Gem Archer
| Gem Archer | |
|---|---|
Archer performing live with Oasis
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Colin Murray Archer |
| Born |
7 December 1966 Durham, England |
| Genres | Britpop, glam rock, alternative rock, indie rock, funk rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, guitarist |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Labels | Creation, Big Brother |
| Associated acts | The Edge Beady Eye, Oasis, Heavy Stereo, Proud Mary, Paul Weller, Whirlpool, Ben and the Bends, Noel Gallagher |
| Notable instruments | |
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Gibson Non-Reverse Firebird Epiphone Sheraton Epiphone Casino Rickenbacker 330 |
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Colin Murray "Gem" Archer (born 7 December 1966) is an English musician, best known as a member of the English rock bands Oasis and Beady Eye. He is also known for his work with Heavy Stereo. He joined Oasis as rhythm guitarist in November 1999, and handled lead guitar for acoustic songs as well. He also contributed to the writing of some of the band's songs. Oasis broke up in August 2009, but in November 2009, Liam Gallagher announced he was writing new material with Archer as well as other ex-Oasis members minus his brother Noel, under the name Beady Eye. After two albums with Beady Eye, 2011's Different Gear, Still Speeding and 2013's BE, the band officially disbanded in October 2014.
Archer began his musical career in a group called The Edge in the early 1980s. They released two singles, "Take A Walk" and "Little Girl Blue".
Started at Willington Parkside School in County Durham, The Edge existed in varying incarnations of Jeff "Jay" Walker, Gem's high-spirited, best friend also on guitar, with a local doctor's son Michael Chesters on drums.
Once at Durham New College he recruited a lead singer in Simon Scott, an eclectic performer in the style of the New York Dolls.
Gem, Michael Chesters (aka Chess Chesters, and older brother of Eds Chesters of The Bluetones) and Jeff moved to London and formed The Contenders in early 1987, playing at the Bull & Gate in Kentish Town and other venues, often with friends 2 Lost Sons, who at that time were a three piece using Roland 808 and 909 drum machines for their live act. Gem's Contenders stage outfit was a black boiler suit with "THE CONTENDERS" written down the side in large white type. After The Contenders split, Chess joined the 2 Lost Sons as drummer. Along with Walker and ex Primal Scream drummer Gavin Skinner, Gem formed Whirlpool in 1991 and signed to Food Records and EMI Publishing. Simon Scott was also involved on a live basis playing keyboards and back-up vocals. After gigging around the UK and recording for 18 months the group folded. This laid the foundations for Heavy Stereo, with Gem taking over the role of singer.
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