I was the original Oasis drummer, and here's what happened when I ran into Liam after 20 years

When Tony McCarroll decided to start a band with a group of childhood friends, he could never have imagined just how big it would become.

For young lads from working class Manchester, the name they chose for themselves was apt - The Rain. But the moniker wouldn't last long.

Unimpressed with their original singer, one of the band members suggested auditioning his pal instead. Liam Gallagher showed up and passed with flying colours. After joining, he suggested they change the name to Oasis, and later recruited his brother Noel to the ranks - but there was a condition.

Noel would become the songwriter and leader.

READ MORE: Hotel cancels bookings on same day Oasis gigs announced - as prices rocket for rooms

They would go on to become one of the biggest bands of all time. Now, almost 30 years since Tony left Oasis, he has been thrust back into the spotlight.

Yesterday (August 27), the legendary band announced that they would be reuniting for a run of 14 shows across the UK and Ireland next summer.

To register for the presale ballot for tickets, fans were required to answer a number of questions to confirm they are not bots. One question asks fans the name of the band’s original drummer.

The answer, of course, is Tony McCarroll. Back in 2019, he spoke to the Manchester Evening News about how he coped with life after his Oasis fame.

In 1995, he endured a bitter breakup with the band before they recorded their iconic second album, What's the Story Morning Glory? As the relationship broke down amid arguments with Noel, Tony found himself being 'blanked' about his status in the band.

He recalled frantically running around pubs in Heaton Moor where he'd heard the band were drinking, trying to resolve the issues and find a way