Alan White (Oasis drummer): Difference between revisions

Alan White (born 26 May 1972, Eltham, South London) was longtime drummer of British rock group Oasis from 1995 to 2003.

White, whose brother Steve was then drummer for Paul Weller's Style Council, replaced original drummer Tony McCaroll in summer of 1995, during the recording of (What's the Story) Morning Glory—only "Some Might Say" has McCaroll's performance. During their first meeting, Noel Gallagher told White to finish his tea, gave him a tape of Shakermaker and go home to learn it. His first gig, the very next day, was Top of the Pops, his second was, even more nerve-wrackingly, Glastonbury. White's brother, Steve White, is also a prolific drummer, who's working with Paul Weller—praised as an initiator of the Britpop movement—and various other famous musicians. Alan had mentioned that Steve made big impact in his development as a drummer.

Until the arrival of Andy Bell as bass player in 1999, White was the token southerner in the Mancunian Oasis. Initially known, inventively, as 'Whitey', he was later re-christened 'Dave' by the band because he once served himself a drink from an unattended bar, therefore resembling the character Dave from the Winchester in the '70s TV series Minder. White commented on the "North/South divide" saying it was not that bad, but "for ages I was the 'Cockney cunt' and they were the 'Manc fuckers'." As part of his onerous band duties he was entrusted with the role of Liam's 'official' drinking partner. Together the pair were officially known as 'Bert and Ernie', named after the Sesame Street characters.

Whitey (as he's known among the press and fans) had drummed on 4 studio albums, including one b-side collection: (What's the Story) Morning Glory (1995), Be Here Now (1997), the Masterplan (1998), Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000) and Heathen Chemistry (2002). According to Oasis' spokesperson there were some new tracks and demos with Whitey's drumming as well, which were made at the end of 2003 for their future album.

In 2004, White left Oasis during the early recording sessions for the band's sixth album. Rumours began to circulate about the reasons for his departure. One such rumour was that Alan was asked to leave the band when it was discovered that he had been responsible for the leaking of Heathen Chemistry onto the Internet, three months before its official release. Alan, who had several copies of the finished disc, allowed one copy to be put in the hands of an NME reporter, who went on to leak it to his colleagues. Oasis members have since denied this. The second rumor was that Alan had developed tendonitis and needed a rest. During a previous tour in 2001 Oasis had had to cancel gigs as a result of White's condition, and Steve White took over Alan's drumming duties for a section of the tour. For a famous drumsite Alan White himself has denied this explanation and he said that his career will continue, but did not mention the real reason for his dismissal. Later, Noel Gallagher in an inteview about the upcoming and untitled album said that Alan White just didn't spent enough time with the band in the studio and would lay down his sticks as soon as the album and the tour are finished.

In early 2005, Steve White shed some light on the situation on his website, explaining what his brother was doing at the moment. According to Steve, Alan has no commitments at the moment and had no intentions to drum for another band in the foreseeable future. He also said that his brother was tired of being in a band – in his case Oasis: "The spirit of being in a band was kicked out of him, maybe sometime soon, but he is very happy and very healthy and keeping very well".

The reasons of his departure are quite foggy, considering the fact that White was solid standing member for most part of Oasis history. Nevertheless, the Gallagher brothers stressed many times that he is one of the best sticksmen they've ever worked with. It should be noted that he was the only member who was spare with much cocaine usage (although he liked drinking) apart from the Gallaghers and the only one who survived for most part of Oasis' career, due not only to his skills, but undeniably as well as to his temper.

With the fact that Alan performed on 4 albums, giving definite different drum-playing and as well as touring for the most part of band's history, his indesputable talent and abilities are exceptional. His contribution to the band can't be denied and Alan White definitely was an important component in forming the significant and trademark Oasis sound. Whatever the future holds for him - Alan White remains proven and gifted drummer and probably soon will display again his superb drum-skills and talent.