The finest book on Britain's most celebrated rock 'n' roll band - and why they were destined to reform

'It felt like the London music business had set the stage for Blur to be the centre of Britpop, and then we turned up and they never forgave us.'

Think Oasis was just Britpop and brawls? Think again.

In this, the definitive book on Britain's biggest band, John Robb peels back the layers of Manchester's best known musical export, revealing a tale of ambition, ego, talent, and a whole lot of attitude. From the gritty pubs of Manchester to the dizzying heights of global stardom, this unauthorized biography is a rollercoaster ride through the Gallagher brothers' turbulent lives and the music that defined a generation. But it is also a portrait of Britain around the turn of the millennium and the cultural forces and places that shaped, and were shaped by, two cocksure autodidacts from Burnage - from art to fashion, and from football to politics.

Playful, funny and irreverent, and drawing on dozens of interviews and first-hand stories, Live Forever puts Oasis squarely in the Pantheon of Rock 'n Roll royalty as the last great band of the pre-internet age. So, grab your parka and shades, perfect your swagger, and prepare to be amazed, amused, and maybe even just a little bit shocked.

About the Author

John Robb is a many-faceted creature. Bassist and singer for post-punk dark energy mainstays The Membranes, best-selling author, radio and TV presenter, journalist, DJ, publisher, model and talking head, he also puts on his own music and book events. He runs culture website Louder Than War, invented the word Britpop and was the first person to interview Nirvana. His most recent book is The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth.

Reviews

Praise for The Stone Roses and the Resurrection of British Pop

'Brother John Robb knows. He was there!' Ian Brown

'I've read this book three times now and finally it has a happy ending.' Noel Gallagher

Praise for The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth

'Magisterial' The Times

'This exhaustive book shows why the dark side is not dead and buried.' Mojo

'John Robb brilliantly illuminates the realm of imagination and dark beauty.' Johnny Marr

'An encyclopaedia of excitement - thanks to this book goth is undead.' Chris Packham

'The definitive book on a scene that demands to be celebrated. Fascinating, thoughtful, surprising and freakishly detailed.' Grace Dent

Praise for The North Will Rise Again: Manchester Music City 1976-1996

'An extraordinary history ... The range of voices breathing new life into past events is vast.' **** Mojo

'John Robb is a great writer.' Mick Jones, The Clash

Book Information
ISBN 9780008751364
Author John Robb
Format Hardback
Page Count 384
Imprint HarperNorth
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 270g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 159mm * 27mm