Beady Eye

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Lore & Background

After Oasis abruptly split in August 2009, Liam Gallagher announced in November he and former Oasis band members had written new material as part of a new project, and could be gigging as early as a couple of months. He stated that "Oasis are done; this is something new." On 19 November 2009, Liam announced he would be recording an album with Gem Archer, Andy Bell, and Chris Sharrock around Christmas time, with a possible release date in July 2010. He told MTV: "We've been demo-ing some songs that we've had for a bit. Just doing that, on the quiet, not making a big fuss about it. After Christmas we might go in the studio and record them and hopefully have an album out in July." He was reported to be "feeling a million per cent confident that they could be better than Oasis." On 16 March 2010, Liam announced that his new band would be releasing their first single in October with an album to follow the next year. On 9 November 2010, Beady Eye released their first single "Bring the Light" as a free download. A limited physical release followed, and charted at number 61 on the UK Singles Chart, topping the Indie and Rock charts. A second promotional single, "Four Letter Word", was released on 26 December 2010.

In Their Own Story

In July 2011, Beady Eye recorded the song "Blue Moon", which is sung by Manchester City fans during matches, in support of Manchester City's new 2011/12 kit. Gallagher said "I've been a City fan since I was a kid, so to be involved with the launch of a new kit is colossal. Manchester City fans are known for having a lot of style and the new shirt looks mega. I love the soundwave idea and the Mod-inspired collar looks proper smart. 'Blue Moon' is a top tune and has been City's song for as long as I can remember. It's been covered by loads of people but the only good one until now was the one Elvis did. I hope the fans buzz off our version and sing along to it at the stadium." On 12 August 2012, Beady Eye performed Oasis classic "Wonderwall" at the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony. On 25 October 2014, Liam Gallagher announced that Beady Eye had disbanded. His post on Twitter stated the band are "no longer" and thanked fans for their support. He would later embark upon a solo career with Mehler as his session and touring musician, while Archer and Sharrock joined Noel's band, High Flying Birds, and Bell returned to his original band, Ride. In a 2018 interview, Liam blamed a lack of coverage for Beady Eye's disbandment, as well as the diminishing size of crowds and the second album's failure to gain popularity in the United States, resulting in the band not touring there. He stated that if their third album had not been successful they would have been "playing pubs".

Reader's Guide

Beady Eye released two studio albums: Different Gear, Still Speeding (2011) and BE (2013). The debut album was recorded in London at RAK studios in Autumn 2010 and produced by Steve Lillywhite. The band undertook a short promotional tour of the UK and Europe in March 2011. "The Roller" was announced as the band's first commercial single and became their only UK top 40 single, peaking at No. 31. The second album BE was produced by Dave Sitek, who had previously produced records for Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV on the Radio and Jane's Addiction. It charted at Number 2 in the UK on its release. Beady Eye opened the Glastonbury Festival 2013 with an unbilled performance on the Other Stage on Friday 28 June, despite Liam previously claiming he would never return to the festival. Their August tour with dates including V Festival was cut short, due to a head injury sustained by guitarist Gem Archer at his home. The band initially shied away from playing Oasis songs, because Liam Gallagher wanted the band to "become known for what it is." However, in February 2012, Liam stated that Beady Eye would play Oasis songs, and on 28 June 2012 they played two Oasis songs: "Morning Glory" and "Rock 'n' Roll Star" at Warrington's Parr Hall.

Did You Know?

• Beady Eye's debut single "The Roller" was announced as the best selling vinyl single of 2011 in the UK.
• The band's debut album Different Gear, Still Speeding was shortlisted for XFM's New Music Award to find the best debut album from a British band in 2011.
• Beady Eye opened the Glastonbury Festival 2013 with an unbilled performance on the Other Stage, despite Liam previously claiming he would never return to the festival.
• The documentary Start Anew? A Film About Liam Gallagher and Beady Eye won the People's Choice Lovie Award.
• Former Oasis guitarist Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs joined Beady Eye on stage for a tribute concert for Jon Brookes in October 2013, covering George Harrison's 'My Sweet Lord' and Oasis' 'Live Forever' and 'Columbia'.