"Pop Goes The Bassist: Oasis Deserted Again"

by Alex O'Connell

Alongside the article in colour a picture of Noel and Liam at the press conference

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picture by Sinead Lynch

THE rock group Oasis was down to three members last night after the departure of its bass guitarist, Paul McGuigan, the second member to throw in his plectrum in as many weeks.

Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, the rhythm guitarist, quit the Manchester band on August 9. It is thought that one departure triggered the other and that both wished to spend more time with their young families.

Noel Gallagher, the songwriter and guitarist, went on a charm offensive yesterday, explaining at a hastily organised press conference that the group which started out as five Manchester lads was down to two Mancunian brothers and a Cockney: Alan White, the drummer.

Noel said: "We were a bit shocked. We knew something wasn't right and we saw it coming, but we didn't expect to be here today saying this."

Liam Gallagher, the lead singer, said: "They did not seem into it. It might change when we have kids. You have to respect them as family men." The wives of both Gallagher brothers are pregnant.

Both admitted that it would be an unusual recruitment drive. "They've got to be a lot taller than me, have nice taste in shoes, have a good haircut and not be Manchester United fans - if you can do that you're sorted," Liam said.

Oasis have coped without their bassist before. McGuigan, 28, left the band for a short time in 1995, suffering from exhaustion. He was replaced temporarily by Scott McCleod of The Ya Yas. At the time, Noel said: "Paul is Oasis. If he leaves, the band is finished. It's that simple."

Oasis are following a well-established pattern in plodding on with only two or three original members. Genesis and Status Quo have both survived successfully.For the moment they have no choice: the band is on a world tour next March.

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c 1999 Andrew Turner

aturner@interalpha.co.uk

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