During their height in the 90s, Oasis lived the quintessential rockstar life with all the trappings of fame, drugs, s**, and chaos. However, it becomes clear that the Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, deviated from the stereotypical rockstar image, especially in their treatment and relationships with women.
Despite being labeled as a “lad band,” Oasis never fully fit the mold of rock stars who exploited women or fell into the controversies that many of their predecessors did, particularly in the 1970s and 80s.
One significant factor behind their more grounded approach could be their upbringing by their strong, resilient mother, Peggy Gallagher, who played a pivotal role in shaping their lives. Peggy protected them from their abusive father, Tommy Gallagher, and provided them with the emotional foundation that would influence how they interacted with women later in life.
Strong Women Behind Oasis’ Success
Unlike many of their rockstar peers, Oasis was surrounded by strong and influential women, both professionally and personally. Their tour manager, Maggie Mouzatakis, was a key figure behind the scenes, ensuring the band ran smoothly during their chaotic tours.
Additionally, Anjali Dutt, one of the producers of their debut album, Definitely Maybe, helped shape the iconic Oasis sound that would define an era. The presence of these women in such integral roles within the band’s ecosystem showed that Oasis, for all their bravado, valued and respected the women who contributed to their success.
In more recent years, Debbie Gwyther, Liam’s fiancée and publicist, has been a central figure in his life. After the tumultuous period following his divorce from Nicole Appleton and the disbandment of Beady Eye, Debbie became a stabilizing force for Liam. He credits her with saving his life and being instrumental in his career resurgence. Debbie’s influence was so profound that many credit her for helping inspire the much-anticipated Oasis reunion set to take place next summer.
Oasis and Women
Compared to many other bands from their era, Oasis has maintained a relatively positive reputation regarding their relationships with women. While they lived large and embraced the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, they never engaged in the kind of exploitation or inappropriate relationships with underage groupies that plagued other rock stars before them. Their relationships with women—whether it was their mother, partners, or female collaborators—were, by and large, marked by respect and admiration.
This is not to say that Liam and Noel were saints. Like most people in the public eye, they had their ups and downs in relationships. However, what sets them apart is their ability to acknowledge and credit the women in their lives for their roles in shaping who they became.
Looking Forward to the Reunion
With the Gallagher brothers reuniting after a 15-year feud, speculation is mounting about who will join them on stage next summer. Among the potential collaborators is Oasis co-founder and guitarist Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs, who has already played a pivotal role in Liam’s solo career. Regardless of who joins them, it’s clear that women have played—and continue to play—a significant role in the band’s story.