Paul McCartney Nearly Recorded with Oasis

The Fab Four’s Enduring Influence on the Gallaghers

Oasis and the Gallagher brothers have been long associated with the music of The Beatles. Were the connections overblown by the press at the time? Potentially. Targeted at American audiences so they had a ‘new’ Beatles? Most likely. But the influence the Fab Four had on the Gallagher brothers and other members of Oasis is undeniable. Whether it be the covers, the haircuts, Liam Gallagher’s vocals (much inspired by Tomorrow Never Knows), or even the reprise of All Around the World at the end of the Be Here Now album (something hard not to associate with The Beatle’s reprise of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band) - influences are clearly there. The Gallagher’s are also not ashamed to hide their love of the Fab Four publicly, with Noel Gallagher claiming it was embarrassing to be compared to the Liverpudlian pioneers, as Oasis ‘weren’t as good as them’.

The Gallagher Brothers © Simon Emmett/Fear PR

A Studio Encounter at Capitol Records

But what might be a surprise to some, is that during the recording of Oasis’ 6th studio album, Don’t Believe the Truth, Paul McCartney nearly complemented an Oasis song with his iconic signature bass. Boy with the Blues is a Liam Gallagher-penned track, recorded at Capitol Studios in LA somewhere between 2004 and 2005 while Oasis were recording their 6th record. The song, however, was not released for another few years, appearing as both a bonus track on Oasis’ 2009 album Dig Out Your Soul and in the soundtrack to hit TV series NCIS.

"The Bass... It’s Not Too Great"

At the time of recording, Oasis’ drummer was The Who and Mantra of the Cosmos member, as well as son of Ringo Starr, Zak Starkey, who stayed with the band for nearly 4 years. When Macca paid a visit to his old pal’s eldest child, Oasis played their in-progress track for the Beatle. The McCartney verdict was something the band probably weren’t expecting to be met with – “Ah, the bass. It’s not too great”. Jumping on the opportunity, Liam Gallagher invited the ex-Beatle to lay down the part himself – “why don’t you go in there and put your bass on it?”. Ultimately Paul McCartney ‘wriggled out of it’ and nothing came to be of the encounter, with Heavy Stereo and longtime Oasis guitarist Gem Archer completing the rhythm section on the song.

Oasis Guitarist Gem Archer © Raph PH

Despite this, Paul McCartney was seen at Oasis’ Live 25 Tour in Los Angeles, and even with past conflicts and the strong implied musical connections, there seems to be a great level of respect between Oasis and the ex-Beatle. Though nothing came from their encounter back at Capitol Studios, it’s an interesting thought of what could have been. A Beatle and Oasis on the same track.

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Joel Hill
Editor, BritRock Heaven