A piano owned by Oasis guitarist and keyboardist Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs is now set to go under the hammer at auction. Oasis discoverer Alan McGee gave the piano to the musician for Christmas in 1996.
Big chunk under the tree
The E108 model in walnut look from the Japanese manufacturer Yamaha was one of four keyboard instruments that Alan McGee gave to his Oasis pupils in a generous celebratory gesture. Shortly before bankruptcy, the boss of the record company Creation Records discovered the group from Manchester during one of their performances in 1993. Her debut album “Definitely Maybe” was released on his label in 1994 and has sold over 15 million copies to date – a real stroke of luck for the music entrepreneur.
The piano will now be auctioned along with a certificate of authenticity personally signed by Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs. “This is the first of the four pianos gifted by McGee Oasis to appear at auction,” confirmed Sean McIlroy, director of auction house Piano Auctions Ltd. “What makes it particularly exciting is the idea that Bonehead and perhaps other band members played their songs on this instrument – now Oasis fans and collectors can play on the same keys.”
The guitarist and former owner of the Klimperkasten played on both the group’s debut and several other successful albums, including “What’s the Story (Morning Glory)” (1995) and “Be Here Now” (1997). The multi-instrumentalist left the band in 1999, but never broke off contact with the Brit pop megastars. For example, he made guest appearances at Liam Gallagher’s solo shows. His cancer became known in 2022 and today he is considered cured. He will be back on stage with his old bandmates on the Oasis reunion tour next year.
Almost 30 years later: Another Christmas present?
The auction will take place online and begins on Tuesday, December 10th at 12 p.m. local time (1 p.m. in Germany). The auctioneer added: “I can imagine there are some Oasis and music fans who would like this piano as a Christmas present – but they will have to dig deep into their pockets.” The company estimates the instrument’s value at between £8,000 and £10,000 (around 10,000 to 12,000 euros).