REVIEW: Jill Furmanovsky / Noel Gallagher 1994-2009 / 2025 book

The beaux arts of Jill Furmanovsky delivers time and time again ageless visual depictions of artists at work in the metaphoric chemical labs rustling up their latest explosive results to light up a world that needs a burst of striking optical landscapes.

Fortunately, Thames and Hudson have partnered with Jill along with Oasis guvnor Noel Gallagher to deliver Trying To find A Way Out Of Nowhere, a 550+ strong image hardback A5 book coming in rich thick double sided pages making the flicking of each canvas a true ocular joy. Unfolding before your eyes is Gallagher reminiscing about Jill’s (the ‘dinner lady’ as Noel puts it) first shooting assignment with Oasis at Cambridge Corn Exchange 1994 back when the band were tentatively treading the floorboards of 1000 capacity haunts publicizing their forthcoming debut album.

Along with Jill’s warm insightful tales from the riverbank there are further short snippets from Gallagher who gives generous insights into each episode of the bands historic chapters as told by the simply stunning shots shared leaf after leaf. There are hallowed shots from video shoots (Live Forever, Wonderwall), then there’s shots of the rise of Oasis to worldwide prominence including stateside visits plus the small factor of headlining Knebworth in one of the sharpest inclines to the top of the rop/rock charts. The likes of Bono and Paul Weller also make their appearance in the tome, how could they not, what with Noel locking horns with some of the biggest and best bands and names, Oasis simply were the biggest band since The Beatles to gain the same attention afforded John, Paul, George and Ringo, with Jill being there for all the key moments.

Along with the usual suspect photos you’ve become accustomed to seeing including Noel with arms out wide walking on stage at a fever pitch looking Maine Road; Liam and Noel backstage in America with The Guvnor wearing a striking pure white Adidas hoodie; full band shot in a pub with new drummer Alan White sitting infront of ‘best band there ever was etc…’ quote scribbled on a blackboard behind the mischievous looking quintet; there are supplementary candid and inebriated moments in recording studios depicting each band member either hard at work or in the midst of debauchery which involve all the line ups of the band plus a mouthwatering shot from the 2025 rehearsal room, meaning Jill has been allowed to continue her journey with the band through their breathtaking return to stadium conquerors.

There are no diminishing qualities when Jill’s opens up her vast array of outtakes and never before seen shots selected for inclusion, just like receiving an Evil Knievel motorcycle set as your main Christmas present, your joy will be uncontrolled as you survey each band member in different throws of creativity. With additional words from heavyweight pen to paper inscribers Simon Spence, Laura Barton and Johnny Hopkins who all give their own unique insights into Jill and Oasis. If you’re in doubt which book will give the reader an unprecedented access all areas glimpse into life in and around Oasis there’s little doubt this is the book you’re looking for. A gem.