A previously unreleased collection of early Oasis recordings will no longer go on sale to the highest bidder after interventions from the band.
In September, it was announced that a collection of early recordings, which span 63 live shows, as well as soundchecks and more than 100 hours of rehearsals from Noel and Liam Gallagher in the 1990s, were due to go up for auction later this month.
The Desk Tapes withdrawn
The recordings, regarded as The Desk Tapes, were collected by the band’s former sound engineer Huw Richards, who worked with Oasis on their debut album Definitely Maybe until 2001. They were recorded by Richards himself, who also worked with some of Oasis' biggest concerts, including the Knebworth shows in August 1996.
Littleton Auctions called the tapes “the only master archive of its kind in existence” and hailed them as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for fans and collectors. However, it was also confirmed at the time of the announcement that the band did not approve of the recordings and had been said to have 'expressed concerns' over the sale.
Band files injunction
It has now been confirmed that the recordings will no longer go up for auction following legal action from Oasis and their team. It is understood that the band has filed an injunction order against the sale of the material. Representatives for the band declined to comment on the matter when approached by the Manchester Evening News.
Managing director Homer said: "Littleton Auctions confirms that the Oasis recordings known as The Desk Tapes have been withdrawn from our October 3 auction in light of legal proceedings. We are very disappointed that we cannot offer this significant archive as planned."
Remaining auction items
The auction house will, however, still go ahead with the rest of its Music and Memorabilia Auction on Saturday (October 3), which will feature a range of guitars, amplifiers, vinyl and other rare items. Other items from Richards' collection going on sale include internal tour itineraries, original setlists, a band-played Epiphone guitar and an original Kangol Oasis Tour parka.
There will also be items from Rolling Stones, Kylie Minogue, The Who, and Guns n Roses available during the auction.
