Since we ran Oasis this morning, it only seems fitting that we also run a session by The Real People, recorded for Mark Goodier at BBC Radio 1 on January 12, 1991.
The Real People were considered pioneers in the sound that evolved into Madchester and Britpop. They were around before Oasis and in fact Noel Gallagher was a roadie for Inspiral Carpets when paths crossed. It was The Real People’s 8 track studio that served as ground zero for the demos that eventually launched Oasis.
The result of the session was the eight-song music demo (later dubbed the Live Demonstration tape) recorded in Liverpool in 1993 that got Oasis their first record deal. The tape included many of the songs that eventually featured on the band’s first album Definitely Maybe.
Chris and Tony Griffiths’ input into the writing and recording process has since been fully acknowledged by Oasis. Tony Griffiths is credited with providing vocals on “Supersonic” on Definitely Maybe. Chris Griffiths also co-wrote “Rockin’ Chair” with Noel Gallagher in 1993. This was released as the B-side to the single of “Roll with It” in 1995, and also appeared on the album The Masterplan. Chris Griffiths also claimed to have written the lyrics for “Columbia”, with Liam Gallagher being responsible for the chorus, although the song is officially credited to Noel Gallagher only. Oasis Drummer Tony McCarroll tells the same story in his book Oasis: The Truth. They are both included in the documentary made for the Definitely Maybe 10th Anniversary DVD.
Despite a few singles charting in the UK, the band’s follow-up album in 1992 was cancelled by the band’s label (Sony), and guitarist Sean Simpson departed from the band. The Real People then discarded the material and focused on another album, which was released in 1996. Around that time, the lineup changed numerous times, until the band went on a hiatus in 1998. They reformed for a few live shows in 2002, followed by another reunion in 2008 which eventually spawned two albums in 2010 and 2016.
Here they are, relatively early on in a session for Mark Goodier at BBC Radio 1
