Former Oasis drummer in new bid to call tune

The drummer with the pop band Oasis who was dismissed as they hit success in 1995 is to sue the band for his share in their fortune, it was claimed yesterday.

The industry had previously understood that Tony McCarroll had reached a settlement last November with the multi-millionaire group headed by Liam and Noel Gallagher (right). But yesterday it was reported that McCarroll was still pursuing a claim against his former colleagues with the help of solicitor Jens Hills.

Two years ago, Mr Hills won a deal for musician Pete Best, the drummer who was dismissed by the Beatles in 1962, securing him royalties after 30 years.

McCarroll is understood to earn royalties from the first Oasis album Definitely Maybe which have been invested to provide him with an income. But he was sacked in a telephone call in 1995 before the success of (What's the Story) Morning Glory? and this year's Be Here Now.

McCarroll, Mr Hill, and Oasis's record company, Creation, were all unavailable for comment yesterday.

Steve Redmond, editor-in-chief of Music Week magazine, said the industry would be surprised by the move. "They went to court and, as far as I know, it was all settled out-of-court. In that case, it's difficult to know on what basis he could sue." Press reports last November quoted a settlement of around pounds 300,000 plus a percentage of profits from Definitely Maybe - which sold 5 million copies - and his legal costs.

McCarroll was originally in a band with Paul McGuigan and Paul Arthurs, now of Oasis, called Rain. Liam Gallagher joined them and the group became Oasis. Liam's brother, Noel, was the last member to join.

Louise Jury