This acoustic cover The Importance of Being Idle by Oasis cover by Britpop Reunion front man Andy Starkey captures the song’s original blend of British music hall charm and indie-rock swagger, but strips it back to its rawest, most soulful form. If you’re a fan of Noel Gallagher’s legendary songwriting, this performance offers a fresh perspective on a modern classic. Andy found this Squier acoustic guitar propped up by a bin in the city he lives in with a snapped neck. Always wanting to challenge himself he decided to see if he could fix it by glueing it back together and restringing it and recording the quick video you see below. It might not look pretty but it works and sounds great. He then gave the guitar to his nephew who he teaches guitar to.
The Importance Of Being Idle By Oasis cover |
Squier guitar neck glued |
Squier guitar neck fixed |
The Importance Of Being Idle by Oasis Cover – The Soul of a Britpop Classic, Unplugged
Originally released in 2005 as part of the Don’t Believe the Truth album, “The Importance of Being Idle” quickly became a fan favourite, known for its jaunty rhythm and clever lyrics about laziness and existential dread. While the original recording is steeped in a 1960s-inspired, Kinks / Beatles /The La’s production, this acoustic version brings the core elements of the song to the forefront.
By stripping away the drums and electric layers, the performance highlights the intricate melody and the poignant storytelling that makes the song so enduring. The acoustic guitar provides a percussive, driving foundation that maintains the song’s signature “oom-pah” rhythm, while the vocal delivery brings out the hidden vulnerability in lyrics like, “I sold my soul for the second time, cuz the man don’t pay me”
What Makes This Version Special?
Intimate Arrangement: The simplicity of the acoustic guitar allows the melody to breathe, making it feel less like a chart-topping hit and more like a late-night campfire confession.
Melodic Precision: Without the wall of sound found in the original, you can truly appreciate the craftsmanship of the chord progression and the clever descending bass lines.
Authentic Vibe: This cover honors the spirit of Noel Gallagher’s own solo acoustic performances, capturing that specific “Manchester” mood that Oasis fans know and love.
A New Way to Experience Oasis
Whether you grew up during the height of Britpop or you’ve just discovered the Gallagher brothers’ discography, this rendition is a testament to the strength of the song. A great song is one that can be played with just a voice and six strings and still command the room—and this performance proves that “The Importance of Being Idle” is exactly that.
It’s the perfect track for a rainy afternoon, a quiet moment of reflection, or simply as a reminder of why Oasis remains one of the most influential bands in rock history.
Chords:
Intro & outro: Am E
Verse & guitar solo: Am F C B7 E
Chorus: Dm Am / G E