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.
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.
Jimmy Bradbury, Reuben Haycocks, Aoife Anson O’Connell, and Paddy Murphy – better known together as Westside Cowboy – formed back in 2023 when they were students at the Royal Northern College of Music, so while they may not all be from Manchester, they definitely have the spirit of our city at the heart of everything they do.
After playing in different bands across the city throughout their student years, the four-piece joined forces to create Westside Cowboy – an indie rock collective credited with self-coining the genre of ‘Britainicana’.
Put simply, Britainicana is a cultural concept that mixes the hazy, mythic feel of American country and folk, with the sound of raw British punk, indie rock, and small-town life.
Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On / Credit: Clementine Schniedermann (Press Shots – Supplied)
If that sounds like your cup of tea, then you’ll be pleased to know that Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On, to the world today (21 August).
And the reception from critics, arguably, couldn’t be better.
Prior to the release of their debut album, the band had released two EPs, including So Much Country ‘Till We Get There in January earlier this year, and had started to make a name for themselves with their popular debut single ‘I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You)’ in 2024.
They went onto make even further waves when they supported equally-rising American rock band Geese on their UK and Irish tour back in March – with many fans calling it one of the best support and main act combinations in some time.
Three singles from their debut album were shared with the world ahead of its release – ‘Kick Stones (The Boys)’ came first, followed by ‘Pin Up Boys’ and ‘Dobro’.
So, it’s fair to say the anticipation for album was high… and if the reviews are anything to go by (which we think they are), it looks like the band has very much delivered what they set out to achieve.
Westside Cowboy’s debut album It Goes On is now available to stream, or you can purchase a physical copy in a range of formats from their website here.
Take a listen👇
Featured Image – Press Shot (Supplied)
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BBC Introducing LIVE is back with events across the North for grassroots music artists
Emily Sergeant
BBC Introducing’s flagship live event will return with a huge lineup of activities for aspiring musicians and music creators this autumn.
To celebrate and champion undiscovered talent across the country, BBC Introducing LIVE will include an array of live performances, immersive workshops, educational panels, and networking opportunities for grassroots artists, DJs, and music creators, all at the start of their careers.
Introducing LIVE will head across the UK, including hosting four special gigs in Leeds and a songwriting camp in Manchester.
The BBC Introducing Songwriting Camp is an invite-only event offering an ‘unparalleled’ experience for artists and creatives to develop skills and collaborate with industry professionals in a real music studio.
Then, on Saturday 28 November, BBC Introducing will host four showcases across Leeds, celebrating some of the best new music from across the UK – with independent music venues The Wardrobe, Belgrave Music Hall, and Oporto all taking part.
While up in Sunderland, following the success of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend there earlier this year, a special takeover event will take place at The Fire Station – with a day of panels, workshops, open mics, and an industry feedback centre planned, all designed to support and inspire the next generation of musicians and music industry professionals.
Other northern cities hosting events during this year’s programme are Gateshead, and major music city Liverpool.
Many successful artists, including the North’s very-own Sam Fender, as well as big names like Ed Sheeran, Raye, Olivia Dean, and Loyle Carner, all began their careers with support from BBC Introducing.
“Championing and nurturing artists and creatives is at heart of everything BBC Introducing does, and so I’m excited that Introducing LIVE will be returning in November for our biggest year yet,” commented Kelly Betts, who is the Editor of BBC Introducing.
“BBC Introducing will be at events, panels, and gigs across the UK giving emerging talent the opportunity to learn from industry experts, make music and connect with fellow artists.
“Music has the power to unite, inspire, and shape our culture and BBC Introducing’s flagship event will help some of the UK’s rising stars on their journey to achieve this.”
Danny Jones -
19th November 2023 
