The candid and hilarious tale of the first five years of Oasis, from their founding drummer
Tony McCarroll joined Oasis when they were still a band called The Rain. What started as five young men with a common dream of becoming rock stars eventually disintegrated into in-fighting, ego clashes, and financial disputes, until in 1995, following the release of Definitely Maybe , things came to a head and Tony left the band. Here, Tony reveals the truth about the early years before the band was formed. He discusses the drug consumption, the sexual activities, his much-publicized rift with Noel Gallagher, and how he was duped into signing a less-than-favorable record contract. His recollections include stories involving David Beckham, Prince, Eric Cantona, and John McEnroe. Witty, revealing, and fascinating, this book is a must-read for Oasis fans.
It's an interesting read for one point of view of the inside story of Oasis before their second album. Despite insistence to the contrary, it is however full of sour grapes and hypocrisy.
Tony claims to be annoyed by Noel's comments on his hair yet somehow thinks penis size is important. He also has far too high an opinion of his skills. If he were the serious student of the art of drumming he claims to have been, he would have been in Oasis far longer and would have had more than Raika on his post-Oasis resume.
I rewatched some of the Definitely Maybe DVD live performances recently, and I still can't shake the impression that Tony was only just holding on. As incompetent a bass player as Guigsy may have been in '94, he improved a lot over the years, something which can definitely not be said for Tony.
Noel was right. Tony was the right drummer for that period, but afterwards would have held the band back, even if just with his petty jelousies. His lack of a career after Oasis proves this aplenty.
A few revelations come out of this book, so this truly is a must read for any Oasis fan. Painting Noel in a fairly negative light, if we are to believe what is written here, then Liam certainly comes out of this book better than Noel. It's actually changed my opinion on both brothers.
The creative process for some of their early material also makes intriguing reading, demonstrating that perhaps all isn't what it seems with the supposed prolific songwriting of Noel Gallagher.
Mcaroll doesn't come over bitter in my opinion, and in truth has every right to fight his corner, given we've only ever heard the Gallagher version of events.
Wow what a honest and unflinching account of the rise of Oasis from Mancunian scallies on the dole to global superstars.
What I liked about Tony's book is that it gives us a different side to the Gallaghers. We all have been led to believe that Liam is a snidey loud obnoxious prat but this is clearly wrong. Liam is much more sensitive and intelligent than the Oasis media machine which leads us to believe.
Surprisingly this seems to have come from Noel Gallagher. I always thought Noel was intelligent kind and generous man who wrote some fantastic songs and musical pieces. However he is portrayed here as a belligerent selfish bully who may have obtained success on the back of plagiarism.
I am reading Noel's autobiography next so will see his side of the story but I have no reason to doubts Tony's account as he seems a genuinely down to earth chap who enjoyed the success on the back of his excellent drumming. Many said his drumming was an integral part of "Definitely Maybe". This has come from his drumming peer group although Noel describes him as shite which seems very petty and he has since backtracked on this.
A must read for music fans as it goes in to dynamics of a group of friends and how their friendship is affected by fame and wealth and critical acclaim.
I generally enjoyed the book because I can't seem to get enough of Oasis! I loved the story of their first years together before taking the world up by storm and liked getting to know the many people who played a role in their lives.
With that said, it is plain that Tony has still a real problem with Noel. Now, I do understand that he is most definitely a difficult person, but he must be mentioned twice as often as the other band members put together. Yes, he did sack Tony, but he is painted as the bad guy from start to finish. Tony hates his guts and it's his right, but the concept of "old Noel" and "new Noel" seems really forced to me.
Liam isn't mentioned as often and when he is, he is painted as a pretty chilled guy, who just wants to make music, struggles with celebrity and wants his big brother to like him. That might be true to some extent, but it's definitely not the whole story. It's clear that Tony likes him and wants to highlight the good things about him. I'm all for it: this is Tony's own version of events! But... the end result is just really unbalanced and Liam isn't portrayed faithfully, considering his behaviour in certain occasions. Then again, this book covers only the first few years of the band, so maybe he really was more chilled back then.
I'm not going to say much about the writing style, since Tony isn't a writer and this book isn't about that. Suffice it to say, it's written as one would tell a story and for this type of book it works.
The title is a bit pretentious. Not only does Tony think this book contain the absolute truth but he also mentions that only this telling of the story, along with another book by their old frontman, are reliable sources. Sounds a tiny bit biased to me.
All in all I do recommend this book to all Oasis fans! It is a bit biased, but it's a personal story so it's part of its charm. It also definitely makes it hard to like Noel at times, but fans of the band won't be scared away ;)
I couldn't finish this book, just so much whinging. It feels like every opportunity he can say how awful Noel is he takes. I understand this is just how it was and Tony's feelings are valid, but it wasn't a very enjoyable read. It just came across as really bitter.
It’s a great read with some very funny recollections and characters about the early days of oasis (and even covers the pre Gallagher era, when they were known as The Rain).
I’m not sure how Tony can recall a lot of what happened in that period of 1994/95 as most of his stories seem to centre around a heavy use of alcohol and drugs, but he does a great job of describing all Noel’s micro aggressions and put downs over the years - almost as though Noel was relishing playing the long game to see how much Tony would take.
I would say though, maybe Tony could have played ball with Noel, like him or not, he was the creative force behind the band and Tony could have just treated him like a boss you don’t really like, but just appease him and get the job done. However, It’s never really explained why Noel had such a hatred for Tony, so maybe it was always going to end the way it did.
But a great read for any oasis fan and a bit of 90s nostalgia thrown in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
First of all, I really like this book but mainly because of the stupid stuff the band has done on their first years. I gave it three stars because I just didn't like the tone of the story... Seemed so grudgy... There are moments that are written were he is talking to Noel and not to the readers. Also, he kept repeating a phrase that is actually quite true! Yet he mention it so much and specially when he is arguing with Noel that you realize that Tony is over victimizing himself. I keep thinking that this was too biased but I like the Gallagher brothers so much that I always enjoy reading stuff about them (because they are fun stories and they say fun stuf... In my opinion). I was dissapointed at the fact that it didn't have as much gossip as I thought it would have, that is another star less for this book. Still, enjoyable and an easy read!
Oasis' history is a lengthy and complex one, and entire books could be written on the Gallagher relationship alone. The Truth represents one version of the band's early days that we longtime, big-picture fans could not have known previously. Though I would not recommend it as an introductory source for someone unfamiliar with Oasis, it is still one man's history. The least we can do, as fans, is listen.
My full review, plus an interview with Tony McCarroll himself, can be found on my site Glorified Love Letters
Tony is an alright guy and would love to have a beer and dive deeper at some things. In this book I felt his pain, anxiety, self-doubt and also good times. I'm upset about the fall of Oasis and to read about it happening in slow motion, well, I needed it to see what happened. Tony, thanks!
I am not someone who usually like to read biographies but loved reading this. I am a massive fan so to read this books felt like a most read.
It felt like having a conversation with your uncle or grandpa about his time in one of the greatest bands ever!
It was lovely to get to know Tony more, his background, how the band members actually met and of course their story together. Like Tony said "Being in a band with the boys I grew up with"(Or somethings like that, I can't find the exact quote)
It give a wonderful insight into what it was like to be apart of Oasis and what the members were like(From Tony's perspective). I liked how there were pictures with descriptions on them among the book, it made the book seem more "real".
I am a Noel Gallagher fan(he still is after reading this book) and yeah Noel or the Cheif seems a bit of a twat in this book, I don't believe that he was like this all the time. Everyone can be a bitch from time to time and in my eyes Noel took on the more professional classes on than the "I-am-going-to-have-the-best-time-ever-and-not-be-professional" classes.
This book can come across as bitter towards Noel and I feel like Tony still isn't over what happened between him and Noel(just from the feeling I got while reading this) even though he said he is. I do agree with Tony that Noel became a different man after fame but after Oasis split I do believe the "old Noel" came back. And definitely(Maybe) after he met Sarah(Noel amazing wife)
I gave this book 4 stars simply because I got a bit tired of the whinnying from Tony about Noel, it got a bit much in the end. And the whole "Gratitudes and Non-gratitudes" Tony didn't really need to do that, but it made him seem a bit of an arsehole, but then again. It was a bit funny.
With the much talked about Oasis reunion I thought it'd be a good time to listen to an audio book about them....
Tony McCarroll was the original drummer🥁 in the group Oasis (formally known as The Rain). The group initially consisted of Liam Gallagher 🎤(lead vocals), Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs 🎸(guitar), Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan (bass guitar) and Tony McCarroll and soon after Liam's brother Noel joined the band. 🇮🇪All the band grew up from humble beginnings in Manchester and were all from Irish descent. The early part of the book is a collection of funny stories from Tony's childhood before swiftly leading into the early history of the band's creation and beyond. As a fan of the band's 🎵 for over twenty years, it was fascinating hearing about their very early origins and there gradual rise to become a world famous Rock and Roll band.
Tony McCarroll was with the band from 1991 to 1995. He played the drums on their debut album, Definitely Maybe, in addition to performing on the singles "Whatever" and "Some Might Say", the latter of which was Oasis's first number-one single from the album (What's the Story) Morning Glory?.
I'm 1995 he was sacked as drummer by Noel, who was the driving force behind the band, Noel stated "I like Tony as a geezer, but he wouldn't have been able to drum the new songs." Tony is incredible bitter towards Noel in the book. I did feel sorry for him but at the end of the day if they needed a more talented drummer to improve their sound then what can you do! Oasis producer Owen Morris said of McCarroll, "Tony was quiet and polite but seemed out of his depth…so I think Tony did well to survive as long as he did in Oasis". Morris described McCarroll's drumming style as "extremely basic"
I'd describe this autobiography as entertaining and a story of sex Drugs and rock n roll ...but without any sex and with lots of swearing instead 😂
Over the last few months I became obsessed with Oasis. So that and another two factors caused my reading to go down hill. But I always enjoy reading about the early stages of a band so I decided to give this a go. People also say Tony is so against Noel. To be fair Noel hasn't denied anything Tony has said about him and I didn't think he was overly biased against him. What Tony says basically echoes what Liam has said over the years. So no it wouldn't surprise me if Noel was responsible for the dynamic pricing Oasis reunion ticketing scandal. Sometimes Noel gives me the creeps.
Tony was like a few others that did believe that Oasis (the Gallagher brothers) would get back together one day. He also said that he never saw a physical fight between them but them fighting was always a selling point of the band sadly.
This is written very well and keeps you engaged throughout. A must read for any Oasis fan.
I was surprised to learn of many truths of the bands early days and to learn of the relationships between the band members and Liam and Noel.
This will probably change your views on Noel and Liam. Interestingly for me, I felt that after reading this, you can put a lot of blame for the issues in Oasis down to Noel rather than Liam.
Very good humour and moments to read about. Worth every penny.
Thanks Tony for the book. I still believe you had many more years left in the band. Shame you were removed by Noel's hate.
2) Probably quite true as there is plenty of circumstantial evidence by many different people piled up over the years that NG is a bell-end. Over time it seems NG is left more and more isolated except for his superstar "friends", which is saying something.
3) There is plenty of evidence of NG stealing songs (not to be confused with "inspired" by songs). Just listen to The Real People's Feel The Pain after 1:30 and then Don't Go Away by Oasis. Care to guess if TRP are given any credit?
4) NG did say in Supersonic (2017) that probably everything Tony has said about him is true.
One of my favourite books I’ve ever read, just re-read it for the 4th or 5th time in 10 years.
A very honest open story about a working class lad from Manchester who hit the big time with his mates who he grew up with.
Bring a drummer myself I was able to relate to a lot of his experiences, although I’ve never had anywhere close to the success he did in Oasis, both behind the kit and in life too!
Also me and my partner met him last week at the definitely maybe bar in Manchester and he is a genuinely nice bloke, would definitely recommend this to any Oasis fan.
Excellent read, really enjoyed following the timeline of the beginning of The Rain, then becoming Oasis. I can see how the author would be hard to get along with, with his 'right is right, my way or the highway' attitude. I was surprised he got on so well with Liam too to be honest. Noel sounds like a real bastard but I'm sure a bit of flexibility and rolling with the punches would go a long way, which is apparently what the others seemed to manage.
Noel Gallagher is a POS. He waltzed in with three ideas for songs and subsequently stole the band. Well that’s what Tony says.
Noel probably had half a clue about the shark tank music industry after being stiffed by the Carpets and subsequently took advantage of people who didn’t realise what they actually possessed ownership of and who didn’t have the basic savvy to seek advice.
WOW! One of the best books I've read about any band. Really eye opening and funny. Please don't write this book of as some kind of trashy read about a disgruntled ex-drummer. It is thoughtfully written and gives an honest look back into one of the best times and bands. Read even if you're not a fan.
quite like Oasis but not a huge fan & not read any other books on them so can't compare. It is enjoyable to read Noel comes across as a prima Donna which is the impression I get listening to them anyway. undoubtedly there different versions of what happened at various stages all sounds plausible is this. many amusing anecdotes of the early years. worth reading for both mega & mini fans
Tony definitely has a bit of a vendetta against Noel Gallagher (possibly legitimately). But still an incredibly interesting insight into early Oasis, some laugh out loud stories and an earnest account from someone who fucking loves drumming and loved being in a band with his mates.
A great read and very funny at times, I think I even lol at times. Interesting to read about how Noel treated other band members, two sides to every story as they say. Personally I always enjoyed the original Oasis lineup when watching them live.
wrs.quite inspirational. the journey that lad went on was.amazing. the way it was.written made.it very.easy to read.and.flashes by like someone.telling you.in the.pub. even says.nive things about.scousers
Damn, Noel sounded like a right nasty bloke back in the day. This book is quite telling, and im glad things worked out for Tony. He seems like a good fella, and his drumming, in my opinion, is what gave oasis that sound in the early days.
The book was pretty good.The author gave his experiences from his point of view. I'm sure there was no love lost between Tony and Noel.It just goes to show you how cutthroat the music business is and how people change.
interesting to read a different account of the events but a lot comes across as biased and bitter (particularly how he describes noel) - and the fact that he says only one other source is “accurate to events” is quite telling
Must read for oasis fans. Good to see that Liam is the better guy than Noel after all. Although the (understandable) hatred of the writer for Noel is a little bit too much, its a good read.
There's a lot of names that makes it a bit confusing, but it was fun to learn about Oasis from his perspective and some behind the scenes stories, too.