Footnotes

The famous Rockfield Studios opened in 1961 and became the first recording facility to not only offer a rural location to record in, set in old Shire horse stables, but was the pioneer in onsite artist lodgings. This enabled bands to stay for longer periods and record day or night at the drop of a hat. The extra service began to entice bigger bands and artists to book the studios to record there. Momentous albums by Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Simple Minds, Robert Plant, Iggy Pop, Julian Lennon, The Pogues, Stereophonics, Royal Blood and Coldplay have all been recorded in one of the two bespoke studios located in the original farm buildings, known as The Quadrangle and The Coach House.

The Yamaha grand piano in this lot has been used by a number of Britpop defining groups, many at the height of their fame in the 1990s. According to the accompanying letter of provenance bands and artists including; Paul Weller, Oasis, Ash, Black Grape, The Bluetones, The Charlatans, The Stone Roses and The Super Furry Animals have all recorded in The Coach House studio where this piano is currently housed. It has featured on iconic and timeless albums including (What's The Story) Morning Glory?, the self-named The Charlatans and The Stone Roses, The Second Coming, 1977 and Fuzzy Logic.

The Britpop genre grew out of the early nineties guitar bands mentioned, during an explosive era of 'Cool Britannia' when Britain was the epicentre for creativity and experiencing strong economic growth. The music created and accompanying scene had a huge impact on the wider culture such as art, fashion, writing and film that was being produced at the same time. Perhaps one of the biggest tracks this piano has been a part of is the recording for Wonderwall, Oasis' major Britpop anthem. According to the provenance provided by Rockfield this Yamaha was played by Noel Gallagher on Wonderwall for which he is credited for piano along with group member Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs. They also state that it features on Don't Look Back in Anger and Champagne Supernova both on (What's The Story). In October 2021 it will mark 26 years since the release of the Wonderwall single. The fan following for Oasis has un-wavered, even throughout the bands more turbulent times and the Gallagher brothers have both received critical acclaim as solo artists. It is interesting to appreciate that in the same 26 years prior to the release of (What's The Story) Morning Glory? was when the Beatles released their penultimate album Abbey Road. It is no secret that Oasis are hugely inspired by the Beatles and their sound which they have discussed on many occasions.

Most recently this piano has been made available to The Proclaimers, June Tabor and the Oysterband, Elisa Carthy and Tim Burgess who have all stayed at Rockfield and had sessions in The Coach House studio. The recent number one album The Ultra Vivid Lament by the Manic Street Preachers features this piano on it. Rockfield have never parted with any equipment from their studios previously and Bonhams are privileged to be able to offer a piano with such important provenance on their behalf.

For condition and viewing details please contact the department directly.