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We found a Japanese Oasis tribute band on TikTok — and they’re actually mint

They might live 'Half the World Away', but they’re welcome in any Manc gig venue they want as far as we're concerned.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 19th November 2023

We can hope and dream all we like but the sad truth is, so long as those Gallagher boys keep marding with each other, Oasis are never getting back together — then again, ever since we stumbled across a dedicated Japanese tribute band, we’re not sure we even need a reunion now.

You’ll find plenty of drunken dads doing their best Liam impression at karaoke up and down the country and countless more screaming the words to ‘Wonderwall’ most weekends all over the globe, let alone in Manchester, but we’ll admit we never expected to waste hours of our life watching a Japanese Oasis tribute band on TikTok.

The difference is, while most of us regularly butcher tracks by the legendary ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll’ stars, this tribute act from Japan might just be the closest thing to an authentic-sounding Oasis band you’ll find beyond hearing Noel and Liam performing the hits solo — which we all know isn’t quite the same.

Although they might be mostly limited to performances at various venues in and around Tokyo, after watching a few videos we’re determined to make them one of the biggest household names since, well, Oasis.

@otasis_japan – LIVE INFO – *Japanese followed by English [JP] MUSIC LIFE CLUB発足５周年記念The Greatest Rocks ～For The Beatles, Oasis Lovers～にotasisが出演決定！ 日時：6月24日（土）開場18:00、開演18:30 会場：渋谷 Club Rosso 出演：otasis (tribute to Oasis) / The Beatmasters (tribute to The Beatles) トークショー：矢口清治（ラジオDJ） 料金：前売り￥3,500　当日￥4,000 (共に1drink別) 特別協力：（株）シンコーミュージック・エンタテイメント チケット予約はこちらから https://clubrosso.com/cn3/pg4909515.html [ENG] otasis will perform at The Greatest Rocks – For The Beatles, Oasis Lovers – to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the foundation of MUSIC LIFE CLUB! Date & time: 24th June 2023(Sat), doors open 6:00pm, show starts 6:30pm Venue: Club Rosso (Shibuya, Tokyo) Performer: otasis (tribute to Oasis) / The Beatmasters (tribute to The Beatles) Talk show personality: Kiyoharu Yaguchi (Radio DJ) Tickets: ¥3,500 (rsvd) / ¥4,000 (on the day) – Exc 1drink Special cooperation: Shinko Music Entertainment Co. Click the link below to book tickets. https://clubrosso.com/cn3/pg4909515.html #oasis #オアシス #live ♬ オリジナル楽曲 – otasis (Oasis Tribute Band)

Simply called Otasis, the five-piece doesn’t just play virtually every track the original Britpop icons ever produced and a few Beatles tunes for good measure, they go for the full shebang.

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We don’t just mean the ‘Liam Gallagher lean’ and round sunglasses; we’re talking the sideburn-heavy ‘Wellend’ haircuts, the parkas and Stone Island jackets zipped up all the way to the top, tambourines, bucket hats — the lot.

The 90s fashion might still be something you see quite regularly around 0161 and we’ve all seen someone stand over a mic like the great LG, but when you put it all together with some genuine talent, you can’t argue with the results.

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It’s not just a pale, amusing imitation either: from the unmistakable Liam whine to the natural and almost effortless guitar playing that Noel epitomises, they seem to have it all down pat. The lead singer even throws in the odd City shirt for good measure.

@otasis_japan

【 #oasis V.S. #Radiohead Tribute Live 開催決定！】 2023年11月3日 (金・祝日) 開場 6:00pm / 開演 6:30pm @渋谷 Club Rosso 出演: otasis / 無線頭-musen's (tribute to Radiohead) 料金: 前売 3,500円 / 当日 4,000円 (+1drink) チケット予約はメッセージにて！ #オアシス #レディオヘッド #music #洋楽 #90s #イギリス #liamgallagher #noelgallagher #リアムギャラガー #ノエルギャラガー #UK #otasis #オタシス #livemusic #コピー

♬ オリジナル楽曲 – otasis (Oasis Tribute Band)

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These lads are the self-proclaimed ‘best Oasis band in Japan’ but we dare say they’re one the best we’ve ever come across full stop.

We sincerely hope they go viral sometime soon and start booking gigs all across the globe, as well as make their way over to Manchester one day too, of course — you just know it would absolutely go off.

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Should that day ever come, Otasis, you better reserve us a spot on the guest list.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Otasis (via Instagram)

Audio

Rowetta has left Happy Mondays after 34 years

Danny Jones Danny Jones Rowetta leaves Happy Mondays after three decades

It’s a sad day for Madchester fans everywhere as Manc-born and bred musician Rowetta has officially left Happy Mondays after 34 long years.

Rowetta, born Rowetta Idah, hails from Crumpsall and remains one of Greater Manchester’s most well-known singers and all-round cultural figures.

The 58-year-old has recorded and performed with the electronic and indie dance icons since 1990 and rejoined the original lineup for a reunion back in 2012 and has remained part of the touring band ever since, but it now looks as though their long-running partnership has come to an end.

Confirming the news via an official announcement on Monday, 23 December, they wrote: “Happy Mondays and Rowetta announce that Rowetta will no longer be performing with the band.

The statement goes on to read: “Happy Mondays thank Rowetta for her services and wish her the best for the future.” Many have questioned the circumstances given the brevity of the post.

Best known for her powerful voice on the likes of ‘Step On’, ‘Kinky Afro’ and several other hits, but her association with the group has been on and off over the years amid their various splits/hiatuses.

As well as a solo career which saw her songs sampled by the likes of Swedish House Mafia and Black Eyes Peas, Rowetta also featured on the very first series of the X-Factor back in 2004 and has lent her vocals on various different projects over the years.

For instance, she was also a featured artist on Shed Seven’s 2023 single, ‘In Ecstasy, joining them on stage for live renditions as recently as August of this year, when they supported Blossoms at their massive Wythenshawe Park show.

She also delighted crowds at Kendal Calling last summer, with many online arguing that she’s been “carrying the show” of late.

@the.manc They definitely still have it #happymondays #manchester ♬ original sound – The Manc

Rowetta herself has issued an official personal response other than sharing the same statement confirming that they have parted ways, leaving many wondering what may have gone on behind the scenes.

The comments underneath both individual posts are also turned off – make of that what you will.

To have spent over three and a half decades on and off with one of the North’s best-loved bands and to then share only a couple of lines, does admittedly raise an eyebrow.

Not only were followers understandably surprised to hear of the news but even if the Happy Mondays and/or Rowetta aren’t making their feelings known on the matter, it hasn’t stopped plenty of others getting emotional on their behalf.

One person wrote on X: “Many Mondays gigs in recent years it has been Rowetta who has kept things going on stage. But, it’s been great to see her singing with Shed Seven this year, and really showcasing her talents on the albums and on stage. Onwards and upwards.”

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For many, it’s a case of “the Happy Mondays without Rowetta just doesn’t work” and it’s clear the relationship with their fans and the energy at live shows won’t be the same without her.

Only time will tell whether or not a particular flash-point caused this split or if they collectively just decided to call it a day.

Either way, we loved listening to you, Ro – we hope to hear you on plenty of other stuff in the meantime.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Man Alive! (via Flickr)/The Warehouse Project (supplied)

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The UK’s much-loved ‘day rave’ with Vicky and Jon McClure returns to Manchester for New Year’s Eve

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

One of the UK’s most popular new club events and pioneering ‘day rave’ is returning to Manchester this New Year’s, featuring founders Jon and Vicky McClure, as well as some very special guests.

The Line of Duty star and Reverend and the Makers frontman started the parent-friendly event back in January of this year as an alternative day out for those looking to have a party and still manage an early bedtime. Since then it’s gone on to become a real phenomenon and is only getting bigger.

With Vicky swapping UK dramas and crime thrillers for the discotheque and ‘Big Jon’ switching lanes from his usual rock, indie and alternative roots to favour timeless dance tracks to still get people up on their feet, Day Fever has gone down a storm all over the country.

With their first year coming towards a close, they now look set for arguably their biggest day rave to date as Day Fever will be hosting a special New Year’s Eve for their final hurrah of 2024 right here in Manchester city centre – and no, you don’t need to be able to stay up until midnight.

The two McClures – unrelated, by the way, they just share a name and a fantastic taste in music – and the rest of their crew will be partying between 3-8pm for a much more tame and friendlier night (day) out, commanding the decks alongside some other special guests.

Not only does this alternative way to party promise a more responsible curfew, meaning clubbers don’t have to worry about missing the last train home but it’s also geared towards over 30s whilst still being super inclusive.

This day-time clubbing event is designed to reminisce on the old days and all those dance-filled memories of evenings spent out on the tiles, just minus the late-night finish – and hopefully the hangover but that’s down to you really, isn’t it?

In their words: ‘There’s no dress code, no egos—just pure positivity’; there’s nothing we love to hear more than the sweet relief of not having to get dolled up for a big night when we just can’t be bothered.

With New Century Hall hosting the Day Fever once again for their first-ever NYE party here in Manchester, along with two other events being held simultaneously in Edinburgh and Birmingham, you can get all your partying done way with plenty of time to get cosy in bed before the calendar turns over.

Just in time to watch Jools Holland’s famous Annual Hootenanny, as they put it.

Jon McClure and Vicky’s co-star, Martin Compston
Vicky McClure leading the dance routines

This is guaranteed to be an evening to remember for everyone in attendance, especially when you’re joined by stars of stage and screen who will be powering you through with some proper dance bangers as they have done all year long.

The New Year’s Eve party isn’t just the last dance of the year either, it’s also effectively the prequel to next year’s raft of shows as Day Fever has already announced more than a dozen big dates in January and February.

This batch of 2025 dates sees the gang taking on lots of other cities, including North West neighbours Liverpool, Sheffield, Leeds and Hull over in Yorkshire, two Newcastle shows and plenty more.

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So, if you’re feeling those clubbing blues, that pesky seasonal affective disorder or just still not booked up for NYE 2024, why not make the most of this day-time opportunity?

Tickets for both the New Year’s Eve and the rest of their 2025 events are available on the official Day Fever website HERE.

Oh yeah, and help get Rev to Christmas number one – it’s for a good cause and they deserve it!

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Publicity Picture via Supplied

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