Thursday, August 26, 1999 Published at 08:48 GMT 09:48 UK
Oasis continue: definitely, not maybe
The show must go on: Liam and Noel Gallagher face the press
Pop group Oasis are not splitting up - despite the exit of bass player Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan, the second key member to announce their departure this month.
The departure follows that of guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, who announced he had left the band on 9 August.
Songwriter Noel Gallagher said: "We've got to just carry on with it - we're skint, anyway.
"We've got to respect their decision as family men."
At a press conference at London's Water Rats venue, he explained: "We knew something wasn't right and we saw it coming, but we didn't expect to be here today saying this."
Jokes during press conference
The group - now down to Liam and Noel Gallagher and their drummer, Alan White - will audition for two new members and take two weeks off.
"It's difficult, because we just don't want to drag session musicians in, because it would look stupid."
Liam, who joked with reporters during the press conference, added: "They've got to be a lot taller than me, have nice taste in shoes, have a good haircut and not be Manchester United fans - if you can do that, you're sorted."
It read: "Paul has finished his work on the recordings of the new album and feels now is an opportune time to leave before the band undertakes touring and promotional activities later on this year.
"He'd like to thank the fans, as well as everyone he's worked with along the way, and wishes Oasis all the best for the future.
"The remaining members of Oasis have accepted Paul's decision to leave at this time."
Founder of Oasis
Along with Arthurs and original drummer Tony McCarroll, McGuigan was one-third of Rain, the Manchester group which became Oasis after they replaced their singer with Liam Gallagher in 1991.
He said he wanted to concentrate on "other things" in his life "outside of the demands of being in a successful rock and roll band".
In 1995, just as the band were becoming successful in the UK, McGuigan temporarily left Oasis suffering from exhaustion.
At the time, Noel Gallagher said: "Paul is Oasis. If he leaves the band is finished. It is that simple."
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