Home / Arts and Entertainment / Oasis' 'Be Here Now': Hype Over Substance
Oasis' 'Be Here Now': Hype Over Substance
12 Sep
Summary
- Album's release was surrounded by intense hype and marketing.
- Band members faced scandals and drug-related incidents.
- Press reviews were hyperbolic, shifting power to marketers.
Released in 1997, Oasis' third album, 'Be Here Now,' is now viewed as a bloated and indulgent record, with its remaster reinforcing this perception. The era surrounding its release was marked by extraordinary hype, dwarfing contemporary music industry buzz. Creation Records and Ignition management engaged in extensive measures to control the narrative amid tabloid chaos and over-saturation.
Band members Liam and Noel Gallagher were embroiled in public controversies, including Liam's drug arrest and Noel's comments on drug use, all while paparazzi constantly surrounded them. The album's release was also burdened by the massive success of Oasis' previous works, 'Definitely Maybe' and '(What's the Story) Morning Glory?'.
Journalists faced strict contracts, and the label pursued legal action against fan sites and radio stations that leaked material early. Intense security measures were in place, even involving checks for phone tapping, hinting at the high-stakes environment. This period saw a significant power shift from music journalists to marketing professionals.
