One of the “original” Oasis Tribute Bands (along with Scottish outfit “No Way Sis”), Warrington-based “TOAST” formed in 1994, and quickly rose to prominence by playing a host of sell-out shows throughout Northern England, receiving rave reviews from “die-hard” Oasis fans, and general live music lovers alike.
The band split in late 1997, as many of its members went on to become professional musicians. Remaining close friends, the band reformed after 17 years (this year), to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Definitely Maybe”, with their first “comeback show” staged at The Parr Hall, Warrington, (the same venue which hosted the return of The Stone Roses). The band intended the show to be a one-off, but the reaction from the crowd and the general buzz around the return of TOAST made this impossible...and the band are set to announce a string of UK dates to last at least until the end of 2015.
TOAST’s musicianship, energy and stage presence is not to be missed. The TOAST set always consists of well over two hours of classic Oasis material. The band ensure that every album is represented - paying homage to the “live versions” of songs, (including many “B-sides”), and maintaining the famous “Liam and Noel” on-stage banter. The band also recreate Noels’ famous “acoustic set”, which was a huge feature of the Oasis set until after the 5th album, when it was (at huge disappointment to many fans), left out of the tour sets.
A local music journalist approached Jonno (TOAST’s “Liam”) after the recent Parr Hall show, and asked whether the “look-a-like” aspect was an issue for the band? He replied simply... ”I’ve no idea...why don’t you go and ask the 400 people who’ve just been bouncing up-and-down and singing their hearts out for the last two and a half hours”.
In all of their history, TOAST have never fully conformed to the “look-a-like”, aspect of the Tribute scene. Although the band certainly adhere to the Oasis dress-code, and ensure that their instruments, backline, mannerisms and general sound is as authentic as possible.
