Virgin Radio 99.9 Toronto

In the mid-'90s, Noel Gallagher received much press -- most of it negative -- for his candid admiration of his own songwriting abilities. However, Gallagher's braggadocio can be viewed as having merit considering the worldwide success and critical acclaim of his band, Oasis. Gallagher was born on May 29, 1967, in Longsight, Manchester, England. At the age of 13, Gallagher began teaching himself how to play guitar, imitating the riffs of his favorite songs. While working for a building company, a weighty cap from a steel gas pipe landed on Gallagher's right foot, crushing it. The accident forced Gallagher into the less strenuous job of working in a storehouse; it also gave him more time for guitar practice and writing songs. In 1988, Gallagher auditioned to be a member of Inspiral Carpets. Although he was turned down, Inspiral Carpets hired him as a roadie. In the early '90s, Gallagher joined Oasis with his brother, Liam Gallagher (vocals), Paul McGuigan (bass), Tony McCarroll (drums), and Paul Arthurs (guitar). Often inundated with comparisons to the Beatles, Oasis launched another British Invasion in the mid-'90s, as well as resuscitating back-to-basics rock & roll in England. On Aug. 23, 1996, Noel Gallagher sang lead vocals on Oasis' performance for MTV's Unplugged after his sibling complained of a sore throat. Later that year, he appeared on the Chemical Brothers' "Setting Sun" single. ~ Michael Sutton, All Music Guide