Epiphone is celebrating Oasis’ mammoth ‘Live ‘25’ tour by sharing a run of new Gem Archer and Bonehead guitars.
Both new models come inspired by the original guitars still wielded by Gem Archer and Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs on stage today, as they return to the live stages worldwide with Liam and Noel Gallagher for their first tour dates since 2009.
For Gem Archer, the model replicated and now on offer from the guitar manufacturer is the Sheraton – an Epiphone design first introduced in 1958, and has been used during the musician’s time in Oasis, Beady Eye, and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.
Dubbed the Masterbilt Gem Archer Sheraton, the new model is a semi-hollowbody, five-ply layered maple/poplar construction model, that comes with the signature etched Double Diamond on the rear of the headstock. It also features elegant mother-of-pearl block and abalone triangle inlays, a large 60s-style Sloped Dovewing headstock, pair of USA-made Gibson Mini Humbucker™ pickups, gold hardware and more.
It is available in both right-and left-handed versions, and comes with an Epiphone hardshell guitar case.
Discussing the history he has with his own model, Archer said: “The Epiphone Sheraton first came into my world when I borrowed Noel’s for Oasis tours and recording. When I started playing with him again in the High Flying Birds in 2017, this was the guitar I asked if he still had. I’m playing it again together with my signature model based on his ’66 original, on the Oasis ‘Live ’25’ tour.
“It’s got a ring and a clang to it, with loads of definition and clarity that I haven’t found in any other model.”
For Bonehead, the guitar replicated for the new Epiphone run is the Riviera, which he used everywhere from the early Oasis shows at The Water Rats in London to their era-defining nights at Knebworth.
His model is from 1984, and was used by him during the sessions for the landmark albums ‘Definitely Maybe’ and ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?’, as well as the band’s tours throughout the ‘90s.
The new replica made by Epiphone features a five-ply layered maple body with a solid maple centerblock, Epiphone Sloped Dovewing headstock, a Gibson Crown inlaid in mother-of-pearl, Alnico Classic PRO™ pickups, Black witch-hat knobs and more.
“Epiphone Rivieras have been with me from the early rehearsals at the Boardwalk in Manchester all the way up to those historic shows at Knebworth and on into Liam’s solo career,” Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs said. “I’m still playing my original 1984 guitar on the Oasis 2025 tour, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I’m excited to bring this new guitar to audiences who experienced it back in the day, as well as those coming out to see us on this tour. It plays great and sounds massive; you’re gonna love it.”
Both the Masterbilt Gem Archer Sheraton and Bonehead Riviera are now available at authorised Epiphone dealers, online, and at the Gibson Garage locations in London and Nashville.
The Sheraton model is priced at £1,199, and the Riviera is priced at £849.
“2025 is turning out to be quite the year for live music, and we’re thrilled to play a small part in paying tribute to one of the greatest reunions of the 21st century!” said Lee Bartram, Head of Commercial and Marketing EMEA at Gibson. “The first time I remember seeing Gem playing that Cherry Red Epiphone Sheraton was on July 2, 2005, in Manchester—what a show!”
He added: “Gem was such an important part of the Oasis sound in the 2000s, and to see him carry that on with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds makes it a privilege to be part of this project.
“Spotting that Epiphone Riviera on stage during the ‘Be Here Now’ tour in 1996 is something that stuck with me and inspired me to get my first Epiphone guitar. Nearly 30 years later, I’m honoured to have played a tiny part in bringing the Epiphone Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs Riviera to life.”
This is far from the first time that a new run of guitars has been launched to celebrate the long-awaited Oasis reunion. Towards the start of the year, it was confirmed that Noel Gallagher had joined forces with Gibson to create a limited-edition run of Gibson ’78 Les Paul Customs. In August, he launched a new Gibson Les Paul, designed specifically for the Oasis ‘Live 25’ tour, which came with handwritten lyric sheets.
Earlier this month, Gibson shared details of another guitar being shared to mark a cultural phenomenon – an exclusive, limited edition ES-345 guitar designed for the 40th anniversary of Back To The Future.
Oasis are currently out on the Asia leg of their mighty Oasis Live ‘25 comeback tour, which kicked off in South Korea earlier this month and has seen the members perform with an honorary cut-out of guitarist Bonehead. The guitarist announced that he would be taking a planned break from the tour to continue with “the next phase of care” of his prostate cancer treatment. Mike Moore from Liam’s solo band has filled in in his absence.
Dates will continue tonight (Friday October 31) with a show at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, before the band play two more shows there on November 1 and 4. Two shows in Sydney are planned for November 7 and 8, before Oasis wrap up their 2025 dates in Buenos Aires, Santiago, and São Paulo at the end of that month.
While the ‘Live 25’ tour may be coming to a close, rumours are swirling that Oasis may announce more dates for 2026. Liam teased more to come at their final Wembley gig, with him announcing: “‘Champagne Supernova’, see you next year.” He then playfully slapped himself on the wrists to scold himself for letting it slip.
The frontman then went on to claim that “it’s not even half time yet”, potentially suggesting there may be a second half to the reunion tour soon to come. There’s been additional speculation that Oasis may return to celebrate the 30th anniversaries of their legendary Maine Road and Knebworth gigs by playing Etihad Stadium and Knebworth next year.
