Yahoo News Original Oasis bassist Guigsy seen for first time in years - as band celebrates 30th anniversary of debut
He was one of Oasis' founding members. But bassist Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan has rarely been seen in public since he quit the iconic Manchester band at the height of their fame back in 1999.
But this week, the bassist was pictured for the first time in years - fittingly enough, 30 years to the month since Oasis first blasted onto the music scene with their debut single Supersonic.
Guigsy, 52, was pictured strolling around North London, where he now lives, in casual jumper and denim jeans.
READ MORE: Liam Gallagher on why Manchester is such a hotbed for music
The bass player left the band in 1999, two weeks after fellow founding member Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs had also quit. According to Noel Gallagher, Guigsy announced his departure by sending the band a fax message.
Oasis would continue on without both Guigsy and Bonehead, replaced by Andy Bell and Gem Archer. But the band would ulitmately split after a row between brothers Liam and Noel in 2009.
Since leaving the band, lifelong Manchester City fan McGuigan has kept a low profile away from the showbiz scene.
He declined to take part in the Oasis Supersonic film in 2016. And when Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher was asked about Guigsy in 2019 he said: "Not seen him since he left the band (1999) and he only lives up the road."
Guigsy's stroll this week comes amid feverish anticipation among Oasis fans about what is afoot from the band this year. An announcement was made earlier this month "from the band" unveiling an early live recording of their debut track Supersonic.
April 11 marked the 30th anniversary of its release, and a new limited edition 7" and CD format were released to celebrate the historic moment. Meanwhile August will mark the 30th anniversary of the release of their seminal album Definitely Maybe.
The band's PR company added: "News of activity to celebrate the 30th anniversary of ‘Definitely Maybe’ to follow in the coming weeks."
Liam Gallagher is already scheduled to play a raft of sold out live gigs across the Summer playing Definitely Maybe in its entirety. Fellow Oasis founder member Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs has also confirmed he will appear at those shows, which includes four nights at the new Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.
Bonehead, Guigsy and original drummer Tony McCarroll first started their band in Manchester in 1991 officially starting life as The Rain. They were said to be unimpressed with original singer Chris Hutton, and Bonehead suggested auditioning his pal Liam Gallagher as the replacement.
Liam would in turn suggest the name change to Oasis - with his brother Noel later recruited to the ranks on the proviso he would become the songwriter and leader.
They would go on to become one of the most successful British bands of all time, and a defining groups of the 90s Britpop era. They have sold over 75 million records worldwide.
Drummer Tony, from Levenshulme, became the first of the original founder members to leave the band - departing in April 1995 and replaced by Alan White until 2004. While Tony was known for his crop of dark curls while in the band, he was pictured earlier this year with a shaven head.
Liam told the MEN earlier this year how excited he was to be planning the Definitely Maybe gigs - which all sold out within MINUTES of going on sale last year.
He said: "I just can't wait to play some of those really old ones that we haven't played since the 90s you know. I'm just looking forward to getting in there and getting the nice set together I'm buzzing."
Liam and Noel have been constantly quizzed on the prospect of a full Oasis reunion in recent years.
When the MEN asked Liam eaerlier this year about the prospect he said: "It isn't happening. Well, it isn't happening this week anyway."
