"Post-Bonehead, What Next?"

Oasis fans were backing Bonehead last week after hearing the news that he's quit the band. One group of supporters on the Internet have started up a petition to persuade the guitarist not to leave, but others are so firmly in support of Bonehead that they are hitting out at the campaigners.

Liam Gallagher, meanwhile, is "gutted" at the loss of his long-time drinking buddy. Speaking to The Sun at Liz Hurley's premiere party for 'Mickey Blue Eyes', he revealed: "I'm not really happy about it. None of us are. Bonehead's my mate and it came pretty much out of the blue. It's been a shock, but don't worry we're not splitting up. He's a top man and I wish him lick. He'll probably do some solo stuff and I'm looking forward to that - he's got talent. Of course he has. He was in Oasis."

Noel Gallagher was less sentimental, cracking: "It's not exactly Paul McCartney leaving The Beatles!"

Bonehead, for his part, has been lying low at his home in the village of Bowden, near Manchester, and refusing interview requests from all around the world. He spoke out only once last week, telling The Sun: "Liam and Noel were very cool about it. I think they were a bit shocked, but there's no problem between us. I've just got other things I want to do. The bottom line is I want to spedn more time with my family and see my kids grow up. I might go and see them in concert one day as a fan, but I'm happy with the decision."

Speculation has been mounting about the future of Bonehead and Oasis since the guitarist declared that having completed his guitar parts for the next album, he was leaving the band. A spokesman for the band has rejected rumours of tension between Noel and Bonehead. We asked if Bonehead's departure might affect the stability of the group, given his reputation as a mediator between the battling Gallaghers.

The spokesman said: "I'm sure it was like that in the early days, but everyone's matured now and things are different." He also scotheched reports that Bonehead intends to record a solo album for Creation in his home studio, explaining simply that Bonehead, like all the band, is still signed colectively and individually to the Creation/Sony deal.

Creation issued a statement to dismiss last week's most outrageous rumour, that Bonehead would be replaced by former Smiths and Electronic star Johnny Marr. It read in part: "...Despite over-excited reports to the contrary, Johnny Marr is not joining Oasis. As originally stated, there will be no replacement for Bonehead."

A Creation source said: "I'm sure when they come to playing live that they'll draft someone in. Obviously, that'll be a session guy rather than a full member of the band." The source discounted rumours that the shortlist might include Ian Brown guitarist and solo artist Aziz Ibrahim, but was less dismissive of rumours naming keyboard player Paul Stacey, who has played live with Oasis.

He said: "I don't think Oasis will decided until nearer the time, but there's a good case for it being Paul. Of the names that have come up, that's the most likely." Oasis' spokesman confirmed that the band have remained on friendly terms with Bonehead. He said: "I would say Liam was the closest to Bonehead, but at the end of the day, they're all close. They've all talked over the last few days."

Asked if Oasis or Bonehead knew about the fans' change-your-mind petition, the spokesman said: "It's not something I'm aware of, but I can imagine it happening. There always wasd a Bonehead fan club out there. I think he'll be really, really touched. I think he's touched by all the suport he's had for what is a sensible and selfless decision."

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c 1999 Andrew Turner

aturner@interalpha.co.uk

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