Watch Oasis: Live by the Sea

Oasis: Live by the Sea is not a movie but a live concert video recording by the English rock band Oasis. Recorded on April 17, 1995, at the Southend Cliffs Pavilion, this performance came during the early years of the band's rise to fame. This concert captures the raw energy and the unapologetic presence of one of the 1990s' most iconic bands, which consisted of lead vocalist Liam Gallagher, guitarist and chief songwriter Noel Gallagher, rhythm guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, bassist Paul McGuigan, and drummer Tony McCarroll.

The English band Oasis was formed in Manchester in 1991 and quickly emerged as an integral part of the Britpop movement, which captivated the UK and the world in the 1990s. With their debut album "Definitely Maybe" and the follow-up "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" they delivered some of the decade's biggest anthems. At the time Oasis: Live by the Sea was recorded, Oasis was enjoying phenomenal success from their first album and had already started to witness a fiercely loyal and growing fanbase.

Oasis: Live by the Sea offers audiences a glimpse into the band's early days. The performance is raw, untamed, and emblematic of Oasis's characteristic stage presence. The Cliffs Pavilion audience witnesses the band in their element, demonstrating the qualities that would cement their place in rock history: intense performances, anthemic tunes, and engaging showmanship.

The setlist for this concert comprises songs from "Definitely Maybe" and several tracks that would later appear on their second album, along with B-sides and covers that betray the band's influences and range. From the hard-hitting guitars to the evocative lyrics, fans are treated to an exhibition of classic Oasis songs delivered with the swagger and confidence that would define the band's identity.

Liam Gallagher commands the stage with his distinctive voice and nonchalant demeanor, a frontman who both contrasts with and complements the music's intensity. His performances are laced with the snarling tones and attitude that became synonymous with the Oasis frontman's public persona. Meanwhile, Noel Gallagher's songwriting genius is laid bare for all to see, providing insight into the mind behind some of the era's most celebrated songs. His backing vocals and occasional lead performance exhibit his critical role in the band’s sound.

Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs' rhythm guitar provides the sturdy framework over which the songs are built. His playing is often described as the backbone of Oasis's enormous sound, with rhythm parts that allowed for the melodic interplay of lead guitar and vocals. The synergy between the band members is palpable; their chemistry evident in the dynamic performances.

The concert, filmed before the ubiquity of smartphone cameras and excessive on-stage production, captures the authenticity and no-frills approach to live rock performances of the time. The lighting and visual effects are kept minimal, allowing the focus to remain purely on the music and the musicians creating it. This simplicity contrasts with the complexity and depth of emotion found within the song lyrics and melodies, echoing the juxtaposition found in many of Oasis's works.

Oasis: Live by the Sea also boasts moments that highlight the relationship between the band and their fans. The crowd's engagement is a testament to the impact Oasis had on their audience, creating an electric atmosphere that bounces back and forth from the stage to the back of the venue. The exchanges, both musical and verbal, add a layer of intimacy to the concert, at times making the viewer feel as just another attendant in the sea of adoring fans.

As a piece of rock history, this concert stands as an indelible mark of the period, shedding light on the formative years of a band that would go on to achieve global fame and influence countless musicians. It's a manifestation of Britpop's vitality, Oasis's ambition, and the pure joy and catharsis of rock and roll.

For fans both existing and new, Oasis: Live by the Sea serves not only as a high-octane performance video but also as a document of an era. It showcases a band on the edge of greatness, performing with the conviction of those who believe in their craft. Viewers get a rare retrospective insight into this period of the band’s history, with the knowledge of what Oasis would eventually become: rock legends with a legacy that still resonates in the music world today.

Oasis: Live by the Sea is a 1995 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.7.