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  Cummins was at one time the chief photographer of British music magazine, the NME, spending 10 years in that position. His association with the magazine lasted for 25 years, and many of his previously published collections have centred around his time with that publication. These include books on Morrissey, The Fall, and New Order. His work has also been represented in various exhibitions over the years. Hailing from Manchester, much of his work has focussed on around bands from the North West, however he also documented Manchester City’s final season at Maine Road.  

According to a press release quoted by the NME, the book captures the band’s evolution during “twelve months of seismic change that cemented the identity of Oasis.” The book explores the links between the band, and aspects of their image, such as fashion, football, and everything in between. The same press release referred to this as the “just-bought-at-Affleck’s Palace attainability of their look.”

The book features over 150 photographs, with over three-quarters of the included images previously unreleased. The book’s greatest moments are when the band are caught off-guard, with the candid reflections revealing the dynamics of a band that would become global superstars in less than a year. Photos included in a Daily Mail exclusive showed images of Liam Gallagher standing on chairs, and wearing shower caps, with the paper also reporting that the images focussed more on the younger Gallagher, rather than his older brother, Noel.  

Promoting the book, Cummins appeared on Robert Elms’ BBC Radio London slot on 22 March. Discussing various elements of the portfolio, Cummins explained how the photos came about. He was asked to photograph the band by their label, Creation Records, who thought they’d get along given their shared support of Manchester City. He also shared that he is still friends with the brothers, seeing Noel more often than Liam. Recalling their first planned shoot, the photographer described how a session in Amsterdam was cancelled after the band got into a fight with Chelsea fans on the ferry crossing.

A spread from my forthcoming book: #Oasis: The Masterplan The book covers ’94, their breakthrough year. I was commissioned to photograph them with various lighting, locations & styles, for Creation to see what suited them best. Linktree link on my biog to order -it’s out 27 March pic.twitter.com/OtOxiPIcOE

— Kevin Cummins (@KCMANC) March 21, 2025

The book also features commentary and insights from Noel Gallagher, whose present day reflections put those candid moments in context. In a promotional quote for the book, Gallagher said: “This book really brings those early years back to me. Kevin’s photographs captured us at the very beginning. This is a must-have book for every Oasis fan.”

Oasis: The Masterplan is on sale now with an RRP of £35, though it is available for less from various retailers. Fan responses to Cummins through his social media were positive, with one X user saying, “Some lovely snaps! Good job you had a camera on you!” With fewer than 100 days until Oasis kick off their reunion tour, this book is almost certain to build even more excitement.

We are proud to have played a part in recognising the year’s most unforgettable, unique, and unsung moments in music photography for the inaugural Abbey Road Studios Music Photography Awards 2022!

Full gallery: https://t.co/LFInyZQ94M

Until next year, keep on snapping! #MPA22 pic.twitter.com/FBTkGQeRxp

— Abbey Road Studios (@AbbeyRoad) May 15, 2022

Abbey Road’s Managing Director Isabel Garvey was overjoyed at the calibre of work on display, stating;“Everyone at Abbey Road Studios is thrilled with the quality of the entries and winners in our first Music Photography Awards. More broadly, we’re also incredibly encouraged by the way in which the MPAs has been embraced across the arts and creative landscape. It’s been brilliant to create a platform to recognise emerging and established talent in this important field, and we’re already looking forward to doing it all again in 2023!”

You can see a full list of the competition winners down below:

Championing Scenes (works that explore grassroots movements and music subcultures)

Megan Doherty (winner)
Above Ground
Rob Jones
Chris Suspect
Cicely Ellison

Live (works which depict all aspects of live performance)

John Lyons (winner)
Anthony Harrison
Gary Mather
Jérôme Brunet

Studio (works showing the process of creating and recording music)

Jack McKain (winner)
Natalie Michele
Indy Brewer
Neelam Khan Vela
Aysia Marotta

Zeitgeist (works which best define the current state of modern music for 2021)

Chris Suspect (winner)
Riccardo Piccirillo
DeShaun Craddock
Alec Castillo
Jason Sheldon

Undiscovered (works which will help recognise emerging talent in the field of music photography)

Joe Puxley (winner)
Jada & David Parrish
Oscar Hetherington
Hana Kovacs
Thomas Weidenhuapt

Artist At Work (works which capture moments of creativity)

Greg Noire (winner)
Jack McKain
Jennifer McCord
CJ Harvey
Dean Chalkley
Above Ground

Editorial (works created to accompany written text)

Samuel Trotter (winner)
Yana Yatsuk
Craig McDean
David LaChapelle
Fernando Aceves
Paul Sepuya

Portrait (works that embody the personality and style of an artist through portraiture)

Yana Yatsuk (winner)
Aidan Zamiri
Vicky Grout
Lucas Garrido
Nicholas O’Donnell
Josiah Rundles

To see all of the winning images, follow the link here.

The final category titled the Icon Award, was given to Eric Johnson of the USA, whose work took viewers into the world of Hip-Hop culture in America, from the late 90s and early 2000s, capturing images of music legends like; Biggie Smalls, Missy Elliott, Nas, Lauryn Hill and Aaliyah.

After 90 years in the business of making perhaps the best and most cherished music ever. Abbey Road Studios continue to make a lasting legacy in the world of sound. For those who want to learn about the studios and their accomplishments, A full-length documentary titled; If These Walls Could Sing (directed by Mary McCartney) promises; “countless stories featuring an all-star cast of interviews, unparalleled access to the studios and, of course, a spellbinding soundtrack.”.