The Oasis drum seat has been filled by a number of time keepers, from original drummer Tony McCaroll, to longtime member Alan “Whitey” White, Steve White, Zak Starkey and Chris Sharrock. But when the reunited group finally hits the stage on July 4 for the first show on their anticipated Oasis Live ’25 tour, none of those men will be holding down the rhythm.
This time around the seat will be filled by veteran drummer Joey Waronker, who has worked with everyone from Beck to R.E.M., Elliott Smith and Thom Yorke’s Atoms For Peace side project. Singer Liam Gallagher seemed chuffed by the addition to the group after a fan asked last week what he thought about the musician and if he is “appropriate for the Oasis sound?”
Liam was unequivocal in his praise, responding, “He’s the best and we’re lucky to have him I’ve enjoyed all our drummers but this guy is special.” Waronker will join Liam and brother/songwriter and occasional vocalist Noel Gallagher, as well as bassist Andy Bell and, reportedly, guitarists Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs and Gem Archer.
Anticipation has been building for the group’s first shows in 16 years, with Liam forced to apologize to fans on Monday morning (June 9) after raising anticipation for more major news with an X post that read, “BIG ANNOUNCEMENT 6.30 am.” The wild speculation quickly unfurled, with fans guessing that Gallagher may have been hinting at warm-up gigs or additional dates.
When Gallagher responded a short time later with “I WORK OUT,” the fury went up 10 notches, with one fan complaining, “you played with our feelings,” as another raged, “I F–KING HATE YOU,” to which Gallagher quipped, “Hate is such a strong word.”
Soon enough the singer appeared to genuinely regret the wind-up, writing, “Gotta admit that was good craic gotta you all riled up to ras,” then sincerely apologizing for the false alarm. “If I caused any distress and upset anyone this morning I’m deeply sorry that wasn’t my intention I thought it was a bit of fun I got it wrong please forgive me,” he wrote. Oasis will criss-cross the U.K. in July before heading to North America in August for shows in Toronto, Chicago, New Jersey, Pasadena and Mexico City, then moving on to Asia and Australia in the fall and Argentina, Chile and Brazil in November.
