Oasis tribute band Shoasis 'sounds exactly like them'

But a south Essex-based group formed in the Manchester band's image has been doing its best to make those dreams come true while they waited for Liam and Noel Gallagher to sort out their differences.

Meet Shoasis, the 'number one' Oasis tribute band, a group that’s been electrifying audiences across south east London and beyond for more than 10 years.

The group consists of Mark Noe, from Grays, who channels Noel Gallagher’s genius on guitar, Robert Johnson as Bonehead, Maff France as Guigsy, Gavin Plucknett, from Basildon, as Chris Sharrock, and James Phillips, who steps boldly into the swaggering shoes of Liam Gallagher.

Shoasis's journey began over a decade ago when guitarist Robert placed an ad in a newspaper searching for fellow rock enthusiasts.

“We’re a five-piece original tribute band who drinks, fights and sounds exactly like them," James, the band’s lead singer told the Echo's sister title News Shopper.

He added: "Mark was the first member to join.

"Then, over the years, the rest of us—and the better-looking members—came on board," he said playfully.

(Image: Shoasis/James Phillips)

On Tuesday morning (August 27), Liam and Noel Gallagher officially announced the return of their Manchester-formed rock band.

Oasis will perform at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Manchester’s Heaton Park, London’s Wembley Stadium, Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium and Dublin’s Croke Park throughout July and August next year.

Like many fans worldwide, James said he will “100 per cent” be trying to secure tickets for the upcoming Oasis gigs for himself and his bandmates.

He said: “I didn’t expect them to announce a reunion this soon, I thought it would be a couple of years.

“But saying that, I think now is the best time for them to do it.

“I think we’re aiming to get tickets for Dublin.”

Shoasis has performed everywhere from local bars in Kent to a festival in Cornwall with over 5,000 people, where James and his bandmates even met the infamous Liam Gallagher.

James, performing as Liam (Image: Shoasis/James Phillips)

James explained: “We played at Boardmasters on Thursday, and Liam was on the main stage Saturday night.

“We had VIP passes and tried to meet him, but they wouldn’t let us.

“Next thing, he showed up anyway, and we had a chat. He was really lovely and cool.”

Audiences can expect Shoasis to deliver a setlist packed with Oasis classics, including hits like Wonderwall, Don't Look Back in Anger, Champagne Supernova, Live Forever, Supersonic, Rock 'n' Roll Star, Some Might Say, and many more.

James added: “We’re pretty much booked for the rest of the year, but we are available for bookings and people can come to see us play.

(Image: Shoasis/James Phillips)

“We’re playing at the Cart and Horses in Stratford at the weekend as our debut London gig.

“Then we’re off to do a couple of tours at the Butlins holiday parks for the Britpop weekends, which is always brilliant.”

A full-time musician and DJ, James spends his time playing the saxophone, performing at weddings, parties and bar mitzvahs, while leading Shoasis with vocals inspired by ‘R Kid,’ Liam Gallagher.

He said his “favourite thing” about performing is the fact all the people sing the songs back at you.

“It’s the most fun in the world” he added, “there's a lot of people who haven't been able to see Oasis, so they come check us out, because it’s the closest they can get.”