Oasis Reunion Tour Lineup Expands: Andy Bell Confirms He’s “In”

Andy Bell Speaks Out

In an interview with Austrian newspaper Oe24, Bell said plainly:

“I’m in and I’m really looking forward to it.” (Andy Bell)
 

His confirmation came shortly after announcement by Rolling Stone Australia, which noted Bell's integral role alongside the Gallagher brothers when the tour kicks off in July.
 

This is worth a listen from Andy, ( I think ) 

Why It Matters

Legacy Member Returns: Bell joined Oasis in 1999, replacing founding bassist Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan, and featured on the band’s final three albums—Heathen Chemistry, Don’t Believe the Truth, and Dig Out Your Soul. His return signals a reconnection with a key era in Oasis’s history.
 

Part of a Reunited Lineup: He will likely perform alongside other returning members, including guitarists Bonehead (Paul Arthurs) and Gem Archer. Drummer Joey Waronker is also expected to fill in behind the kit.
 

Bridging Eras: Bell’s involvement brings a layer of continuity—from the late 90s Oasis era into the present reunion—offering both nostalgic resonance and renewed musical cohesion.

Could Andy Bell Actually Play Bass?

When Andy Bell joined Oasis in 1999, many fans were sceptical. Bell was known primarily as a lead guitarist and songwriter with shoegaze pioneers Ride, and later with Hurricane #1. Bass was not his native instrument.

Learning Curve: Bell himself admitted in interviews that he essentially had to learn bass on the job when Noel Gallagher recruited him after the departure of founding bassist Paul “Guigsy” McGuigan. In a 2003 NME feature, Noel cheekily remarked that both Bell and Gem Archer “had never been bassists or rhythm guitarists before, but they figured it out quick.”

Adaptation: Over time, Bell grew comfortable in the role. On albums like Don’t Believe the Truth (2005), his basslines on tracks such as Lyla and The Importance of Being Idle became staples of Oasis’s late-period sound.

Songwriting Contributions: Beyond bass, Bell also brought songwriting chops, penning tracks like Keep the Dream Alive and Turn Up the Sun, which reinforced his value far beyond his instrument choice.

So—could he play bass? Yes, eventually—and well enough to help power Oasis through their final decade. His style may have lacked virtuosity compared to career-long bassists, but his melodic instincts from guitar translated into solid, song-serving parts.