LONDON - Rock band Oasis are to be honoured with an Outstanding Contribution to British Music award, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) announced. The group, led by brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, will receive the honour on February 14 at the Brits, the annual British pop music awards organised by the BPI. Previous recipients include The Beatles, U2, Paul Weller, Tom Jones, Sting, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Eurythmics and The Who.
"Oasis set the standard for many of the young rock bands who are currently enjoying success in the UK charts," said BPI chairman Peter Jamieson. "As the Brit awards go live for the first time in nearly two decades, it is appropriate that we should honour one of the most exciting live acts the UK has produced." The band, from Manchester in northwest England, was declared the most successful act of the last decade in Britain by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2005.
It has sold more than 50 million records worldwide. Their critically acclaimed 1994 debut album "Definitely Maybe" was followed up by the 19-million-selling "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" in 1995.
"Be Here Now", their 1997 third album, became the fastest-selling album in British chart history, with almost half a million copies sold on the first day alone. "Oasis have inspired an entire generation of music fans and new bands like Kasabian and Arctic Monkeys with their embodiment of rock 'n roll hedonism and swagger," said a BPI spokesman. The band consists of lead guitarist and chief songwriter Noel Gallagher, lead vocalist Liam Gallagher, guitarist Gem Archer and bassist Andy Bell.
Zak Starkey, son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, is the unofficial drummer.
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