William John Paul 'Liam' Gallagher (born 21 September 1972 in Burnage, Manc… Read Full Bio ↴William John Paul 'Liam' Gallagher (born 21 September 1972 in Burnage, Manchester, United Kingdom) is best known as the former lead singer of the rock band Oasis. One of the figureheads of the 1990s Britpop movement, Gallagher's erratic behaviour, distinctive singing style, and abrasive attitude have been the subject of commentary in the press. He remains one of the most recognisable figures in modern British music. Although his brother Noel Gallagher wrote the majority of Oasis's songs, Liam has penned such songs as Songbird, The Meaning of Soul, and I'm Outta Time. After the demise of Oasis, Liam Gallagher released two albums with his new band Beady Eye (2009-2014) before making his solo début under his own name with the May 2017 single, Wall Of Glass.

2. Liam Gallagher is a folk singer-songwriter based in Philadelphia, PA., United States, who took acoustic guitar lessons from Dave Matthews. Having travelled Australia and New Zealand he started working on his début LP in 2004, helped by his brother Kevin, who produced, mixed, engineered and played multiple instruments. Written In Ink came out in 2005, followed nine years later by a second album, The Poet & The Muse (2014).

1. William John Paul Gallagher, known simply as Liam Gallagher, was born to Irish Catholic parents in Manchester, England, the youngest of their three boys. Liam's older brothers are his future Oasis bandmate Noel (born 1967) and Paul. His father Thomas was said to be abusive, though being the youngest Liam avoided much of the physical abuse. When Liam was 10 his mother Peggy took the boys away and divorced Thomas four years later. Even before he was a rock star, Liam was a known troublemaker, and was involved in petty crimes like truancy and shoplifting. Initially interested in football, Liam claims he wasn't into music much until, at age 18, he was struck in the head with a hammer during a fight with some other students. He then became fixated with the idea of being in a band, like his new idol John Lennon, though he didn't play any instruments (aside from the tambourine).

The band that would go on to become Oasis was initially called "The Rain," formed by Paul McGuigan ("Guigsy"), Paul Arthurs ("Bonehead"), Tony McCarroll, and Chris Hutton. In 1991, Liam was asked to replaced Hutton as the group's lead vocalist. Upon joining the group Liam changed their name to "Oasis," based on a venue (Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon) listed in a tour poster for the band Inspiral Carpets. In this earliest iteration the band did not practice often or play many gigs. Noel joined the band after witnessing one of their few gigs while he was a roadie for the Inspiral Carpets, and quickly assumed the role of lead songwriter.

As Liam describes, Noel was the "weirdo" of the family, often withdrawn in his room playing guitar and smoking cannabis. He had been preparing songs for several years, but didn't find a proper outlet for them until seeing Oasis play. His songwriting philosophy is noted for its simplicity, and Noel has admitted he doesn't like art rock or similar genres. Under Noel's leadership the band recorded a demo tape and was discovered in 1993 by Scottish record label owner and manager Alan McGee after a gig in Glasgow. McGee is also known for his work with acts like Jesus and Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine. The band had a top 10 single with "Live Forever," and their record-setting debut LP Definitely Maybe was released in 1994.

With Liam and Noel as its face, Oasis quickly became one of the most popular and talked-about groups in the UK. Tabloids frequently covered the drunken antics and drug usage of Liam, who was seen as a "loutish" cross between John Lennon and Johnny Rotten. Before long, a rift opened up between the two brothers that has remained to this day. Notable incidents included the band being thrown off a ferry to Amsterdam after Liam sparked a fight with football hooligans, which the brothers can be heard arguing about in the single "Wibbling Rivalry," and Liam refusing to sing for the band's MTV Unplugged show due to a sore throat (likely exacerbated by days of drinking). Noel took over lead singing duties in his stead, while Liam smoked cigarettes and heckled the band from a balcony seat.

Noel also briefly left the band during their first American tour after Liam struck him with a tambourine during a gig in Los Angeles. Later, while recording (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, Noel was so irritated that Liam brought back a group of friends from the pub while he was working that he struck his brother on the head with a cricket bat. As Liam began to shirk singing duties with more frequency, Noel began to take over lead singing roles on hit songs like "Wonderwall" and "Don't Look Back in Anger." Liam wasn't happy about having to come on and off stage when Noel started singing these songs himself in regular gigs as well.

Tensions between the two brothers remained, and flared again when Liam made crude comments about Noel's wife Meg Mathews while on tour in Barcelona in 2000. He allegedly questioned whether or not Noel's daughter was actually his. While Noel initially vowed to stop touring overseas with Oasis, the brothers were able to patch things up temporarily. In April 2009, almost nine years after the incident in Spain, Noel gave an interview where he harshly criticized Liam, calling him "rude, arrogant, intimidating and lazy. He's the angriest man you'll ever meet. He's like a man with a fork in a world of soup." Oasis broke up later that year due to a public dispute between Liam and Noel over a missed gig at the V Festival. Liam claimed to have laryngitis, while Noel stated it was just a hangover. Liam sued his brother, demanding an apology for tarnishing his record. Noel apologized but it was a pyrrhic victory for Liam as the band was soon dismantled. Hours after another cancelled gig near Paris, Noel confirmed on the band's website that he quit Oasis because he could not work with Liam "a day longer."

The brothers still do not get along. In a 2017 interview Liam claimed he doesn't even have Noel's number in his cellphone. This was in response to Liam calling Noel a "sad fuck" on Twitter for not attending a show in response to the 2017 terror attack at an Ariana Grande concert in their home town. In a more recent interview Liam said he did invite Noel to his upcoming wedding, planned for 2021, but only at the behest of his mother. Liam also claimed that Noel turned down £100 million to play an Oasis reunion show, which Noel denied. Noel said Liam is "obsessed" with him, while Liam said the same thing about Noel. Despite their frequent battles, there is some mutual respect between the Gallaghers. Liam highlights Noel's talent as a songwriter, while Noel respects Liam's showmanship and looks.

After Noel left, Liam and the remaining members of Oasis rebranded as a new band called Beady Eye. They released two albums, Different Gear, Still Speeding in 2011 and BE in 2013. Both albums received mixed reviews and sales were tepid. It was announced in October of 2014 that Beady Eye was no more. Liam initially balked at the idea of going solo, but in 2016 he announced he had some songs already written and planned for release in 2017. Liam's debut, titled As You Were, was released on October 6, 2017. Reviews were largely positive and the album sold well, debuting at #1 in the UK, having sold more than the rest of the top 10 combined. It was certified gold in a week and has since gone platinum.

Liam's next album was released on 20 September 2019 and was titled Why Me? Why Not., inspired by two drawings made by John Lennon. One that says "Why me?" was purchased by Liam at an auction, while the accompanying "Why not" piece was given to him by Lennon's widow Yoko Ono. The album was proceeded by the lead single "Shockwave," which reached #1 in Scotland, making it Liam's first self-penned solo #1 song. Like its predecessor, Why Me? Why Not. was a critical and commercial success, debuting again at #1 in the UK and becoming the fast-selling vinyl of 2019. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Liam performed a concert on a barge heading through the River Thames in London, where he mixed his solo hits with some classic Oasis tracks.

His third solo album, titled C'mon You Know, was released on 27 May 2022. On 1 March 2024, he released his fourth studio album Liam Gallagher & John Squire, a collaborative album with guitarist John Squire. Like his other studio albums, both albums went to #1 in the UK.

Gallagher is known for his powerful voice and deliberate twisting of words like "shine." When singing he typically projects upward into the downward facing mic while keeping his hands behind his back. According to Liam, this allows his voice to come out stronger. Due to lack of traditional vocal training, and years of drinking and smoking, Liam's voice showed notable signs of deterioration in the mid-2000s, but has since recovered to some degree. The return of Liam's singing voice, as well as the success of his debut solo LP, were viewed as a comeback for Liam in the mainstream media. Liam usually wears a parka when performing, which along with his unique stance, has become his iconic look.

Liam has been married twice and has four children, including his son Lennon, a model and musician. Like Noel, he is an avid supporter of Manchester City FC.

All My People / All Mankind
Liam Gallagher Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hold tight I got what you need
Speak now or forever hold your peace
I just want you to know
It's my time

Showboats not up to speed
High out are for birds in the trees
I just want you to know

It's my time

All my people
All mankind
All true seekers
Shine

Stand out and less of the cheese
Selfies, what a fuckin' disease
I just want you to know
It's my time

Slap back you know what I mean
Fat cats in my pretty green
I just want you to know
It's my time

All my people
All mankind
All true seekers
Shine

Get on up
Get on up
Gonna leave you all behind
Wanna look
Wanna touch
Gonna see now I'm alive

All my people
All mankind
All true seekers
Shine

Get on up
Get on up
Gonna leave you all behind
Wanna look
Wanna touch
Gonna see now I'm alive

Get on up
Get on up
Gonna leave you all behind
Wanna look

Wanna touch
Gonna see now I'm alive, hey

Overall Meaning

In "All My People / All Mankind," Liam Gallagher expresses a sense of confidence and self-assuredness. The opening lines, "Hold tight I got what you need, Speak now or forever hold your peace," suggest that he possesses what others desire and invites them to speak up if they have any objections or doubts. He wants to assert his presence and announce that it is his time to shine.

The line "Showboats not up to speed" implies that those who try to attract attention and show off are not on his level. He dismisses their superficiality, comparing them to birds in the trees who are only interested in being high up and looking down upon others. Liam wants people to recognize that it is his moment to be in the spotlight.

He continues with criticism towards the obsession with self-image and the rise of narcissism captured in the line "Selfies, what a fuckin' disease." The reference to selfies portrays a culture consumed by self-promotion and the constant need for validation through social media. Liam rejects this mindset and emphasizes that he wants people to understand that it is his time to shine, free from the superficiality and self-obsession that plagues society.

In further contrast to those who he perceives as superficial, Liam sings about "fat cats in my pretty green." This line possibly alludes to wealthy and greedy individuals who exploit others for their own gain, whereas Liam associates himself with his own clothing brand, Pretty Green, which he founded on principles of quality and style. By mentioning the "fat cats," he highlights the contrast between his values and those who prioritize material wealth over genuine artistry and creativity.

The repeated refrain of "All my people, All mankind, All true seekers, Shine" represents a call for unity and authenticity. Regardless of background or identity, Liam wants everyone who genuinely seeks truth and sincerity to shine and not be constrained by external expectations or constraints. It is an empowering message for individuals to embrace their uniqueness and express themselves freely.

The concluding section of the song signifies a breakthrough or transformation. Liam repeats "Get on up" to encourage others to rise up and not be left behind. "Gonna leave you all behind/Wanna look, Wanna touch/Gonna see now I'm alive" suggests a sense of newfound vitality and an intensified desire to explore and experience all that life has to offer. This could mean breaking free from limitations, seeking new adventures, or embracing a renewed sense of purpose.

Overall, Liam Gallagher's "All My People / All Mankind" conveys a message of self-confidence and individuality while calling for unity among those who share a genuine passion for self-expression. It critiques superficiality, materialism, and self-obsession in modern society, encouraging listeners to focus on authenticity and creating their own path.

Line by Line Meaning

Hold tight I got what you need
Keep a firm grip, I possess what you desire

Speak now or forever hold your peace
Express your thoughts in this moment or remain silent for eternity

I just want you to know
I simply desire for you to be aware

It's my time
This is the period when I seize control

Showboats not up to speed
Attention-seeking individuals lack proficiency

High out are for birds in the trees
Substances that intoxicate are better suited for avian creatures

Slap back you know what I mean
Retaliate firmly, comprehend my intention

Fat cats in my pretty green
Wealthy and powerful individuals favoring my distinctive style

Stand out and less of the cheese
Be conspicuous instead of conforming to conventional mediocrity

Selfies, what a fuckin' disease
Self-portraits, an utterly repulsive affliction

Get on up
Rise to your feet