Bonehead’s here now
Last updated 11:36, Thursday, 15 May 2008
WHILE the Gallagher brothers fought around him and the world lost its head for Oasis, rhythm guitarist Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs always seemed like a calming influence.
Behind the scenes he was a peacemaker in Noel and Liam’s personal war. On stage and in the studio Bonehead was rock steady, strumming the sound of a generation.
Live Forever. Wonderwall. Champagne Supernova. Bonehead helped make history. But he left Oasis, the band he helped to create, nine years ago. How on earth could he follow that? By keeping in touch with that world from a safe distance, by playing those classic tracks as a DJ rather than a guitarist.
This is the role Bonehead will adopt in Carlisle on Saturday night, with a DJ set at Spirit.
His playlist is likely to feature Oasis anthems and various indie tunes beloved by children of the Nineties and beyond.
DJing is a big part of Bonehead’s life now, along with presenting a show on BBC Radio Manchester and occasionally performing with former Smiths Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke as Moondog One.
Bonehead was a plasterer by trade. In the early Nineties he started a band called The Rain with bassist Paul “Guigsy” McGuigan, drummer Tony McCaroll and singer Chris Hutton. Hutton quit and was replaced by Liam Gallagher. The Rain became Oasis, Noel Gallagher joined, and most of us know the rest.
Oasis kicked off their career with a pair of the finest albums ever recorded: Definitely Maybe and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory. Definitely Maybe’s front cover was shot in Bonehead’s front room. He proudly pointed out that he painted and plastered it himself.
Oasis fell from a great height with 1997’s Be Here Now and Bonehead left the band two years later during recording sessions for their fourth album, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants.
Bonehead said he wanted to spend more time with his family. Noel Gallagher claimed the guitarist had been asked to leave after breaking the band’s recently imposed no-alcohol rule. Either way, he was destined to be forever known for what he used to do and who he used to be.
Noel Gallagher has downplayed his relationship with Bonehead – “It’s hardly Paul McCartney leaving the Beatles” – but the guitarist’s contribution is appreciated every day by the millions who listen to Oasis’ finest work.
Saturday night at Spirit will also include sets by Jamie Henry, The Steve Poon Experience, Paolo Di Liberto and Matty Cannon. Doors open at 10pm. Tickets cost £8 from Spirit or Thyme & Place restaurant until 8pm on Saturday. Admission on the night is £10.
