THE Oasis Leisure Centre may now be closed for good but it leaves a lasting legacy as the inspiration for one of Britain’s biggest bands.
Britpop legends Noel and Liam Gallagher decided to name their group after the leisure centre when Noel visited Swindon on April 28 1991.
Noel worked as a roadie for Inspiral Carpets at the time and they were playing a gig in the town.
His brother came along to the concert and was taken with the name Oasis after seeing it on a poster, suggesting to Noel that it would be a better fit for their own band, which was then called The Rain.
Noel thought Oasis sounded more like a reggae band’s name and was initially not too keen on it but eventually came around to the idea and decided to give the name a go when they returned to Manchester.
Oasis went on to sell more than 25 million albums under their new name but, sadly, never played a gig at the venue which inspired it.
MAIN STORY: Oasis Leisure Centre not reopening after lockdown lifts
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