A unique piece of Oasis history is set to be sold at auction this week: one of four pianos gifted to the band by the man who first signed them, Alan McGee. The piano, an upright Yamaha E108, was
presented to Paul Arthurs, better known as “Bonehead,” in 1996. This iconic instrument is expected to fetch between £8,000 and £10,000 when it goes under the hammer in Watford on
Tuesday. Accompanying the sale is a letter of authenticity signed by Arthurs himself, adding to the instrument’s allure.
The story of the piano is intertwined with the early success of Oasis, a band that McGee famously discovered in 1993 after witnessing their electric performance at King Tut’s Wah
Wah Hut in Glasgow. McGee’s decision to sign the band on the spot set the stage for one of the most influential rock acts of the 1990s. The piano, chosen specifically for Bonehead, was a gift
from McGee’s Creation Records, a gesture that reflects the close bond between the band and their label at the time.
Bonehead, who played rhythm guitar and keyboards for Oasis, was integral to the band’s early sound, contributing to their groundbreaking albums such as Definitely
Maybe, What’s The Story (Morning Glory), and Be Here Now. His distinct contributions helped shape the anthemic sound that defined Oasis’ meteoric rise in the 1990s. Though he left the
band in 1999, rumors suggest that he may be making a return to the stage for a potential Oasis reunion tour next year, making this sale all the more significant for fans.
The piano itself, with its walnut finish and vintage appeal, is more than just a musical instrument; it holds a piece of rock history. A sepia-toned photograph from the 1990s shows Bonehead at
the keys, surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere of the band’s formative years. The image, now iconic, captures Arthurs in the midst of his musical journey with Oasis, adding an emotional
layer to the sale of the piano. The piano’s upcoming auction marks the first time one of the four pianos gifted by McGee to Oasis has been made available for purchase. According to
Sean McIlroy, director of Piano Auctions Ltd, this auction is a rare opportunity for collectors and Oasis fans to own a tangible piece of the band’s legacy. “What makes this particular piano
special,” McIlroy explains, “is the possibility that Bonehead and perhaps other band members played some of their most famous songs on it.”
With the online auction set to begin at 12:00 GMT on Tuesday, anticipation is building. Fans and collectors alike are eager to get their hands on an instrument that may have played a role in
the creation of some of Oasis’ most beloved tracks. For die-hard fans of the band, this piano represents a direct link to the musical magic that helped shape a generation.
Despite the excitement, McIlroy cautions that potential bidders will need to dig deep into their pockets. “I can imagine that there will be a few
Oasis and music fans who would love this piano as a Christmas present,” he says, “but it’s definitely a purchase for those with deep pockets.” The allure of owning a piece of rock
history, however, is likely to tempt more than a few passionate bidders. As the auction draws closer, one thing is certain: this Yamaha piano is more than just an instrument; it’s a symbol of
Oasis’ early success and a tangible connection to the band’s rise to fame. For fans of the Manchester legends, owning such a unique artifact would be a dream come true.