Tony McCarroll reveals Oasis tried to 'borrow' a tractor

Oasis once tried to steal a tractor when they were “very drunk”.

The Live Forever hitmakers were the subject of a rumour that both they and the Stone Roses decided to “borrow” a combine harvester when they were recording in studios near one another, but former drummer Tony McCarroll – who was sacked from the band in 1995 – has now set the record straight about the notorious story.

Asked about the supposed incident, which took place when Oasis were recording their debut album, Definitely Maybe, in Cornwall, Tony told the HELLO! Icon Series: Oasis: “There were some who over-iced the cake back then.

“After being in the studio with the Roses, we did try to start a tractor with a screwdriver. We were very drunk.

“Thank God the thing didn’t start. And yes, I would have been the driver.”

The 54-year-old musician still has an intimate record of the group’s early days recording Definitely Maybe.

He said: “I brought a few Kodak cameras and took some shots around the studio.

“Looking at them now, it’s like a time capsule.

“People would be used to seeing the meticulously planned images of the band, but these are the intimate reality, up close with a view from behind my drum kit.

“Notably, there are some of Liam [Gallagher] singing, Bonehead [Paul Arthurs] tuning, us all out and about while various associated names do their thing in the back; the real behind-the-scenes of that first shot at Definitely Maybe.

“I’ve put some of those online too.”

Tony isn’t in touch with his former bandmates anymore.

Asked if he still speaks to them, he said: “Not really – but I’m sure it would be pleasant if our paths crossed.”

And the sticksman still has fond memories of his days with Oasis.

Discussing his fondest memories, he said: “Always playing live. The gigs notable getting bigger, us getting better.

“Our Glastonbury debut stands out as one of my favourites.”

While Tony still listened to the band’s music after his departure, he insisted his studies of Alan White’s drumming were not so he could see how he would have played on the records differently.

He said: “I don’t think about drumming them but I do listen and break down what the drummer’s dong, as I do with a lot of bands and drummers.

“It’s a drummer thing.”