10-05-2025
The Oasis book sending Manchester publisher global
The Oasis effect is catapulting Manchester once again on to the global stage - and now a city-based book publisher is feeling the force of the big reunion of the Gallagher brothers.
Backstage Books is the new publishing brand launched by Manchester fashion entrepreneur Anthony Donnelly, of GioGoi fame.
It specialises in rock biographies, including the in-demand Oasis book featuring rare early photographs of the band by Roger Sargent and Jill Furmanovsky called Feeling Supersonic - From Madchester to Britpop.
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The cover features an iconic Oasis shot that is said to be "Liam's favourite photo of himself", according to Anthony, and the book is decribed as a "love letter to Oasis and the bands, parties, clothes and city that made them".
The book, written by Sunday Times bestseller Simon Spence, is split into two parts - one on the Madchester scene that defined Oasis and the second following the epic reformation of the Stone Roses and culminating with "Noel and Liam as never seen before".
It features artists like Ian Brown, New Order, Reni, Happy Mondays, Pulp, Primal Scream, John Squire, and more cultural icons from the Manchester scene.
The publishing firm also has books exploring a range of other music and culture icons including The Sex Pistols, Depeche Mode and artist Banksy among its ever-expanding roster of books.
Now, they've signed a deal with Stateside literary agency The Rights Factory, who Donnelly says have big plans for the books, which are on sale here in the UK in a range of shops including HMV and Waterstones.
Anthony says: "It's gone off like a rocket. To get a book deal off The Rights Factory in New York is major, they're taking the Oasis book worldwide and they're talking about films, documentaries, talks with Netflix."
Anthony adds that the Oasis comeback tour this summer is placing Manchester on a world stage.
He says: There's a real keen eye overseas looking at all things Manchester - we are the centre of the universe again.
"Manchester is the accent at the moment, we're back in fashion."
Nat Kimber from The Rights Factory said: "Backstage Books are the quintessential 21st century rock n roll publishers, turning the narrative of iconic history into manifestos for this moment
"They're bringing something that we haven't seen in underground art since the punk new wave and house music revolutions. I am crazy about and proud to be part of this global Manc endeavour."
While the book side of things are taking off, Anthony still owns the GioGoi brand synonymous with 90s and 00s Manc style. There are big plans afoot for that brand too - with a host of different GioGoi branded products for the first time including its first beverage line too.
Anthony said: "Although selling clothes is still heavy on the agenda, given the popularity of the brand we are exploring perfumery and furniture also we will be introducing technology into the brand with a crypto coin GioGoin in discussion too."
Feeling Supersonic: From Manchester to Britpop published by Backstage Books is on sale now from bookstores and online.
