Renowned British music photographer Kevin Cummins released his latest book on Thursday, titled ‘Oasis: The Masterplan’. The book is a collection of photographs of the band, spread across 256 pages, with plenty of unseen images that will be a treasure trove for fans of the band. It charts the year before the release of their iconic debut album ‘Definitely Maybe’, and is accompanied by reflections from Noel Gallagher.
Cummins was at one time the chief photographer of British music magazine, the NME, spending 10 years in that position. His association with the magazine lasted for 25 years, and many of his previously published collections have centred around his time with that publication. These include books on Morrissey, The Fall, and New Order. His work has also been represented in various exhibitions over the years. Hailing from Manchester, much of his work has focussed on around bands from the North West, however he also documented Manchester City’s final season at Maine Road.
According to a press release quoted by the NME, the book captures the band’s evolution during “twelve months of seismic change that cemented the identity of Oasis.” The book explores the links between the band, and aspects of their image, such as fashion, football, and everything in between. The same press release referred to this as the “just-bought-at-Affleck’s Palace attainability of their look.”
The book features over 150 photographs, with over three-quarters of the included images previously unreleased. The book’s greatest moments are when the band are caught off-guard, with the candid reflections revealing the dynamics of a band that would become global superstars in less than a year. Photos included in a Daily Mail exclusive showed images of Liam Gallagher standing on chairs, and wearing shower caps, with the paper also reporting that the images focussed more on the younger Gallagher, rather than his older brother, Noel.
Promoting the book, Cummins appeared on Robert Elms’ BBC Radio London slot on 22 March. Discussing various elements of the portfolio, Cummins explained how the photos came about. He was asked to photograph the band by their label, Creation Records, who thought they’d get along given their shared support of Manchester City. He also shared that he is still friends with the brothers, seeing Noel more often than Liam. Recalling their first planned shoot, the photographer described how a session in Amsterdam was cancelled after the band got into a fight with Chelsea fans on the ferry crossing.
A spread from my forthcoming book: #Oasis: The Masterplan The book covers ’94, their breakthrough year. I was commissioned to photograph them with various lighting, locations & styles, for Creation to see what suited them best. Linktree link on my biog to order -it’s out 27 March pic.twitter.com/OtOxiPIcOE
— Kevin Cummins (@KCMANC) March 21, 2025
The book also features commentary and insights from Noel Gallagher, whose present day reflections put those candid moments in context. In a promotional quote for the book, Gallagher said: “This book really brings those early years back to me. Kevin’s photographs captured us at the very beginning. This is a must-have book for every Oasis fan.”
Oasis: The Masterplan is on sale now with an RRP of £35, though it is available for less from various retailers. Fan responses to Cummins through his social media were positive, with one X user saying, “Some lovely snaps! Good job you had a camera on you!” With fewer than 100 days until Oasis kick off their reunion tour, this book is almost certain to build even more excitement.
