Beady Eye

Last updated

Beady Eye
Beadyeyeberlin2011.JPG
Beady Eye performing in October 2011. From left to right: Andy Bell, Jeff Wootton, Chris Sharrock (on drums), Liam Gallagher and Gem Archer.
Background information
Origin London, England
Genres
Years active2009–2014
Labels
Past members Liam Gallagher
Gem Archer
Andy Bell
Jeff Wootton
Chris Sharrock
Jay Mehler

Beady Eye were an English rock band formed in London in 2009 by former Oasis members Liam Gallagher (vocals), Gem Archer (guitar), Andy Bell (guitar), and Chris Sharrock (drums). In 2013, former Kasabian guitarist Jay Mehler joined the band as a touring bassist following the departure of Jeff Wootton. [1] The band was created when Oasis' lead guitarist and primary songwriter Noel Gallagher quit in August 2009, after which the remaining members decided to rename themselves and continue making music. [2]

Contents

The band released two studio albums— Different Gear, Still Speeding (2011) and BE (2013)—both of which reached the top 5 on the UK Albums Chart, though they had only one UK top 40 single with "The Roller", which peaked at No. 31. They received some praise from Oasis fans, with Q claiming that their debut album was the best Liam had performed on since Oasis' (What's the Story) Morning Glory? . [3]

Liam Gallagher announced in October 2014 that Beady Eye had disbanded. [4] [5] He would subsequently later embark upon a solo career, with Mehler as his session musician. Archer and Sharrock joined Noel's band, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, while Bell returned to his original band, Ride, following the band's reunion shortly after Beady Eye's dissolution.

History

Formation and first singles: 2009–2010

After Oasis abruptly split in August 2009, Liam Gallagher announced in November he and former Oasis band members had written new material as part of a new project, and could be gigging as early as a couple of months, and stated that "Oasis are done; this is something new". [6] On 19 November 2009, Liam Gallagher announced that he would be recording an album with Gem Archer, Andy Bell, Chris Sharrock around Christmas time, with a possible release date in July 2010. [7]

He told MTV: "We've been demo-ing some songs that we've had for a bit. Just doing that, on the quiet, not making a big fuss about it. After Christmas we might go in the studio and record them and hopefully have an album out in July." He later said that the band would "do it in a different kind of way now. I'll try and reconnect with a new band, new songs, and I'm feeling confident about the songs." He was reported to be "feeling a million per cent confident that they could be better than Oasis." [8]

On 16 March 2010, Liam announced that his new band would be releasing their first single in October with an album to follow the next year. On 9 November 2010 Beady Eye released their first single "Bring the Light" as a free download. [9] [10]

The band released "Bring the Light" as a promotional single on 15 November 2010, as a free download. [11] A limited physical release followed, and charted at number sixty-one on the UK Singles Chart, topping the Indie and Rock charts. A second promotional single, "Four Letter Word", was released on 26 December 2010.

Different Gear, Still Speeding: 2010–2012

Gallagher with Beady Eye in 2011 Beady Eye @ Paradiso.jpg
Gallagher with Beady Eye in 2011

"The Roller" was announced as the band's first commercial single, and preceded Different Gear, Still Speeding which was released on 28 February 2011. [12] [13] The album was recorded in London at RAK studios in Autumn 2010 and produced by Steve Lillywhite. The band then undertook a short promotional tour of the UK and Europe in March 2011. A second single, "Millionaire", was announced for 2 May. [14] Following a performance at Brixton Academy, they released a cover of "Across the Universe", originally by The Beatles, as a download only single, with proceeds going to the British Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal. [15]

The third single from their debut album, "The Beat Goes On", was released on 18 July 2011 with a new B side, "In the Bubble with a Bullet".

In July 2011, Beady Eye recorded the song "Blue Moon", which is sung by Manchester City fans during matches, in support of Manchester City's new 2011/12 kit. Gallagher said "I've been a City fan since I was a kid, so to be involved with the launch of a new kit is colossal. Manchester City fans are known for having a lot of style and the new shirt looks mega. I love the soundwave idea and the Mod-inspired collar looks proper smart. "Blue Moon" is a top tune and has been City's song for as long as I can remember. It's been covered by loads of people but the only good one until now was the one Elvis did. I hope the fans buzz off our version and sing along to it at the stadium". [16]

The band toured UK, Europe and America from March to December 2011, [17] initially shying from playing Oasis songs, because Liam Gallagher wanted the band to "become known for what it is".

BE and break-up: 2012–2014

In February, Liam stated that Beady Eye would play Oasis songs. [18] On 28 June 2012, Beady Eye played at Warrington's Parr Hall in which they played two Oasis songs: "Morning Glory" and "Rock 'n' Roll Star". During the same gig, they also showcased a new song entitled "The World's Not Set in Stone".

On 12 August 2012, Beady Eye performed Oasis classic "Wonderwall" at the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony.

After continued writing and sporadic recording in 2012, in November the band started recording the follow-up to Different Gear, Still Speeding with musician and producer Dave Sitek.

"Flick of the Finger", the first song from the band's new album debuted on Californian radio station KCRW on 5 April. [19]

On 10 April 2013, Liam Gallagher announced that Beady Eye's second album would be released on 10 June 2013 and would be titled BE . [20] The album was produced by Dave Sitek who has previously produced records for Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV on the Radio and Jane's Addiction. The first single "Second Bite of the Apple" was released in May. The album charted at Number 2 in the UK on its release. The double A-side "Shine a Light" / "The World's Not Set in Stone" was released on 19 August.

Beady Eye opened the Glastonbury Festival 2013 with an unbilled performance on the Other Stage on Friday 28 June, despite Liam previously claiming he would never return to the festival. [21] Their August tour with dates including V Festival was cut short, due to a head injury sustained by guitarist Gem Archer at his home. [22]

On 18 October 2013, Beady Eye played at A Night For Jon Brookes, a tribute concert for Charlatans' former drummer, the late Jon Brookes. Former Oasis guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs joined the band in place of Archer, who reportedly was in the audience. Included in Beady Eye's set were covers of George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord" and Oasis' "Live Forever" and "Columbia." [23]

Their new double A-side "Iz Rite" / "Soul Love" was released on 25 November 2013. The band were set to play at Coachella Festival 2014 [24] before canceling their appearance.

The band toured with the Australian Big Day Out festival in January 2014.

On 25 October 2014, Liam Gallagher announced that Beady Eye had disbanded. His post on Twitter stated the band are "no longer" and thanked fans for their support. [4] [5] He would later embark upon a solo career, while Archer and Sharrock joined Noel's band, High Flying Birds, and Bell returned to his original band, Ride.

In a 2018 interview, Liam blamed a lack of coverage for Beady Eye's disbandment, as well as the diminishing size of crowds and the second album's failure to gain popularity in the United States, resulting in the band not touring there. He stated that if their third album had not been successful they would have been "playing pubs". [25]

Beady Eye Records

Beady Eye Records Ltd. was a record label set up by the band to release their material in the UK and Ireland,[ citation needed ] serving the same purpose as Big Brother Recordings did for Oasis. On 24 January 2011, it was announced that American indie label Dangerbird Records would release Different Gear, Still Speeding in North America on 1 March 2011. [26]

Discography

Awards

NME Awards

Beady Eye received one NME Award nomination in 2011. [27] [28] [29]

YearNominee / workAwardResult
2011Beady EyeBest New BandNominated

Beady Eye's debut album Different Gear, Still Speeding was shortlisted for XFM's New Music Award to find the best debut album from a British band in 2011. Their debut single "The Roller" was announced as the best selling vinyl single of 2011 in the UK. The follow-up release "Millionaire" was the second best selling, and "The Beat Goes On" was fifth. The documentary Start Anew? A Film About Liam Gallagher and Beady Eye won the People's Choice Lovie Award, while "Shine A Light" was nominated for Q Awards' Best Video.

Band members

Live and session musicians

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oasis (band)</span> English rock band (1991–2009)

Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as the Rain, the group initially consisted of Liam Gallagher, Paul Arthurs (guitar), Paul McGuigan and Tony McCarroll (drums), with Liam's older brother Noel joining as a fifth member a few months after their formation. During the course of their existence, they had various lineup changes, with the Gallagher brothers remaining the only stable members.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liam Gallagher</span> English singer (born 1972)

William John Paul Gallagher, commonly known as Liam Gallagher, is an English singer and songwriter who achieved fame as the lead vocalist of the rock band Oasis from 1991 to 2009. He later fronted the rock band Beady Eye from 2009 to 2014, before starting a successful solo career in 2017. Oasis had various line-up changes; Gallagher and his elder brother Noel were the only constant members. One of the most recognisable figures in British rock music, Gallagher is noted for his distinctive vocal style and outspoken personality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Noel Gallagher</span> English singer and guitarist (born 1967)

Noel Thomas David Gallagher is an English musician, singer and songwriter. He was the primary songwriter, lead guitarist and co-lead vocalist of the rock band Oasis until their split in 2009. After leaving Oasis, he formed Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. He is one of the most successful songwriters in British music history, as the writer of eight UK number-one singles and co-writer of a further number one, as well as the sole or primary writer of ten UK number-one studio albums. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential songwriters in the history of British rock music, cited by numerous major subsequent artists as an influence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Arthurs</span> English musician

Paul Benjamin Arthurs, known professionally as Bonehead, is an English musician. He is best known as the co-founder, rhythm guitarist, and occasional keyboardist of the rock band Oasis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gem Archer</span> English rock musician

Colin Murray "Gem" Archer is an English guitarist and singer. He is best known as a member of the rock bands Oasis, Beady Eye and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, making him, alongside Chris Sharrock, one of the only members of Oasis to have been part of both Liam and Noel Gallagher's post-Oasis projects. He is also known for his work with Heavy Stereo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andy Bell (Welsh musician)</span> Welsh singer

Andrew Piran Bell is a Welsh singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, and DJ. He is one of two vocalists and guitarists of the English rock band Ride, and was formerly the bassist of Oasis from 1999 until their breakup in 2009. Bell was also a member of Hurricane #1 as well as Liam Gallagher's post-Oasis project Beady Eye until their breakup in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kasabian</span> English rock band

Kasabian are an English rock band formed in Leicester in 1997 by lead vocalist Tom Meighan, guitarist and second vocalist Sergio Pizzorno, guitarist Chris Karloff and bassist Chris Edwards. Drummer Ian Matthews joined in 2004. Karloff left the band in 2006 and founded a new band called Black Onassis. Jay Mehler joined as touring lead guitarist in 2006, leaving for Liam Gallagher's Beady Eye in 2013, to be replaced by Tim Carter, who later became a full-time band member in 2021. Meighan left the band in July 2020, with Pizzorno stepping up as full-time lead vocalist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Sharrock</span> British drummer

Chris Sharrock is an English drummer, hailing from Bebington, Cheshire, England. He has been a member of the Icicle Works, the La's, the Wild Swans, World Party, the Lightning Seeds, Robbie Williams's live band, Oasis, Beady Eye and is currently in Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.

<i>Standing on the Edge of the Noise</i> 2008 film

Standing on the Edge of the Noise is an hour long video of the rock band Oasis performing in their rehearsal space Black Island Studios in front of 100 fans prior to touring in 2008. It is also the name of a track on Oasis's successor band Beady Eye's debut album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jay Mehler</span> American musician (born 1971)

Jason "Jay" Mehler is an American musician. He was touring lead guitar player for British rock band Kasabian from 2006 to 2013, when he quit to become a full time member of Beady Eye, until their disbanding in late 2014. Mehler continued as a session and touring musician for Liam Gallagher since 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bring the Light (Beady Eye song)</span> 2010 single by Beady Eye

"Bring the Light" is the debut single by English rock band Beady Eye, released on Beady Eye Records as "EYE1". The song, written for the band's debut album Different Gear, Still Speeding was released on 10 November 2010, as a free download, and was also available as a limited release single on 7" vinyl. The B-side to the single is a cover of the World of Twist song "Sons of the Stage".

<i>Different Gear, Still Speeding</i> 2011 studio album by Beady Eye

Different Gear, Still Speeding is the debut studio album by English rock band Beady Eye, released on 28 February 2011. It debuted at number three in the UK Albums Chart selling 66,817 in the first week. As of August 2012, the album has sold 174,487 copies in the UK. On Different Gear, Still Speeding, all members contributed to the instrumentation, much like the later albums of Oasis.

"Four Letter Word" is a single by English band Beady Eye, released on Beady Eye Records as "BEADY3". The track is also featured on their 2011 debut album Different Gear, Still Speeding as the opening track. The video for the song was premièred exclusively for NME and also on the band's official website on 26 December 2010, at the same time a limited edition 7" vinyl was released on 17 January 2011 on 7" vinyl backed with new track "World Outside My Room".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Roller</span> 2011 single by Beady Eye

"The Roller" is a single by the English rock band Beady Eye, featured on their 2011 debut album Different Gear, Still Speeding. The song was released as a digital single on 23 January 2011, following the release of a music video on 11 January. The 7" vinyl release is backed with the song "Two of a Kind".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Millionaire (Beady Eye song)</span> 2011 single by Beady Eye

"Millionaire" is a single from English band Beady Eye, released on 2 May 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeff Wootton</span> English musician (born 1987)

Jeffrey Wootton is an English musician, guitarist and songwriter from Manchester. He has been the lead guitarist in the Gorillaz live band since 2010.

"The Beat Goes On" is a song by English rock band Beady Eye. Featured on their debut album Different Gear, Still Speeding, it was the third official single released from the album, released on 15 July 2011. They performed the single on Alan Carr: Chatty Man, on 1 July 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds</span> British alternative rock band

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds are an English rock band formed in 2010 as the solo moniker of former Oasis songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist Noel Gallagher. The touring band consists of former Oasis members Gem Archer (guitar), Mike Rowe (piano), and Chris Sharrock (drums), as well as former Zutons bassist Russell Pritchard. The band has also had a variety of guests contribute to albums such as the Crouch End Festival Chorus, Amorphous Androgynous, Johnny Marr, and Paul Weller.

<i>Be</i> (Beady Eye album) 2013 studio album by Beady Eye

BE is the second and final studio album by English rock band Beady Eye, released on 10 June 2013. It was recorded between November 2012 and March 2013. The album was produced by Dave Sitek who has previously produced records for Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV on the Radio and Jane's Addiction. BE debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart behind Black Sabbath's 13. Despite receiving mixed reviews from contemporary critics, BE is considered by many fans to be an improvement from their debut album, Different Gear, Still Speeding and is notable for showcasing a rare experimental approach which departs from the sound of previous Beady Eye and Oasis albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beady Eye discography</span>

The discography of English rock band Beady Eye consists of two studio albums, one extended play, eleven singles and ten music videos. Formed in 2009, as one of two bands formed following the split of Oasis in 2009. The other is Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. The band consists of vocalist Liam Gallagher, guitarists Gem Archer and Andy Bell, bassist Jay Mehler and drummer Chris Sharrock – with the exception of Mehler, all had previously been involved with the English rock band Oasis.

References

  1. 1 2 "Liam Gallagher unveils new Beady Eye track at London club This Feeling". Nme.com. 11 March 2013. Archived from the original on 13 March 2013. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
  2. ↑ "Beady Eye - Full Zane Lowe Radio One Live Session & Interview 23/02/2011 (PART 1)". YouTube. Archived from the original on 15 December 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  3. ↑ Goddard, Simon (25 January 2011), Liam Gallagher strikes first blow as post-Oasis years begin..., vol. March 2011, Q, pp. 102–103
  4. 1 2 "Beady Eye announce the band have split up". Fit4Talent. 25 October 2014. Archived from the original on 26 October 2014. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
  5. 1 2 "Liam Gallagher says Beady Eye are 'no longer' - NME". NME . 25 October 2014. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  6. ↑ "Liam Gallagher: 'I'll play my first post-Oasis gigs in a couple of months' | News". Nme.Com. 13 November 2009. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  7. ↑ "Liam Gallagher outlines solo LP plan". BBC. 19 November 2009. Archived from the original on 20 November 2009. Retrieved 19 November 2009.
  8. ↑ "Yahoo! UK & Ireland omg! - Celebrity Gossip | News | Photos | Videos". Uk.news.launch.yahoo.com. 20 April 2011. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 2012-02-28.
  9. ↑ "Liam Gallagher's New Bands Single Is Out In October ~ Latest Oasis, Beady Eye And Noel Gallagher News". Stopcryingyourheartoutnews.blogspot.com. 16 March 2010. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  10. ↑ "asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：オアシス「以外で」ブランド設立 リアム・ギャラガー来日 - 音楽 - 映画・音楽・芸能" (in Japanese). Asahi.com. 12 March 2010. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  11. ↑ "Beady Eye 'Bring the Light' – Free Download!". Beady Eye. 9 November 2010. Archived from the original on 10 November 2010. Retrieved 10 November 2010.
  12. ↑ "Liam keeps Beady Eye on new band". The Guardian . London. 25 May 2010. Archived from the original on 28 May 2010. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
  13. ↑ "Liam Gallagher's post-Oasis band planning October single and gigs". NME . 8 April 2010. Archived from the original on 29 May 2010. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
  14. ↑ "Beady Eye : Official Website : News". Beadyeyemusic.com. Archived from the original on 3 March 2012. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  15. ↑ "Beady Eye : Official Website : News". Beadyeyemusic.com. Archived from the original on 3 March 2012. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  16. ↑ "Beady Eye : Official Website : News". Beadyeyemusic.com. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  17. ↑ "Beady Eye announce trio of North American tour dates". Consequence of Sound. 7 March 2011. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
  18. ↑ "Corus Radio - YouTube". Exploremusic.com. 3 July 2009. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
  19. ↑ "New Beady Eye track 'Flick Of The Finger' premieres on US radio - listen | News". Nme.Com. 6 April 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  20. ↑ "Beady Eye | Beady Eye name album BE". Contactmusic.com. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  21. ↑ "Liam Gallagher returns to open Glastonbury 2013 with Beady Eye". The Independent. London. 28 June 2013.
  22. ↑ "Beady Eye cancel V Festival as guitarist recovers - BBC Newsbeat". BBC News. 9 August 2013. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  23. ↑ "Beady Eye, The Vaccines and The Charlatans perform at Jon Brookes tribute concert - NME". NME . 19 October 2013. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  24. ↑ "Beady Eye". 18 April 2014. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  25. ↑ NME (16 February 2018), "I can still muster up that rock'n'roll temper": Liam Gallagher on his triumphant comeback, archived from the original on 15 December 2021, retrieved 17 March 2018
  26. ↑ Beady Eye – Debut Album – American Release Details Spin.com, Retrieved 26 January 2011
  27. ↑ "Shockwaves NME Awards 2011". Nme.com. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  28. ↑ "Beady Eye: Official Website: News". Beadyeyemusic.com. Archived from the original on 10 March 2012. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  29. ↑ "Shockwaves NME Awards 2011". Nme.com. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  30. ↑ "Gorillaz Star Is Member Of Liam Gallagher's New Band!". www.gigwise.com. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.