Rare Oasis early gig contract stipulating the band's need for 'quality lager' sells for £4,000
A rare early Oasis gig contract specifying a requirement for ‘sober’ helpers, 'quality lager' and no fast food has sold at auction for £4,000.
In true rock star-style, the original 1994 gig contract stipulates the need for ‘24 large cans of quality lager’ for the band and crew.
But performing is clearly thirsty work because it also requests four litres of still mineral water, 10 cans of soft drinks, fruit juices teas and coffees.
The band also requested a good quality two-course meal – ‘not fast-food type’ – or £6 per head to purchase one.
The contract asked for ‘at least two able-bodied, sober-speaking persons’ to assist the road crew in moving equipment and setting up the stage.
The paperwork, valued at between £1,000 - £1,500, went under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers' music memorabilia sale in Etwall near Derby, Derbyshire.
In the end it was snapped up by a private UK-based buyer, bidding over the internet.
Speaking ahead of the sale, Claire Howell, Hansons' music memorabilia specialist, said: "Items like this are extremely rare and this lot comes with great provenance. It also includes a flyer advertising the gig."
She added: "The seller is a lady who worked in the music industry and amassed an interesting collection over the years.
"She is now looking to sell some specialist pieces ahead of retirement."
“Memorabilia linked to Britpop bands from the 1990s is gaining in value and UK groups don’t come much bigger than Oasis. The Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, have had an enormous impact on the music scene and Oasis songs still resonate with fans today, even though the group split up more than 10 years ago.''
Oasis formed in Manchester in 1991. They originally consisted of Liam Gallagher (lead vocals, tambourine), Paul Arthurs (guitar), Paul McGuigan (bass guitar) and Tony McCarroll (drums).
Oasis have sold more than 75 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time.