Still mad for it!

Our Rob's pinch-me moments with band that changed his life

- Sentinel Reporter

IT’S fair to say that Sentinel music writer Rob Fiddaman has had his fair share of pinch-me moments.

The DJ, radio host and music historian, from Newcastle, has rubbed shoulders with some of the world’s biggest music stars, written books about the influence of Britpop and appeared on national radio to talk about his dealings with the band that changed the trajectory of his life.

But for Rob, hearing the song Live Forever by Oasis on his way home from a friend’s house when he was 17, set into motion a series of events that some might find hard to believe.

He said: “Growing up, I was surrounded by manufactured artists and boy bands singing on stools - that made life boring.

“On that late-night drive home, and after giving up on various radio stations I just hit search and waited for what my car radio would hit me with next.

“Blaring through the speakers came blistering guitars, punk attitude, lyrics which actually hit home and a melody that cut right through you - and those iconic vocals. I had found a band that could now transition me from The Beatles.

“I loved how they turned the 1960s on its head and brought a new wave through the country, which we now know as Britpop.

“My parents grew up on The Beatles and I was quite jealous of that because it felt like something was missing - that was until Oasis came along like the missing part of the jigsaw. I loved their attitude and look, and their music completely changed me and also made me want to play the guitar and sing. I actually wanted to be in a band, and I started dressing like them, it was a new way of life. I became a bit of an indie boy and started going to watch other bands like OCS, Cast, Manics, Space.

“I didn’t really think I was that obsessed with Britpop until I came back to the UK in 2008 after spending time in the States and Spain.”