Journalists Ted Kessler and Hamish MacBain release A Sound So Very Loud, chronicling the story behind every Oasis song from classic hits to rare B-sides
Oasis are back — and so is the fascination with their story. In 2025, their reunion tour has become the most talked-about event in the music world. For years, the Gallagher brothers seemed destined never to share a stage again after their infamous 2009 Paris fallout. But alongside the sold-out shows, another cultural moment is here: the release of A Sound So Very Loud, a book that revisits Oasis’ history through the songs that defined them.
Written by veteran music journalists Ted Kessler and Hamish MacBain, the book is not a straightforward biography. Instead, it’s a track-by-track chronicle, diving into the origins, anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes chaos of every Oasis recording. From anthems like “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger” to obscure B-sides that only die-hard fans know by heart, the book captures the soul of a band that shaped British music and continues to inspire new generations.
Kessler and MacBain are perfectly placed to tell this story. Both have spent decades writing about Oasis, interviewing Noel and Liam Gallagher, and — by their own admission — sharing pints with them. The idea for the book was born in 2024 at the 30th anniversary concert of Definitely Maybe in London. Seeing thousands of fans, including young audiences, passionately sing along to even the most obscure tracks, they realized the Oasis story deserved to be retold — this time through the songs themselves.
Published by Pegasus Books in August 2025, A Sound So Very Loud arrives just as Oasis return to the U.S. for the second leg of their Live ’25 tour. The timing couldn’t be more perfect.
From “Live Forever” to “Roll With It”
One of the book’s early revelations is the story of “Live Forever.” Noel Gallagher wrote it while recovering from a leg injury, working construction and scribbling lyrics in a factory storeroom. What began as a rough sketch turned into the defining anthem of Definitely Maybe — and a song that gave a generation hope.
The book also revisits the infamous Britpop feud between Oasis and Blur. In 1995, the battle of “Roll With It” versus “Country House” dominated headlines. Though Blur won the singles chart, Oasis ultimately triumphed with their landmark album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? — a record that cemented their place in music history.
The Mystery of “Sally” in “Don’t Look Back in Anger”
Fans have long speculated about the meaning of the lyric “So Sally can wait.” The book reveals it was born from a simple misunderstanding — Liam mishearing Noel during rehearsal. That accident of interpretation became one of the most iconic sing-along refrains, echoed across football terraces and festivals worldwide.
“Wonderwall” Almost Sounded Different
Few songs define Oasis quite like “Wonderwall.” But A Sound So Very Loud uncovers that Noel originally intended to sing it himself. In the end, he passed it to Liam — a decision that gave the track its unforgettable power and turned it into the band’s most enduring global anthem.
Johnny Depp’s Slide Guitar Cameo
Not all Oasis stories are born in studios. The book reveals how Johnny Depp ended up recording slide guitar on “Fade In-Out.” During a stay at Mick Jagger’s villa in Mustique, Noel handed Depp a guitar — and the actor ended up playing on Be Here Now. What started as a casual night among friends became part of Oasis’ sonic legacy.
Liam’s Love Song: “Songbird”
Though Noel was Oasis’ chief songwriter, Liam left his mark with the heartfelt “Songbird.” Written in just three minutes for then-partner Nicole Appleton, the track remains one of his purest and most vulnerable moments. Even Coldplay’s Chris Martin praised it — though Liam famously told him never to sing it again.
Chaos Behind the Music: “Ain’t Got Nothin’”
Not every song came from inspiration. Some were born out of chaos. The book recounts Liam’s 2002 brawl in Munich, which ended with him in jail and minus two teeth. That night fueled the raw track “Ain’t Got Nothin’” on Dig Out Your Soul, capturing the darker side of the Oasis myth.
More Than Just a Book
A Sound So Very Loud isn’t simply a collection of trivia. It’s a deep dive into the DNA of Oasis — their triumphs, rivalries, chaos, and creativity. It shows how even their smallest tracks carried big stories, and how their music continues to resonate with fans old and new.
In 2025, the Oasis legacy is alive and louder than ever. From TikTok covers to sold-out stadiums, their songs still unite voices across generations. And now, thanks to Kessler and MacBain, fans can experience the full story behind every note.
