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HomeCarsan unusual and fascinating relationship

an unusual and fascinating relationship

With the announcement that the Gallagher brothers will be back on stage next year, let's dive into the surprising and sometimes comical relationship that the band Oasis has with the world of cars. Between impulse purchases, eccentric choices and memorable stagings, discover how these British rock stars have left their mark on the history of music… and the automobile.

Rock stars without licenses, but not without cars

Unlike many music stars who collect luxury cars, Liam and Noel Gallagher have one surprising feature: neither of them has a driver's license. However, this has not stopped the Gallagher brothers from buying themselves some exceptional vehicles throughout their careers.

This apparent contradiction between their passion for certain cars and their inability to drive them themselves is a testament to the duo's legendary eccentricity. Their automotive choices, often guided by impulse or aesthetic infatuation, reflect the brothers' explosive and unpredictable personalities.

Noel Gallagher and his Jaguar Mark II: a story of forgetting

The most delicious anecdote probably concerns Noel Gallagher and his 1967 Jaguar Mark II. Taking advantage of the dazzling success of Oasis' first albums, the guitarist treated himself to this iconic model, chosen specifically because it dates from his birth year.

Not content with acquiring this British gem, Noel had the Jaguar converted into a convertible by specialist company Vicarage. He also made mechanical improvements, foreshadowing the current trend of “restomods”. In total, the investment exceeded ยฃ100,000.

But the most surprising thing about this story is that Noel simplyโ€ฆ forgot he bought the car! As he told Radio X in 2019: โ€œI was in the kitchen one day and a truck pulled up outside the house with this car on the back. I was boiling water and I thought: what a lovely car. One day Iโ€™m going to buy one like that. And the guy knocked on the door and said: โ€˜Mr Gallagher? Your car!โ€™ Iโ€™d forgotten I bought the car.โ€

The Jaguar remained in his possession for over 20 years, virtually immobile. In 2022, Noel finally decided to sell it for ยฃ125,000.

Liam Gallagher and the mysterious Bristol 603

Not wanting to be outdone, Liam Gallagher also treated himself to a prestigious British vehicle: a Bristol 603. This four-seater coupรฉ, produced by the former aircraft manufacturer, was equipped with a powerful Chrysler V8 engine.

The choice of this rather confidential and atypical model illustrates Liam's unpredictable character. Unfortunately, the fate of this car remains a mystery. Why did Liam choose it? What did he do with it? These questions remain unanswered, adding a touch of legend to the relationship between Oasis and the automobile.

The submerged Rolls-Royce: a cult image

If there was one vehicle that could symbolise Oasis' relationship with the automobile, it would undoubtedly be the white Rolls-Royce submerged in a swimming pool, immortalised on the cover of their 1997 album 'Be Here Now'. This image has become a true symbol of the rock'n'roll spirit and excess that characterised the band at their peak.

It was a 1973 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, purchased for the occasion for a mere ยฃ1,000. Photographer Michael Spencer Jones revealed that the car arrived at the shoot location without an engine, destined for scrap after the shoot.

This spectacular staging, set in the swimming pool of a villa in Hertfordshire, near London, perfectly embodies Oasis' provocative attitude and sense of spectacle. It symbolises a generation that defied convention while cultivating a certain sense of style and grandeur.

An unexpected automotive legacy

Oasis' relationship with the automobile, while atypical, has left an indelible mark on the collective imagination. The Gallagher brothers' choice of cars, whether it's Noel's forgotten Jaguar or Liam's mysterious Bristol, are a testament to their unusual personalities and taste for eccentricity.

The image of the submerged Rolls-Royce remains one of the most powerful symbols of the Britpop era, embodying the excess, provocation and creative genius that made Oasis famous.

As the band prepares to make their big comeback, one wonders if new automotive anecdotes will enrich this already well-stocked history. One thing is for sure: even without a driver's license, the Gallagher brothers have left their unique mark on the history of music and automobiles.

This unexpected connection between Oasis and the automotive world is a reminder that passion for cars can take surprising forms. It also highlights how objects, and automobiles in particular, can become powerful symbols in popular culture, transcending their mere utilitarian function to embody a state of mind, an era or an artistic movement.