Definitely Maybe: The Birth, Death and Resurrection of Oasis

by Andy Bollen

Few bands in British musical history have achieved the mythical status of Oasis. Emerging from the streets of 1990s Manchester, their meteoric rise was fuelled by a relentless drive and swagger that left an indelible mark on pop history. Definitely Maybe is a comprehensive account of that journey – from their humble beginnings and label signing in King Tut's to Britpop jousts with Blur and Knebworth.

Bollen explores the Gallagher brothers' chemistry and rivalry, the backstage fights, their Irish blood and English hearts, the substance abuse and intense media circus that swirled around them. Oasis became the band of the people by giving the people what they rock 'n' roll. They were Artful Dodgers from a housing scheme, who enjoyed their fame and created stadium anthems that connected with millions.

Genres: Nonfiction, Music

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published July 24, 2025

Reviews

[Stephen Kirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a market where there are already more than a few books about oasis, Andy’s book stands out given he was in attendance at the king tuts gig which led to their signing with creation records. Yes there’s lots within these pages that you’ll already be familiar with but Andy’s take on the king tuts gig and oasis’s stratospheric rise is a personable and humorous one. Terrific read.

[Rory Kirkland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fell into a real slump in the first half of the book. Little motivation to read it and didn’t really feel like it was saying anything important or significant to their story. That could’ve been a me problem but by the second half began to enjoy it. Learning about them and their lives!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down.

[Lea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of an achievement to make a book about Oasis boring, but still a drag to read. The structure is really weird and it's repetitive and without much meat on its bone.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was fine. If you know nothing about oasis, this is fine but most of this I already knew although the author did get some interviews and give some firsthand perspective on that night at King Tut’s so it gets bumped for that. Writing style good and at times funny. Would read something from this author again; main problem was not enough really new in this book that hasn’t been covered a million times over in books and documentaries about oasis. I liked the parts he focused on his own perspective and how his own life linked with their rise - perhaps he should have focused more on that rather than rehashing much of what is already out there.