Paul Arthurs’ Oasis Piano Set for Auction

An auction will feature one of four pianos originally presented as Christmas gifts to members of Oasis by the individual who initially signed the band. This upright Yamaha instrument was a gift from Alan McGee to Paul Arthurs, the band’s keyboard player and guitarist known as Bonehead, in 1996. McGee is widely recognized for discovering the Manchester-based group after observing their performance in 1993. The piano carries an estimated value of £8,000-10,000 and is scheduled for sale at an auction taking place in Watford on Tuesday. It will be accompanied by a letter of authenticity bearing Arthurs’ signature. Arthurs was a co-founder of Oasis and contributed to several of the band’s most successful albums, such as their debut, Definitely Maybe. His roles within the band included playing rhythm guitar and keyboards, and he also featured on the albums What’s The Story (Morning Glory) and Be Here Now. Arthurs departed from the band in 1999; however, there are rumors suggesting his return for an Oasis comeback tour scheduled for next year. This particular E108 walnut Yamaha model was specifically selected for Bonehead, a gift from McGee’s Creation Records. McGee notably signed the band immediately in 1993, after their performance at King Tut’s in Glasgow. McGee commented that collaborating with Oasis was “always genius, wild and unpredictable. You never knew where you were with them. They were so volatile, but I loved it”. Sean McIlroy, a director at Piano Auctions Ltd, stated: “As far as we are aware this is the first one of the four pianos gifted by Alan McGee to Oasis to come up at auction.” He further added: “What makes it exciting is that Bonehead and possibly other band members will have played out elements of their songs on this piano, and now Oasis fans and collectors can try their hands on the same keys.” The sale of the piano will take place online at 12:00 GMT on Tuesday. Mr McIlroy also remarked: “I can imagine that there will be a few Oasis and music fans who would love this piano as a Christmas present, but they will need quite deep pockets.” Updates on Beds, Herts, and Bucks news can be accessed via BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. This content is copyrighted by BBC in 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC states it is not accountable for the content of external websites and provides details regarding its policy on external linking.