Gem Archer on Playing with Bonehead in Oasis: “He’s the Glue That Makes Everything Else Sound Great”

Gem Archer shares his heartfelt thoughts on reuniting with Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs during Oasis’ epic reunion tour and why Bonehead’s rhythm guitar is essential to the band’s iconic sound.

Reuniting with a Legend: Gem Archer’s Take on Playing Alongside Bonehead

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to catch an Oasis show, you know the magic that happens when those guitars start ringing out. For Gem Archer, joining the band in ’99 was a different kind of journey, especially when he found himself back on stage with original guitarist Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs during the massive 2025 reunion tour. “He’s the glue that makes everything else sound great,” Gem gushes in a recent interview with Guitar World.

Bonehead and Gem Archer sharing the stage during the Oasis reunion tour

Archer reflects on their first rehearsals, where an instant brotherhood blossomed. “I’ve met him many times over the years and always thought he was a great guy. My wife used to be really close with him, so I just thought, ‘Alright, perfect!’ And now I know him so much better – it’s almost like I know him like a brother.”

Joining Oasis wasn’t about filling Bonehead's shoes — it was about carving out a fresh path. “I joined in ’99, but with how things played out, I wasn’t replacing him; it was just taking a different turn. Obviously, Oasis needed two guitars, but it certainly wasn’t like Noel said, ‘You’ve gotta play barre chords and that’s it.’ It was completely open when I joined.”

The Unsung Hero of Rhythm Guitar

Gem’s praise for Bonehead is more than just band camaraderie. It’s an acknowledgment of Bonehead’s unique playing style — a rhythm guitarist whose subtle touch holds the band’s sound together. “So it wasn’t replacing Bonehead because it was different. Now, playing with him, it’s like he’s the bedrock – he’s the glue that makes everything else sound great. He’s overlooked as a rhythm guitarist in a way ’cause he has this feel.”

He elaborates, “It’s like he’s playing acoustic with a really gainy electric sound. He just has his own way. Whereas some of us, if we put that guitar through those amps, you wouldn’t play with the kind of freedom he does.” It’s a feeling you don’t just hear, but feel, and it’s what elevated Oasis’ sound to legendary status.

Three Guitars, One Rock Powerhouse

When the reunion tour came together, the decision to have three guitarists on stage turned out to be a stroke of genius. Gem recalls Noel Gallagher’s playful challenge: “During our first get-together Noel said, ‘Have you ever been in a band with three guitars?’ I’m like, ‘Are you kidding?’ He said, ‘We’ll let Bonehead do Bonehead, and we’ll fit around it’.”

This setup wasn’t about overcrowding the sound but creating space for creativity. Gem shares an example: “Like on ‘Cast No Shadow’ I’m playing slide guitar. In the past, there never would have been any space to do that.” The three-guitar formation opened new worlds for the band, allowing each member to shine without stepping on each other’s toes.

Watch Bonehead in action:
'Bye Bye Bonehead' - In The Archive

A Tour Marked by Triumph and Resilience

The 2025 reunion tour came with its share of challenges, especially for Bonehead, who bravely battled prostate cancer while rejoining the band for their South American dates. Despite his health struggles, he called this year “the best year of my life,” a testament to the healing power of music and reunion.

Bonehead’s return brought warmth and authenticity back to the stage

Earlier diagnosed with tonsil cancer and given the all-clear in 2022, Bonehead had to take a break during Oasis’ Asia and Australia shows for further care. During his absence, the band cleverly toured with a cardboard cut-out of him, while Mike Moore from Liam Gallagher’s solo band stepped in on guitar. It was a touching nod to the man who shaped Oasis’ sound and spirit.

Noel Gallagher acknowledged Bonehead's monumental role, saying during the Cardiff show, “On guitar, if it wasn’t for him, none of this would have happened.”

Looking Back—and Forward—with Hope

Aside from reflecting on the reunion, Gem Archer shared some intriguing insights about the setlist and band dynamics. Originally, the tour setlist was four songs longer, showing how much material the band has to choose from! Watching Noel and Liam Gallagher come together again during rehearsals was deeply moving for Gem, “It really felt like we’d never split up.”

There’s also a tantalizing hint of more to come. While Liam Gallagher ruled out any 2026 tour dates, he hinted at something brewing for 2027. The frontman even joked on social media, “I don’t [have] snizzle to do until 2027 I mean happy Christmas." And at their final Wembley show, he teased fans with a cheeky “See you next year,” only to slap himself on the wrist for letting the secret slip.

Rumors swirl about Oasis possibly returning to legendary venues like Knebworth or headlining a homecoming residency at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium. A British peer even sparked excitement by mentioning Oasis would play Knebworth next summer — though he quickly backtracked.

Behind the Scenes: More Than Just a Tour

The Live ’25 reunion tour wasn’t a last-minute gig. Oasis’ video director revealed it had been in pre-production for 14 months, packed with “lots of well-kept secrets.” A documentary film about the reunion, produced by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, is also in the works. Fans can look forward to some “phenomenal” footage, including Liam and Noel’s first reunion meeting.

“He’s the glue that makes everything else sound great.”
— Gem Archer

The Oasis reunion tour was more than just a nostalgia trip; it was a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the timeless power of great music. Gem Archer’s reflections remind us how every member’s unique contribution creates the legendary sound that echoes through generations.

FAQ

• What role does Bonehead play in Oasis’ sound?
  Bonehead serves as the rhythm guitarist and provides a unique feel that acts as the foundation, or "glue," that holds the band’s sound together.
• How did Gem Archer describe playing with Bonehead during the reunion tour?
  Gem called playing with Bonehead like knowing a brother, highlighting Bonehead’s distinct style and fundamental role in Oasis’ music.
• Why were there three guitarists on stage during the reunion tour?
  The addition of three guitarists opened up new creative spaces, allowing for more musical freedom and layering without crowding the sound.
• Did Bonehead participate in all the reunion tour dates?
  Bonehead had to miss the Asia and Australia legs due to cancer treatment but rejoined for the South American shows.
• Is there a chance for more Oasis tours in the future?
  While nothing is confirmed for 2026, hints from Liam Gallagher and the band suggest the possibility of more shows in 2027.

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