or one-time down?"

Liam: "Oh, just a killer right hook, man."

Helen: "Deck out your dad!"

Liam: "Followed by a knee."

Helen: (Reading a female viewer's question) "What do you wear in bed?'"

Liam: "What? Has she been to school, this girl? What do I wear in bed? Nothing. Nothing, man. I don't want to ruin my clothes, you know what I mean, by wearing them in bed. I take my clothes off, fold them down and get into bed."

Helen: "Has fame changed you?"

Liam: "It's not changed me at all."

Helen: "How about buying nicer stuff?'

Liam: "It's what you put in the nice clothes, isn't it? Or a big, flash car - it depends who's in the big, flash car..."

Johnny: "After Steve Cradock, who else would you like to do song with?"

Liam: "No one, really. Cos I weren't meant to do that, That was just an off-chance thing. I don't like plying with anyone else, just my band,"

Helen: "Would you let Fatboy Slim remix any of your stuff?"

Liam: "No. No chance."

Johnny: "You're such a style guru, Do you have a stylist or are you able to choose what you wear yourself?"

Liam: "I'm able to choose myself, mate. Gets you into trouble, people choosing clothes for you. Ask Beckham."

Johnny: "What's the most extreme intrusion you've had into your life?"

Liam: "People following me round the park with my kid...And if people do follow me with a camera, they're going to get a slap. Because I'm there to have my music criticised and that's it. Not following my baby round the park."

Johnny: "Not questioning your pram technique. 'Look, he's made a slip!"

Liam: "Look at him. He didn't put that nappy in the bin. The dog'll slip on it!"

Johnny: "Whoops! Three pictures of that nappy going in the bin. It's national news,"

Liam: "Exactly. Silly, ain't it?"

Lamacq Hears New Songs First

Oasis' media campaign included the first airing of songs from the new album as part of their Radio 1 session.

The band recorded five songs for Steve Lamacq's "Evening Session" last month. They showcased two new songs, "Sunday Morning Call" and the next single "Who Feels Love?", along with new versions of evergreens "Rock'n'Roll Star" and "Talk Tonight", plus a cover of The Who's 'My Generation".

The recordings were broadcast last week on the "Evening Session". Oasis have also announced that their old touring pals Travis will be joining them on their April American dates.

VH1 Special Lined Up

VH1 are broadcasting an Oasis special as part of their "Behind The Music" series. The date's still unconfirmed. A spokesman told us VH1 have filmed the first half of a documentary - but, it seems, noone has told Liam.

Asked by Johnny Vaughan on "The Big Breakfast" if he was making such a programme, he replied: "No, I don't think so. There's enough been said about this band. We just want to make music." He added that he'd like to make a film, particularly an Oasis cartoon. An Oasis spokesman refused to comment on the apparent contradiction.

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c 2000 Andrew Turner

aturner@interalpha.co.uk

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