Oasis has reportedly launched legal action against an auction house, leading to the postponement of a planned sale of unheard and rare recordings. The collection, known as 'The Desk Tapes', was set to be auctioned by Littleton Auctions on October 3.
The archive includes 63 concert recordings and over 100 hours of rehearsals, soundchecks, and “unfiltered dialogue” between Noel and Liam Gallagher. Among the items is what is believed to be the only recording of the band’s 1996 concert at Loch Lomond.
The master recordings were compiled by Oasis’s former sound engineer, Huw Richards, who worked with the band from 1994 to 2001. His son, Owain Richards, stated that Oasis wants the trove “back in their possession”.
Littleton Auctions confirmed the withdrawal of 'The Desk Tapes' from their October 3 auction due to legal proceedings. Managing director Ben Homer expressed disappointment but stated that the rest of the sale, including other memorabilia, will proceed as planned. Owain Richards also confirmed the lawsuit and the agreement to postpone the auction to resolve the dispute.