Oasis Announce ‘Definitely Maybe’ 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition
No, they’re not reuniting, and a tour is off the cards, but Oasis will celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut album with a deluxe edition.
The Britpop-era Manchester rock heavyweights will release the special, expanded editions of Definitely Maybe on Aug. 31, featuring “unheard” versions from Monnow Valley Studio, near Rockfield, versions and outtakes from Sawmills Studios in Cornwall, where the LP was re-recorded.
The collection will be available on deluxe 4xLP, 2xCD, colored vinyl, cassette and digitally with new artwork and sleeve notes, reads a statement.
Discovered and signed by Creator Records founder Alan McGee, Oasis went on to become one of the most successful bands to emerge from the U.K., amassing eight No. 1 album, including all seven studio recordings. Definitely Maybe, with its top 40 hits “Supersonic,” “Shakermaker,” Cigarettes & Alcohol,” and the all-time classic “Live Forever,” was the album that started it all. The recording spent just one week at the chart summit, but has logged 541 weeks on the tally — and counting.
By the time Oasis dropped their third album, Be Here Now, the band was virtually untouchable in their homeland. That LP broke sales records following its release in 1997, shifting 696,000 units in just three days, and 813,000 across its first full week.
Oasis is no longer an active group due to ongoing friction between the Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam, though their legacy was recognized with a nomination for the Rock Hall class of 2024.
Long-suffering fans got a taste of what they were missing with the 2021 live recording of Oasis’ legendary Knebworth Festival concerts, presented on Aug. 10–11, 1996. Knebworth 1996 opened at No. 4 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart, and was accompanied by a documentary film, directed by Jake Scott.
Lars Brandle
Billboard
